[Pest ID] Smokybrown Cockroach

Scientific Name: Periplaneta fuliginosa

Order/Family: Blattodea/Blattidae

Description

Smokybrown cockroaches are 1 to 1 1/4 inches long when mature, uniformly dark brown-to-mahogany in color and characterized by fully developed wings that completely cover their abdomens. The pronotum is black. The purse-shaped egg capsule is dark brown-to-black, 3/8 inch long, and typically has 10 to 14 eggs per side.

Biology

During her lifetime, the female smokybrown cockroach produces about 10 egg capsules, each of which contains about 20 eggs. Using secretions from her mouth, the female firmly attaches the egg cases to some surface or object and covers them with surrounding materials. Nymphs emerge in 50 days and molt 10 to 12 times.

Habits

Smokybrown cockroaches typically are outdoor pests commonly found in southern states as far west as Central Texas. Outdoors they often are found in wood piles, flower planters, palm trees, water oaks and vacant buildings. Indoors they seek warm, humid areas without air circulation, such as garages, attics and crawlspaces.

Control

Smokybrown cockroaches enter structures from outdoors. An effective cockroach management program depends on good sanitation to eliminate the food, water and harborage they need for survival. It is critical to reduce clutter.
Smokybrown cockroaches like warm, humid environments so it is important to reduce moisture by repairing leaks and installing screened vents in order to increase airflow. Permanent reduction of cockroach populations can be achieved by caulking in order to eliminate harborage and prevent entry into structures. The most important cracks to eliminate are those around chimneys, soffits, roof joints, fascia boards, gutters, plumbing and other penetrations of exterior walls. 

Containerized, paste, dry and gel baits are very effective products for eliminating cockroaches. Large populations of cockroaches can be reduced or eliminated with careful application of microencapsulated or wettable powder formulations to potential entry points and in exterior areas where these cockroaches are found.