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General Characteristics:

- This roach is common in wooded areas

- They are between ½ - 1 ¼ inch long depending on their sex

- Adults are dark brown in colour with lighter areas on the sides of the thorax and the front edges of the wings

- The females are smaller in size and are unable to fly. Their vestigial wings cover no more than 2/3 of their bodies. While the males have wings longer than their bodies and are strong fliers.

Reproduction:

- Eggs are laid under loose bark on trees, logs, and stumps

- They rarely reproduce indoors

- Problematic during mating season during May-June

- Each egg capsule contains 14-16 eggs

Signs of Infestation:

- These roaches commonly breed outdoors and enter while foraging for food or are brought indoors in infested firewood

- Once indoors they can be found anywhere in a structure

- The Pennsylvania Woods cockroach is also strongly attracted to light, particularly the males while in flight

Control Techniques:

- Proper screening of windows and doors

- Proper placement of lights to avoid attracting these pests to vulnerable areas

- As it is quite difficult to limit the food and water source for this species, sealing the structure acts as an effective way to minimize access. PLEASE REMEMBER NOT TO SEAL ANY STRUCTURAL BREATHING HOLES AS THESE ARE NECESSARY FOR THE MOVEMENT OF MOISTURE THROUGH VOID AREAS IN A STRUCTURE.

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. 134, 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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