PestDex Details
American Cockroach
Periplaneta americana
crawler
Largest common roach in Mid-Atlantic. Lives in sewers and basements, enters through drains.
How to Identify
- •Reddish-brown, 1½–2 inches long
- •Yellow figure-8 pattern behind head
- •Strong flier in warm weather
- •Produces musty smell in groups
Where Found
Basements, crawl spaces, sewer lines, storm drains. Enters through floor drains and gaps around pipes. Common in older DC/Baltimore buildings with aging infrastructure.
Seasonality
Active year-round in sewers. Migrates indoors in spring/fall when outdoor temps shift.
Health & Property Risk
Tracks sewer bacteria into homes. Allergen source. Less likely to infest kitchens than German roach but still contaminates surfaces.
Prevention Tips
- •Install drain covers on floor drains
- •Seal gaps where pipes enter foundation
- •Fix foundation cracks
- •Reduce moisture in basement with dehumidifier
- •Keep outdoor debris away from foundation
Treatment Notes
Treat sewer and drain areas with residual spray and bait. Perimeter barrier outside. Often one-time knockdown unless structural moisture issue.