General Characteristics:
- Adult roaches are approximately 5/8 inch in length and are often mistaken German cockroaches
- Two lightly coloured bands running transversely around their bodies can distinguish them and hence gave them their names. One band encircles the area near the base of the wings and the other encircles the abdomen. These bands are imperfect and broken in spots. The bands are also more visible on female roaches and nymphs.
- The male Brown banded cockroaches are good flyers but generally only do so when disturbed.
- While there may be some physical similarities between the Brown banded and German cockroaches their behaviours are vastly different as is their control techniques.
Reproduction:
- Female Brown banded cockroaches can produce 14 egg capsules containing 10-18 eggs in their lives
- These capsules are only carried for a few days and are then attached to a protected surface
- After 50-75 days the eggs hatch. The nymphs take around 160 days to mature during which time they molt 6-8 times.
- As an adult cockroach they live between 6 and 10 months
Signs of Infestation:
- Brown banded cockroaches do not require a moist environment and thus can dwell in any area of a structure
- They are commonly found behind fridges and stoves, throughout kitchen cupboards, inside night tables, dressers, and similar furnishings
- Brown banded roaches prefer to be high up off the ground and will infest electrical fixtures, drapery picture frames, and other wall hangings
- They prefer high temperatures and like any cockroach they dislike light and are active at night
- Once introduced to a building they spread very quickly and can survive on virtually anything, although they prefer starchy materials
- In severe infestations a distinct musty odour can be detected and the caste skins of the insects can be found throughout
- Dozens of egg capsules can also be found glued to objects. A favourite spot is the back of fridges. Since people seldom move their fridges the Brown banded cockroaches take advantage of the protection and heat generated by the fridge as well as the food debris that accumulates beneath them.
- Properly identifying the species of roach will aid in the control of these pests.
Control Techniques:
Proper sanitation practises are essential to controlling these pests. These include but are not limited to:
- Thoroughly cleaning out kitchen cupboards of spilled food and debris
- Move kitchen appliances and clean behind
- Clean the interior of the stove and the void spaces under the stovetop and elements
- Do not leave dirty dishes out overnight. Even small amounts of food are more than sufficient to support a cockroach infestation. Reducing food/water sources stresses the pest population causing them to expend more energy in search of food/water as opposed to reproduction.
- A professional should be contacted for control of this species if the infestation persists.
Please click here to contact a Focus Pest Control professional to inquire about further treatments for this pest species.
References:
Benett, Gary W., et.al.. Truman’s Scientific Guide to Pest Control Operations. Duluth: Advanstar
Communications, 1988. Pp. 133, 137-142.
Disclaimer:
The Focus Pest Control ‘Pest Library’ is an educational resource written largely to educate the general public about common pests in Ontario. The Focus ‘Pest Library’ does not include all species in Ontario, nor does it include the most recent scientific data about species we describe. Though we edit our accounts for accuracy, we cannot guarantee all information in those accounts. While Focus Pest Control staff and contributors provide references to books and websites that we believe are reputable, we cannot necessarily endorse the contents of references beyond our control.
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