American Cockroach

Pollen Type: Other

Cross-Reactivity: German Cockroach, Shrimp, Dust Mites

HS Allergy Extract: Cockroach, American or Cockroach Mix

Family: Blattidae

Genus/Species: Periplaneta americana

Common Names: Common cockroach, Cockroach, Waterbug

Distribution: Throughout the United States.

Locations: Indoor and outdoor locations throughout the U.S.

Description: The American cockroach is approximately 1 1/2″ long and 1/4″ tall. It’s reddish-brown and has a yellowish margin on the body region behind the head. Immature cockroaches resemble adults, except they are wingless. American cockroaches molt 6–14 times before metamorphosis and have a life cycle of about 700 days. Saliva, feces, and shedding body parts of cockroaches can trigger asthma and allergies. Allergies are relatively common, affecting % of the population. In fact, 63% of homes in the U.S. contain cockroach allergens; in urban areas, that number is between 78% and 98% of homes.