Brown-Banded Cockroach

Category:

Actual Size: 5/16 to 5/8″

Characteristics: Brown with pronounced banding across wings.

Legs: 6

Antennae: Yes

Wings: Yes

Habitat: Lives indoors. Drawn to warm areas, often near heat-generating appliances or closets.

Habits:

  • Are obligatory domestic insects, meaning they completely depend on human habitats to survive.
  • Infestations grow at an alarming rate, with females producing up to 600 young in her lifetime.
  • Great climbers that prefer to live in taller areas, such as ceilings or upper cabinets.

Brown-Banded Cockroaches in the Pacific Northwest

As their name suggests, brown-banded cockroaches are most easily identified by the distinct bands of color that run across their wings. These cockroaches are extremely common and are thought to live in nearly every area of the United States, though they are domestic insects that live exclusively indoors. American cockroaches rely on the safe and sheltered conditions of our homes and buildings to survive, but they are typically drawn to places that are kept warm. Also nicknamed the “furniture cockroach”, these insects don’t just live near food or water; instead, they are commonly found in places such as bedrooms, beneath chairs, or behind pictures and other hanging objects.

Brown-Banded Cockroach Habitat

Brown-banded cockroaches live indoors, and they generally prefer spaces with a higher temperature. These insects are active both at night and during the day, and they are known for climbing up walls or hiding beneath pieces of furniture. Female brown-banded cockroaches usually search for warm and sheltered areas where they can place their brownish-yellow egg capsules, which take a little over two months to hatch. These pests are also not picky eaters and will consume all sorts of materials, including things such as human food, dyes, glue, books, or clothing.

Brown-Banded Cockroach Behaviors, Threats, or Dangers

Brown-banded cockroaches are not aggressive and do not bite. Despite that, these insects can be extremely damaging to human health by spreading disease, triggering asthma attacks, and causing unsanitary living conditions. Brown-banded cockroaches can also reproduce extremely quickly, with some females producing up to 600 young in her lifetime. If you suspect there is a brown-banded cockroach infestation nearby, it is important to contact a professional cockroach exterminator quickly to keep your home and family safe.