Habitat
Adults: terrestrial
Immatures: terrestrial

Feeding Habits
Adults: omnivorous
Immatures: omnivorous

North American
Species: 4 in Canada

Blattodea Blattidae
Oriental, American and other cockroaches

Special Characteristics: Blattidae are large cockroaches, usually reddish brown, dark brown or black. They have a flat, oval body and long slender antennae. Oriental cockroaches are wingless.

Comments: In Canada, these insects are limited to artificial conditions such as houses, warehouses, greenhouses and city sewers. They are commonly found on ships and in seaports. Although they do not carry diseases or bite, some people are allergic to them.

Species:
Periplaneta americana (Linnaeus)

Common Name:
American cockroach

Feeding Habits: This species feeds on various food products found in buildings, including bread, pastry, cheese, fruits and vegetables.

Distribution:
Widespread in Canada

Comments:
This is a common pest of restaurants, bakeries, grocery stores and areas where food in prepared, stored or sold. These cockroaches prefer warm moist environments.