American Cockroach
Periplaneta americana
About the american cockroach
American cockroaches — often called 'water bugs' or 'palmetto bugs' — are the large reddish-brown roaches that show up unexpectedly from drains, basements, and sewers. They're long-lived, can fly short distances, and prefer warm damp commercial buildings, though they invade homes through plumbing and crawl spaces. They spread bacteria, parasites, and allergens. The fix is moisture control + sealing entry points + targeted baits and pro treatments.
Quick ID
35–50 mm reddish-brown body with a yellow figure-8 marking on the pronotum; fully winged.
In the Triangle
Frequent in Triangle restaurants, basements, and older downtown commercial buildings.
Think you have american cockroachs?
Free inspection from a licensed Castle Exterminators technician — Durham, Chapel Hill, Raleigh, Cary & the Triangle. We'll confirm the species and recommend a treatment plan.
Request Free Inspection (919) 606-8686
