Finding a large cockroach in your house is distressing for any homeowner! These pests aren’t just creepy—they can spread harmful bacteria and contaminate food and clean surfaces in your home. 

But what are these pests, and what can you do about them?

In our blog, we’ll tell you everything you need to know about these giant pests and help you get rid of them for good!

What Large Cockroaches Live in Arizona?

Two of the most common and largest species you’ll encounter in Arizona are the American cockroach and the smokybrown cockroach. Understanding their characteristics, behaviors, and how to control them can help you keep these intruders at bay!

American Cockroaches

The American cockroach is one of the largest species in America. Measuring up to 2 inches in length, it is an imposing insect with long antennae and prominent wings. Its reddish-brown coloration sets it apart from other roach species, making it easily recognizable.

These roaches love dark, damp places like basements and sewers. At night, they scurry around, searching for food and cozy spots to hide in homes, restaurants, and businesses.

Female American cockroaches are prolific breeders, laying multiple egg cases filled with up to 16 eggs each. These egg cases, called oothecae, are usually tucked away near food and water sources. It doesn’t take long for the young roaches to grow up and start the cycle all over again.

American cockroaches aren’t picky eaters, either! As opportunistic scavengers, American cockroaches will consume almost anything organic, including crumbs, food scraps, and decaying matter. Their adaptable diet allows them to thrive in a variety of environments.

However, this means they’re more of a risk to homeowners because they will travel anywhere to get their next meal. These pests pose several health risks, including: 

• • Allergens: Cockroach allergens in their feces, saliva, and shed skin can trigger allergic reactions and exacerbate asthma symptoms.
  • Disease Transmission: Cockroaches can carry and transmit pathogens like salmonella or E. coli. 
  • Food Contamination: American cockroaches can contaminate your food by spreading bacteria and pathogens as they crawl over surfaces and food items.

To prevent and control American cockroach infestations, homeowners should keep living areas clean and free of food debris, store food in sealed containers, and promptly clean up spills.

Check out this video to learn more about these large pests!

Smokybrown Cockroaches 

Smokybrown roaches are another large cockroach species you’ll find in your house. They are slightly smaller than American cockroaches but still quite large, reaching up to 1.5 inches in length. They have a uniform dark brown or black color with a glossy sheen, which makes them easily identifiable.

Unlike some other cockroach species, Smokybrown cockroaches are strong fliers. This ability allows them to quickly move between outdoor and indoor environments, especially during warmer months.

These cockroaches prefer warm, humid environments and live outdoors in tree holes, mulch, and garden beds. However, they can also invade homes, seeking out moist, dark places like attics, basements, and crawl spaces.

While they can survive in a range of temperatures, they thrive in warmer climates. During colder months, they are more likely to seek shelter indoors. They prefer moisture and are particularly sensitive to dry conditions. They are often found in areas with high humidity, such as kitchens, bathrooms, and basements.

Like their American counterparts, Smokybrown cockroaches are omnivorous scavengers. They will eat almost any organic material, including plant matter, garbage, and food scraps. Their diet also includes decaying wood, which is why they pop up in wooded areas and gardens.

In areas with multiple cockroach species, Smokybrown cockroaches may compete with American cockroaches and other species for resources such as food and shelter.

To keep Smokybrown cockroaches out of your home, consider the following tips:

• Outdoor Maintenance: Trim back vegetation and remove leaf litter, mulch, and wood piles from around your home to eliminate potential habitats
• Seal Entry Points: Inspect your home for cracks and gaps where cockroaches can enter, and seal them with caulk or weatherstripping.
• Reduce Moisture: Fix any leaks and reduce humidity levels in your home, especially in basements, crawl spaces, and attics.
• Sanitation: Keep your home clean by regularly vacuuming, sweeping, and storing food in airtight containers. Dispose of garbage regularly and keep outdoor trash bins tightly sealed.

While American and smokybrown cockroaches aren’t as common or prolific as German cockroaches, these pests can still cause their fair share of issues. When you notice any of these pests in your home, contact your local pest control experts!

Eliminate Large Cockroaches in Your House with Green Magic

Despite your best efforts, large cockroach infestations can be challenging to eliminate on your own. When these pests get out of control, you should contact us to handle the job in your Chandler, Arizona, home. 

Don’t let pests take over your life! Contact the experts and send these pests packing.