Cockroaches are the most common of all insects and evidence from fossils shows that they’ve been around for over 300 million years. They are extremely successful and because they’re so adaptable they have done very well at living with us.

Brown-Banded Cockroach Identification

Brown-banded cockroaches are the smallest of all the invasive cockroaches and can grow up to ½” long with the females being a little shorter. Males have long full pointed wings that are longer than their abdomens. Females have underdeveloped wings making it impossible for them to fly. They get their name from the two light brown or tan transverse bands on the wings of the adults and across the body of the young. They can live for about 206 days and are found throughout the U.S. They prefer drier and warmer locations within structures that are above 80 degrees. They will hide egg cases in or under furniture. Unlike other species of cockroaches that are typically found on the ground, brown-banded cockroaches can be found in higher locations like cupboards in kitchens and bathrooms. You can also find them inside pantries, closets, dressers, and furniture. They also hide behind picture frames, inside clocks, radios, light plate switches, and doorframes. These cockroaches can be found hiding closer to the ceiling instead of on the floor and away from water sources.

Cockroach Diseases & Health Problems

Cockroaches are known to spread at least 33 kinds of bacteria, six kinds of parasitic worms and at least seven other kinds of human pathogens. They pick germs up onto their legs and bodies. When they crawl over decaying matter, sewage and over our counters or food, they are spreading it to us. Cockroaches carry allergens that can cause allergies and make asthma attacks worse. The brown-banded cockroach is one that is known to make these problems worse than others. They will eat material like glue or paste, more so from animal-based material, starch, and some color dyes. Because of this, bindings on older books, stamps, envelopes, drapes and sometimes even wallpaper can be damaged because of them. The damage can be the result of them feeding and hanging out in pantries and storage areas inside the home.

Sign of Cockroach Infestations

These pests are nocturnal, so seeing them during the day is a bad sign. Droppings will be found in the areas they frequent and will look like dark brown or black specks or smears and because the brown-banded cockroach likes to hang out in higher locations, you may find these smears along with crown molding, around ceiling fan fixtures and pictures that are hung high on the wall. Egg capsules are very small and very hard to see and because they will attach them under surfaces or within cracks and crevices. When they get dislodged, especially after they have hatched, the case is tan in color.

Cockroach Prevention & Control

The most important way to prevent them is to have good sanitation practices. Keep your home clean by maintaining a spotless kitchen, sweeping and vacuuming often and to make sure all points of entry are sealed, especially around utility pipes or any points where there are openings into the home and any areas that are moist, need to be ventilated or repaired if needed. You need to properly identify them to control them. The control methods that are used for other cockroaches will not be as effective for brown-banded cockroaches. If you think you’re dealing with brown-banded cockroaches, you should get in touch with the professionals at Rentokil! We can present a custom plan of action to get rid of cockroaches and other pests.