ROACHES AND FLEAS 



353 



Roaches 



At least four species of roaches are common in the United States: 

 the American Cockroach {Periplaneta americana Linn.), the Oriental 

 Cockroach {Blatta orientalis Linn.), the Australian Roach {Periplaneta 

 australasice Fab.), and the German Roach, or " Croton Bug" {Blatella 

 germanica Linn . ) . 



All are more or less domesticated, eat any kind of food product, and 

 leave behind them a disgusting odor. 



In some species both males and females are winged, while in others 

 the female has only short remnants of wings. All are alike in having 



Fig. 556. — The German Roach, or " Croton Bug." Shghtly enlarged. 



Original. 



The young look much like the 

 From one to three years are 



flat, thin bodies, and strong, biting jaws, 

 adults, but are of course much smaller. 

 required for their development. 



A number of prepared poisons are on the market for the destruction 



of roaches, and some of these are fairly effective. Various traps are 



employed. Large numbers may be killed by setting out two shallow 



dishes, one containing flour and plaster of Paris mixed together, and 



2 a 



