Nymphs are similar to adults except that they lack a complete set of wings. Females produce 58 egg cases, averaging 15 eggs per case, resulting in up to 800 offspring per year. American cockroaches may be found in any room of the house. Although cockroaches carry disease organisms, they are not known to transmit disease to humans. They do contaminate food and kitchen utensils with excrement and salivary secretions, leaving an unpleasant odor.
Roaches move rapidly, disappearing quickly when discovered.
They may be found wherever food, warmth, poor light and undisturbed hiding places are available. Empty beer, soft drink or juice bottles and cans are very attractive to roaches. The first step in cockroach control is to keep the insects out of your home. Because they do not survive winter conditions in Maine, you need not worry about them entering homes directly from outside. However, they may be transported into homes on items coming from elsewhere.