The brown-banded cockroach has two light brown bands across their dark brown bodies. Adults only grow to about ½” long. Male brown-banded cockroaches have full wings that reach beyond the tip of their pointed abdomens, while female’s wings remain underdeveloped which prevents them from being able to fly. These roaches are oval in shape with six legs and two long antennae. Their coloring helps them blend in among furniture, cabinets and food. Female roaches tend to be much darker than males. They are commonly seen throughout the U.S.
The brown-banded cockroach will feed on almost anything, including other cockroach species! Their diet mainly consists of trash, food items, drapes, boxes and also items with high starch levels like wallpaper glue and book bindings. They may also feed on dyes and pastes, including paper envelopes and wallpaper.
Brown-banded cockroaches can cause many health issues. They have been known to carry many microorganisms, spread pathogens, and be a source of allergens. They pick up germs on their legs and bodies as they crawl through decaying matter or sewage and then carry these into food or onto food surfaces.
Along with this, recent medical studies have shown that cockroach allergens can trigger allergies and exacerbate asthma attacks, especially in children. Brown-banded cockroaches are known to elicit allergy symptoms such as itchy eyes, sneezing and a runny nose. If household members show these symptoms, it could signal an infestation.
Due to their small size, brown-banded cockroaches can be found hiding within furniture and other household items. However, they show a preference for dry locations in warm areas above 80 degrees. They tend to be found in higher up locations than most other cockroach species, hiding out in upper cabinets in kitchens and bathrooms, as well as near ceilings. These roaches often hide their egg cases inside or underneath furniture. Brown-banded cockroaches also like to live among electronic equipment, such as refrigerator motors, and tend to avoid water and bright light.
These cockroaches are usually most active at night, but they can be found during the day when searching for food. They enter homes and structures looking for shelter and once they find it, they will remain hidden for the majority of the day. If disturbed, males will take flight while females will run away.
Having a clean and sanitary home is the best way to prevent an infestation of Brown-banded cockroaches. Homeowners should consistently keep all surfaces, sinks, and floors free of clutter and crumbs. Don’t allow dirty dishes to pile up in the sink or let spilled foods sit on the counter. It’s also recommended to store food in sealed airtight containers, and avoid leaving pet food out. Some additional ways to prevent Brown-banded cockroaches include vacuuming at least once a week to remove crumbs, installing dehumidifiers in crawl spaces and basements to prevent moisture build-up, and running water periodically in spare bathrooms to keep u-traps filled.
If a cockroach infestation is suspected, contact Richland Pest & Bee Control for advice on Brown-banded cockroach control and elimination. Our pest professionals will be able to recommend a customized treatment plan to get rid of the cockroaches and help prevent a future problem.
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