They eat food of all kinds and may hitchhike into the house on egg cartons, soft drink cartons, sacks of potatoes or onions, used furniture, beer cases, etc. They can develop into large populations and live throughout the house, especially in the kitchen and bathroom. During the day, these roaches may be found hiding clustered behind baseboard molding, in cracks around cabinets, closets or pantries, and in and under stoves, refrigerators and dishwashers. When seen during the day in clusters, the population is large. Roaches can foul food, damage wallpaper and books, eat glue from furniture, and produce an unpleasant odor.
Some homeowners are allergic to roaches.
The pests can contaminate food with certain bacterial diseases that result in food poisoning, dysentery, or diarrhea. American American cockroaches are reddish brown and have a yellowish margin on the body region behind the head. When disturbed, may run rapidly and adults may fly. Immature cockroaches resemble adults except that they are wingless. American cockroaches generally live in moist areas, but can survive in dry areas if they have access to water.