Associate Certified Entomologist (ACE) Practice Exam

In which of the following locations is the American cockroach most commonly found?

1. Indoors in warm locations

2. Sewers, basements, wall voids, attics

3. Outdoors in leaf litter

4. Near wood piles and trees

The correct answer is: Sewers, basements, wall voids, attics

The American cockroach is most commonly found in sewers, basements, wall voids, and attics because these environments provide the moisture and shelter this species needs to thrive. These dark and humid areas are ideal for the American cockroach to live and reproduce. While the other options list potential habitats for cockroaches, they are less common for the American cockroach specifically. Indoors in warm locations may attract various insects, but the preferred hiding spots for this species typically include areas that are less frequently disturbed, such as sewers and wall voids. Outdoors in leaf litter can harbor a variety of insects, but American cockroaches tend to seek out more sheltered environments, particularly in urban settings. The option mentioning wood piles and trees might be habitats for other types of cockroaches or insects, but they do not align with the American cockroach's preference for dark, moisture-laden habitats that protect it from predators and environmental extremes.