Pest Profile

Brown-Banded Cockroach

Order/Family: Blattodea/Blattidae

Scientific Name: Supella longipalpa (Fabricius)

Description

Brown-banded cockroaches are about 1/2-inch long when mature, light brown to brown, and have two light, yellow-brown bands running across their bodies. The pronotum has a dark brown area shaped like a liberty bell. Wings of the male completely cover their abdomens. The colored bands are much easier to see on nymphs because they lack wings to obscure them.

Biology

During her lifetime, the female brown-banded cockroach produces about 14 egg capsules, each of which contains 14 to 18 eggs. The female carries the egg capsule for 24 to 36 hours, then, using secretions from her mouth, attaches it to protected areas, e.g., under shelves, furniture, etc.

Habits

Brown-banded cockroaches prefer a warmer and drier environment than do German cockroaches. Thus, they are not nearly as common in houses. They are found throughout structures, preferring hiding places up off the floor, e.g., behind crown molding, pictures, tapestries and other wall hangings, and in closets, furniture, appliances, computers and telephones.

Control

Established populations of brown-banded cockroaches are difficult to control because they are found throughout structures and not in areas commonly considered to be cockroach harborages. An effective cockroach management program depends on good sanitation to eliminate the food, water and harborage needed for survival. Cleanup to reduce cockroaches in the home and office environments must focus mainly on the food residue in and around coffee machines, microwave ovens, stoves, refrigerators, trash cans, furniture and areas where exposed food is stored. In addition, it is critical to reduce clutter as cockroaches like to hide in stacked boxes, cartons and stored paper and cardboard materials, especially in dark, damp locations near food. Vacuum cleaning can be used to physically remove exposed cockroaches. The choice of treatment will depend on its potential effects on the equipment. Permanent reduction of cockroach populations can be achieved by caulking to eliminate harborage. Baits are effective for eliminating cockroaches. Many insecticides break down rapidly so an appropriate formulation for the environmental conditions must be selected.