Brown-Banded Cockroaches

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Identification

  • Colour Light-brown or a glossy dark-brown
  • Size From 10 mm to 14 mm long
  • Description Have relatively short, flat, and wide bodies with six legs, two long antennae protruding from the head, and a light-brown or yellow band at the edge of the thorax.
  • Notes Males have wings and can fly, while females are broader and have no wings.

How to identify Brown-Banded Cockroaches

Brown-banded cockroaches are one of the smaller species of cockroach likely to be found in homes and apartments. Although comparable in size to the German cockroach, they require less moisture and are therefore also found in living rooms and bedrooms. Like most cockroaches, they will avoid light and are difficult to find in the daytime.

Brown-banded roaches can conceal themselves in many places inaccessible to larger roaches. A thorough analysis of the environment is key component to preventing a large scale infestation.

Signs of an infestation

Brown-banded cockroaches prefer dry and warm conditions, living almost exclusively in heated buildings, in living rooms and bedrooms, higher up and away from food areas.

They particularly like hiding behind wall decorations, pictures, and loose wallpaper, in shower stalls, under chairs and tables, in closets, under or inside upholstered furniture, and in electrical appliances, such as TV sets, stereos, radios, and toasters.

Brown-Banded Cockroaches removal

Brown-banded cockroaches avoid light and are difficult to find in the daytime. Being smaller, they can conceal themselves in many places inaccessible to larger roaches.

To eradicate them and stop them returning, you will need the help of a professional pest control service.

How to prevent Brown-Banded Cockroaches from invading

Vacuum all cracks and crevices. Clean up crumbs and spills promptly. Do not leave food or water out overnight. Sweep or vacuum food and debris on floors. Clean counters, sinks, and tables with soapy water. Take out trash in closed plastic containers. Keep waste containers washed and clean. Wash dirty dishes and utensils immediately. Fix leaky faucets and water pipes. Increase ventilation to prevent condensation.

Habitat, Diet, and Life Cycle

Habitat

Brown-banded cockroaches tend to prefer dry and warm conditions. In fact, they live almost exclusively indoors in heated buildings. These roaches are typically found higher up in structures and away from food areas. Some of their preferred locations include: spaces behind wall decorations, pictures, and loose wallpaper, in shower stalls, underneath chairs and tables, in closets, beneath or inside upholstered furniture, and in electrical appliances such as TV sets, stereos, radios, and toasters.

Diet

Most cockroaches are omnivorous and scavengers, and will eat whatever they can find. In the absence of “food” they enjoy munching on the adhesive backing of stationery, books, and wallpaper paste.

Commonly Asked Questions

How worried should I be about brown-banded cockroaches?

Brown-banded cockroaches carry pathogenic organisms on the feet and legs and can contaminate food with their feces and defensive secretions. They can also carry intestinal diseases, such as diarrhoea, dysentery, typhoid fever, and cholera.

People who experience frequent and prolonged exposure to cockroaches can develop mild to severe allergic reactions, including dermatitis, itching, swelling of the eyelids, and serious respiratory conditions.

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