Appearance
With a length of 28 – 44 mm (excluding the long antennas) are American cockroach is the biggest cockroach species that is frequently found in the Netherlands. Both genders are shiny red brown and have wings, but the males have longer wings. The nymphs (younger stages) look a lot like the adult animals, but do not have wings. The egg package is pale to red-brown in colour and contains about 16 eggs on average.

What causes cockroaches?
The cockroaches that occur in buildings originate from the tropics and can hide in the packaging of tropical products. In addition, cockroaches can be found in packing boxes, boxes from the supermarket, second-hand goods / household appliances and eve rented videotapes. Cockroaches can also simply ‘hitch-hike’ with clothes or luggage.

General
American cockroaches are hardly ever found in houses in the Netherlands. Because this species needs a high temperature and high humidity, they cause the most nuisance in factories, zoos, aquariums, food companies, bakeries and restaurants. Like all cockroaches they are undesired, because they contaminate food and can transmit bacteria and fungal spores. They spread an unpleasant odour and are a big nuisance due to the great numbers in which they can exist.

Lifestyle
Cockroaches can move very quickly, even across the ceiling, walls and other surfaces. American cockroaches can also fly at higher temperatures. Once cockroaches have invaded a building, they look for a warm, dark hiding place. The reason for this is that cockroaches shun the light. In a dark, warm and moist place they can easily survive and reproduce.

Cockroaches are omnivores. They can even survive in a clean, hygienic environment. The reason for this is that adult cockroaches can last 40 days without food! If your house if very dirty, the cockroach will thrive and reproduce very quickly due to the abundance of food.

Prevention: How do I repel the cockroach?
Check your goods for cockroaches before you take them into your home; Properly ventilate your house and don’t raise the temperature too high. The cockroach is very comfortable at 25’C; Store your food and waste properly so that cockroaches can’t reach them.   If you use canisters, that prevents other vermin to reach your food as well. Clean your kitchen frequently and thoroughly. Seal cracks, seams and conduit openings of pipes.

Control
After a thorough inspection and inventory of the relevant object, a control plan is drawn up. In consultation with users / residents of the building time of action, preparation etc are agreed on. To kill the cockroaches, a bait gel is applied which will be applied to all possible hiding places. These substances, which are permitted by the government, can only be used by control professionals. The people involved will be informed in advance of the measures to be taken.