American Cockroach
Among the roaches, the American cockroach is known as the biggest of the house-infesting roaches as observed through stereoscopic microscopy. They are usually found in places where food is prepared or stored. Although they thrive in damp sewers and basements, in heating ducts under hospitals, they can be transferred into homes and apartments in boxes from infested establishments.
Roaches can contaminate food with some bacterial diseases causing dysentery, diarrhea or even food poisoning. They can also damage wallpaper, books, clothing and others as well as cause foul odor. Some are allergic to roaches resulting to asthma.
Using stereoscopic microscopy, majority of the cockroaches were observed to have a flattened oval shape, spiny legs, and long, filamentous antennae. As examined closely through stereoscopic microscopy, the immature stages are smaller, have undeveloped wings and resemble adults. With the aid of stereoscopic microscopy, adult American cockroaches were observed to be reddish-brown to dark brown in color, measures approximately 1-1/2 to 2-inches long, and have wings for flight. Further scrutiny through stereoscopic microscopy showed that males and females are more or less the same in size, with wings are about the same length as the body in the females and longer in the males, extending slightly beyond the abdomen. It was also noted through stereoscopic microscopy that females have a broader abdomen. Males on the other hand have both cerci which is a pair of appendages at the end of the abdomen as well as styli which is a short, slender, fingerlike process. Nymphs as carefully monitored through microscopic microscopy are wingless, uniformly brown colored, and run very fast. Egg capsules on the other hand are mahogany brown in color and measures about 1/3-inch long as viewed with the use of stereoscopic microscopy.
How the roaches multiply is an interesting. American cockroach females deposit their eggs in bean-shaped cases called oothecae in sheltered places near the floor and typically near the food source. As examined in stereoscopic microscopy egg capsules protrude from the body for a few hours to four days. One egg capsule is formed each week until 6 to 14 have been produced. Extensive study of an egg capsule through stereoscopic microscopy revealed that an egg capsule has up to 16 white or yellowish-white eggs. Eggs hatch about 5 to 7 weeks, where they first turn into whitish-brown nymphs, later turning more reddish-brown. The change in color in the eggs as they grow can be viewed well through stereoscopic microscopy. Development to adult averages about 15 months, varying between 9-1/2 to 20 months. The adults can live for almost 15 months.
Roaches feed on decaying organic matter and many are attracted to fermenting liquid. They hide in daytime in sheltered dark places. They scavenge for food at night, often running rapidly when disturbed. American cockroaches seldom fly when disturbed. Instead, there is more of a gliding flight. Adult roaches have the capacity to live for at least two to three months even without food. They can last for a month without water. They can easily survive outdoor freezing temperatures.
One method of detecting American cockroaches is by examining the premises after dark with a flashlight as they usually dwell in dark, damp, warm places, often near steam pipes, in sewers, grease traps, damp basements, etc. It is also possible to look for them during the day by probing hiding places with a wire. Household sprays of pyrethrins applied to hiding places will flush out roaches, sometimes killing them if they contact the spray. Dusts such as bendiocarb, boric acid powder, pyrethrins or silica aerogel can be applied with a puff duster into the roach hiding places which are hard to reach with a spray. Baits can also be used. If there is a severe cockroach infestation it would be wise to contact a reputable, licensed pest control firm who has the chemicals, proper training and experience to do the job.
