Truth About American Cockroaches
- Sep 9
- 3 min read
Nobody likes spotting a cockroach in their home — especially when it’s one of the biggest species around. The American cockroach, often nicknamed the “palmetto bug,” is a common pest in Rialto, Fontana, and throughout Southern California. These pests aren’t just creepy; they’re also tough survivors that can spread germs and make your home feel dirty fast.
At TruPest Solutions, we’ve seen firsthand how quickly American cockroaches can invade, and we know the best ways to keep them out. Here’s everything you need to know about where they come from, what they look like, and how to finally get rid of them.
What Do American Cockroaches Look Like?
American cockroaches are hard to miss because they’re one of the largest cockroach species found in homes. Adults can grow up to 2 inches long, with a reddish-brown body and a yellowish figure-8 marking right behind their head. They also have wings and are capable of flying short distances — though most people see them scuttling across floors, walls, or countertops.
Spotting just one is often a sign there are more hiding nearby.
Where Do American Cockroaches Come From?
These roaches usually live outdoors but sneak into homes when they find what they like best: food, water, and shelter. Common outdoor hiding spots include:
Sewers and storm drains
Mulch beds, woodpiles, and leaf litter
Around garbage cans and dumpsters
Damp, shaded areas with organic matter
Unfortunately, once they’re close to your home, it doesn’t take much for them to slip inside.
Why Do They Come Into Your House?
American cockroaches prefer warm, moist environments — and Rialto and Fontana provide the perfect climate almost year-round. They sneak indoors through cracks, vents, drains, and gaps around doors or windows when they’re searching for:
Moisture – leaky pipes, dripping faucets, or damp basements and bathrooms
Food – crumbs, pet food, grease, and even paper products
Shelter – cluttered storage areas, attics, or crawlspaces
Once inside, they multiply quickly, making infestations hard to control without professional help.
Why You Don’t Want Them Around
Aside from being unnerving, American cockroaches are a health risk. They can:
Spread bacteria across countertops and food surfaces
Trigger asthma and allergies with their droppings and shed skin
Contaminate food, leaving behind foul odors and stains
The longer they stay, the worse the problem gets.
How to Get Rid of American Cockroaches
DIY Prevention Tips
You can reduce your risk of a cockroach infestation by making your home less inviting:
Seal cracks and gaps around doors, windows, and foundations
Fix leaks and eliminate standing water around sinks, tubs, and drains
Store food in airtight containers and clean up spills quickly
Take out the trash often and keep garbage cans sealed
Declutter storage areas to remove hiding spots
Professional Cockroach Control in Rialto & Fontana
While prevention helps, American cockroaches are incredibly resilient. Store-bought sprays or traps might kill a few, but they won’t eliminate the hidden population.
At TruPest Solutions, our 5-Point Pest Control Service targets roaches where they hide and breed. We:
Identify and treat entry points and hot spots
Apply proven products that eliminate infestations fast
Provide ongoing protection so roaches don’t return
Kick American Cockroaches Out of Your Home
If you’ve spotted a large cockroach scurrying across your kitchen floor, it’s time to act fast. These pests aren’t going away on their own.
At TruPest Solutions, we specialize in cockroach extermination in Rialto, Fontana, and surrounding areas. Our treatments are safe, effective, and designed to give you lasting relief from one of the toughest pests around.
📞 Call us today at 951-334-5288 to schedule your inspection and take back your home from American cockroaches.
