All About Brownbanded Cockroaches
The brownbanded cockroach is a medium-sized species that’s native to several areas of the United States. While they’re not the most common cockroach you might see in your home, it can still be alarming to discover one lurking in your pantry.
These little guys are social insects that like living in colonies. If you see one, there are probably more hiding somewhere. They prefer humid environments with plenty of access to food and waste. So, if you have an outdoor space or even just a leaky sink, then you may be at risk of an infestation.
If you think you have spotted a brownbanded cockroach in your home, read on to find out more about its habits and how to get rid of them once and for all.
Where Might You Find a Brownbanded Cockroach?
The brownbanded cockroach is a warm weather species that is found primarily in the northeast, southern and Midwestern areas of the US. It’s common in the southern United States. The brownbanded cockroach prefers warm, humid environments and can be found in pantries, cabinets and closets.
Brownbanded Cockroach Appearance and Habitat
The adult brownbanded cockroach is a light brown to reddish-brown in color and is about 1/2 inch long. This species has two light bands across the middle portion of its thorax (the portion of the body behind the head).
Be aware that male brownbanded cockroaches have wings and they can fly. The females are broader in stature and have no wings. They do not fly.
Behavior of the Brownbanded Cockroach
The brownbanded cockroach feeds on both plant and animal materials. They are scavengers and will eat just about anything. This includes decomposing organic matter, various types of food, and even wallpaper and nylon stockings.
During the day, they will hide in areas near where they live. The entrance to their hiding place is usually near the ground where they are less likely to be seen.
They are found in large groups and prefer to travel close to the ground. These roaches won’t hesitate to travel through your home to find food or water.
They are one of the few species of cockroaches that travel during both the day and night. However, these cockroaches are mostly nocturnal.
Keep in mind that they remain hiding for most of the day. They purposely stay out of sight from humans for as long as they can.
How to Get Rid of Brownbanded Cockroaches?
If you have a brownbanded cockroach infestation, then you have to find a way to remove them. Usually, you will have to get professional help if they are causing a lot of damage to your property.
However, there are a few things that you can do if you notice a few of them in your home.
- First of all, it is important to clean up any sources of food that they can find.
- Store your food in sealed containers and clean up any spills and crumbs as soon as you notice them.
- Next, you have to ensure that you keep any areas of your home where they can hide clean.
- Make sure that you clean up any areas of water as quickly as possible and do not leave anything out for them to eat or drink.
- Finally, you can use insecticides to kill the brownbanded cockroaches in your home.
- Keep in mind that you will have to spray in all of the places where they might be hiding. It can also be dangerous to spray pesticides especially when there are pets and young children in the home.
Get Help with Brownbanded Cockroach Infestations
Are you experiencing a cockroach infestation? The truth is that if you spot a single brownbanded cockroach, there’s a good chance that there are many more. When you are spotting roaches, get in touch with James River Pest Solutions for help.