- The Brownbanded Cockroach is light brown in color, with two light, irregular bands along their wings.
- The Brownbanded Cockroach one of the smaller species, rarely exceeding 1/2 inch long
- Do not confuse this roach with the German roach, which has two dark, distinctive bands behind the head
- The Brownbanded roach may jump when trying to escape
Habitat
While the Brownbanded cockroaches is concentrated most heavily in the southern states, they have also been found as far north as Canada. Brownbanded roaches are often transported into homes in furniture and will rapidly spread throughout an entire structure. This roach does not like sunlight and is not normally seen during the day except in the case of severe infestations. During the day the Brownbanded roach will stay hidden high on walls, behind picture frames, inside cracks and crevices, in furniture and light switches and underneath or alongside household appliances. Since Brownbanded roaches do not require moisture for survival to the extent other roach species do, their presence is not limited to the kitchen or bathroom.
Feeding Habits
The Brownbanded Cockroach will eat almost anything, but prefers starchy materials.
Reproduction & Life Cycle
Brownbanded Cockroach egg capsules, each containing 14 to 18 eggs, may be found under or to the sides of well protected surfaces. Newly hatched brownbanded roaches will reach adulthood in about 160 days. Adults may life up to 10 months
Damage
Brownbanded cockroaches have the ability to multiply quickly and can be a nuisance in large numbers. Roaches intrude on homes, contaminate food, and sometimes transmit diseases.
Basic Control Methods
Brownbanded Roach treatment should not be limited to kitchens and bathrooms. For moderate infestations, all rooms of the structure should be treated.
- For indoor infestations, spray Suspend SC all along the baseboards, window and door frames, and underneath appliances using a handheld sprayer. Repeat this treatment every two to three months.
- Dust underneath baseboards and inside wall voids with Delta Dust or Drione using a hand duster. Read our how to dust article.
- Outdoors, use a residual spray such as Suspend, Talstar Pro, Cynoff WP outside around all points of possible entry including windows and door frames, dryer vents, and pipe openings. Use the same residual indoors along baseboards and framed entry points.
- Recommended baits for Brownbanded roach control include Maxforce Roach Gel and Maxforce Roach Bait Stations. Each roach feeding on Maxforce Roach Gel can kill up to 40 other roaches via droppings and dead bodies.
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For more detailed information on Brownbanded Cockroach prevention and control, see How To Get Rid of Brownbanded Cockroaches