
Sewer roaches, also known as American cockroaches, are common pests found in many homes. Their nickname comes from their preference for making their homes in sewers, where it’s warm, moist, and they can access plenty of food.
While this may seem like they’re like the Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles, they are just regular cockroaches that find the sewer environment inviting. They haven’t been exposed to radioactive ooze (luckily!). In this article, we’ll tell you everything you need to know about these resilient insects, including what they look like and where they come from.
What Do Sewer Roaches Look Like
American cockroaches (Periplaneta americana), often referred to as sewer roaches, have some distinct characteristics that set them apart from other cockroaches and insects. Let’s take a look at them:
- Size: Measure 1.5 to 2 inches long
- Antennae: Equipped with long antennae, as big as their bodies
- Color: Shiny, reddish-brown
- Markings: Feature a yellow or pale brown band right behind the head
- Legs: Possess six legs, which look hairy to the naked eye
- Eggs: Encased in a purse-shaped egg case, called an ootheca
If the cockroaches in your home don’t match this description, our guide to the different types of cockroaches may help you identify what you’re dealing with.
Do Sewer Roaches Fly?
Yes, sewer roaches do have wings and are capable of flying, though it is more common to see them running. However, their flights are usually not long or sustained.
Where Do Sewer Roaches Come From?

While American cockroaches naturally prefer the outdoors, they’re driven into homes by the search for shelter from harsh weather conditions or in pursuit of food. Heavy rain or sewer backup can force them to climb through sewer and drain pipes, leading them directly into our homes.
They exploit cracks, crevices, and holes in kitchen or bathroom drains as entry points, turning our homes into their refuge and pantry. As such, sealing these entry points is crucial. (For more information, check out our article on How to Keep Sewer Roaches out of Your Drains.)
What attracts sewer roaches? Once inside, these roaches are attracted to the same conditions they enjoy outside: damp, dark, and moist areas, with the added bonus of readily available food sources. Here’s what can attract these pests:
- Leaky faucets
- Toilet paper
- Dead skin cells
- Hair
- Dust
- Food scraps
- Clutter
- Soap residue
- Toothpaste
Are Sewer Roaches Dangerous?

Photo Credit: Mike / Flickr / CC BY-ND 2.0
Yes, sewer roaches can be dangerous. Roaches, by nature, are scavengers. They feast on anything available in their environment, which often includes the garbage and waste found in sewers and dumpsters. This exposes them to a myriad of pathogens and disease agents, which they can carry on their bodies.
When these roaches enter your home and scurry across your kitchen counters and dining areas, they can transfer germs, bacteria, and viruses to the surfaces where you prepare and eat your food. This isn’t just about the disgust of having roaches around; it’s a health concern.
Here are some of the diseases cockroaches can spread:
- Dysentery
- Diarrhea
- Salmonella
- Staphylococcus infections
- Streptococcus infections
Do Sewer Roaches Bite?
There have been some cases of cockroaches biting humans in severe infestations, but this is extremely rare. They are capable of biting, but they are much more likely to harm humans indirectly by spreading germs and bacteria.
How Long Do Sewer Roaches Live?
The sewer roach’s life cycle is lengthy. It takes approximately 600 days for an egg to develop through the various nymph stages into an adult. And it doesn’t end there: Once they’ve reached adulthood, these roaches can live another 400 days on average.
During their lifespan, cockroaches are actively reproducing, contributing to the growth of their population within your home or sewer system. This makes it clear that hoping roaches will die out on their own is not a feasible solution.
FAQ About Sewer Roaches
Can Sewer Roaches Swim?
Sewer roaches can’t swim in the traditional sense, but they can float on water. They generally avoid bodies of water and won’t survive long if submerged. This is one reason why drains that are rarely used should be used occasionally to prevent these pests from seeing them as a viable path into your home.
Are Sewer Roaches Seasonal?
Sewer roaches typically enter homes in the fall seeking warmer temperatures, but don’t be mistaken — they are active all year round.
Do Sewer Roaches Infest?
Yes, you can have an infestation of sewer roaches. Many can enter your home from outside, and they will also reproduce once inside. Check out our guide on How to Kill Sewer Roaches for ways to deal with an infestation.
Call in the Pros
Dealing with sewer roaches can feel like facing off against an army of mutant foes. If you’re not sure how to handle these invaders alone, there’s no shame in calling in reinforcements. Call a pest control pro near you to help you defeat these pests.
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Main Image Credit: Termiteman / Wikimedia Commons / CC BY 3.0