Pest Identification

Brown-Banded Cockroach

Description:
The Brown banded Cockroach was first introduced from Cuba into Miami, Florida. They have since been transported (usually on furniture) throughout the United States.

Adult Brown banded cockroaches have wings, are about 5/8 inch long and are light brown to dark glossy brown.  The Brown banded Cockroach is often confused with the German cockroach if not identified properly.

Males are capable of flight. Nymphs and females are broad when viewed from above, while the male is slender. The male's wings cover the abdomen, whereas the female's wings are short, exposing the abdomen. Most cockroaches have a flattened, oval shape, spiny legs, and long, filamentous antennae. Immature stages are smaller, have undeveloped wings and resemble adults. These roaches have two light, transverse bands across the base of the wings and abdomen. These bands may appear irregular or broken but are usually quite apparent on the nymphs and females. These insects feed on starchy materials and even non-food materials such as nylon stockings. These roaches are active at night, and nymphs and adults jump rapidly when disturbed. These pests do not require as much moisture as German cockroaches and tend to avoid light.

Habitat:
They prefer to hide in warm, elevated areas near the ceiling, behind wall decorations and loose wallpaper, in closets, beneath or inside upholstered furniture, and in electrical appliances such as TV sets, stereos, radios, and toasters. They develop and live throughout the building, making control difficult. No room or furniture is immune to infestations, and one may find tiny, dark droppings and cast skins on cabinets and shelves. The roaches are commonly transported in furniture, luggage, and other items in houses and soon develop into annoying infestations under warm, humid conditions.

Life-Cycle:
Egg capsules are about 1/4 inch long and reddish-brown. The Brown banded cockroach female carries the egg capsule for 24 to 36 hours. The egg capsule contains 14 to 16 eggs; a female produces 10 to 20 cases in her lifetime. Eggs hatch in 50 to 75 days and nymphs develop in 90 to 270 days, with adults living 150 to 200

 Days. The capsules are sometimes deposited in clusters on furniture, draperies and other areas.