American
cockroach
Periplaneta americana
The big, reddish cockroach that comes in from outside: up the drains, under doors, from the cellar. It does not usually breed in your kitchen cupboards.
- Size
- Large, among the biggest house cockroaches
- Colour
- Reddish brown, pale band behind the head
- Lives
- Drains, sewers, basements, outside
- Active
- At night; can glide in warm weather
How to tell it apart
Pale band
A yellowish band runs around the edge of the shield behind the head, around a dark brown centre.
Big and reddish
Much larger than a German cockroach, with long wings over the body.
Not the oriental
The oriental cockroach is shiny and nearly black, with short wings.
Not every big reddish cockroach is an American. The Australian cockroach has a bright yellow streak along the front edge of each wing. The smoky brown cockroach is one even, dark mahogany colour, with no pale band. The wood cockroach comes in from outdoors and has pale cream edges on the shield and wings. Shoo does not cover these three yet: the scanner cannot name them, and can mistake one for an American, so check the marks.
Signs you have them
- Seen near drains in bathrooms, laundry rooms and kitchens, mostly at night.
- Larger droppings, blunt at the ends, in basements and under sinks.
- Egg cases near damp, sheltered spots.
- Gaps to the outside: under doors, around pipes and in floor drains.
The plan
- 1
Close the way in
Drain covers, door sweeps, sealant around pipes.
- 2
Dry it out
Fix leaks and ventilate cellars and bathrooms.
- 3
Bait where they enter
Closed bait stations near drains and entry points.
- 4
Track it
Monitor traps near the drains, checked weekly.
Solutions for the American cockroach
Bait stations
Closed stations for drains, basements and entry points.
Regulated in many countries. Read the label before you buy or use it.
Opens Google Maps. Call first to check they have it.
Drain covers
Fine mesh over floor drains to stop roaches climbing up.
Opens Google Maps. Call first to check they have it.
Door sweep
Blocks the gap under outside doors.
Opens Google Maps. Call first to check they have it.
Shoo does not sell these yet. They are standard products sold by other shops; follow the label on the one you buy.
What people worry about
It is huge. Does that mean a huge problem?
Not usually. American cockroaches tend to come in from drains, cellars and outdoors rather than breed in your kitchen cupboards.
One keeps coming up the sink drain. Will bleach stop it?
Bleach does little. A drain cover or plug at night, fixing leaks and sealing around pipes works better.
Is it a German cockroach?
An American cockroach is much larger and reddish brown, with a pale band around the shield behind the head. A German cockroach is small and tan with two dark stripes.
Can it make us ill?
Cockroach droppings and debris can trigger asthma and allergies. If you have symptoms, see a doctor, and keep food sealed while you close the way in.