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Brown-Banded Cockroach against a  white background - Keep cockroaches out of your home with City Termite & Pest Control in Malvern, AR

Brown-Banded Cockroach

Actual Size: 5/16 to 5/8″

Characteristics: Brown with pronounced banding across wings.

Legs: 6

Antennae: Yes

Wings: Yes

Habitat: Congregate in warm areas, often in closets or heat-generating appliances.

Habits:

  • Lives indoors, completely dependent on human habitats for survival.
  • One female brown-banded cockroach can produce 600 young in her lifetime.
  • Prefers higher elevations and is often found in upper cabinets of kitchens and bathrooms.


Brown-Banded Cockroaches in Central Arkansas

The name “brown-banded” cockroach comes from the pronounced bands of color across the wings of adults and bodies of nymphs. The brown-banded cockroach is believed to inhabit most states in the U.S. and is found in buildings that maintain a high temperature. The roach has many similarities to the German cockroach as it has a similar size and body shape. It is distinct as it does not have two dark stripes on the body.

Both brown-banded and German cockroaches are obligatory domestic roaches, which means they do not live outside and rely solely on conditions created in our homes and buildings for survival. It has been referred to as the “furniture cockroach” as it can be found in nearly any location in a home, such as bedrooms, behind pictures on walls, and under tables and chairs.

Brown-Banded Cockroach Habitat

Brown-banded cockroaches prefer warmth and tend to be found up and away from the floor in closets or heat-generating appliances. The roach is active both at night and during the day and can climb objects well. The females will look for dark, warm locations so they can attach their yellowish-brown egg capsules. Some of their preferences to do this include ceilings, tables, bedding, furniture, or walls. Brown-banded cockroaches feed on a variety of materials including human food, clothing, stamps, books, glue, dyes, and starches.

Brown-Banded Cockroach Behaviors, Threats, or Dangers

Brown-banded cockroaches are not aggressive and do not bite. These roaches reproduce at an alarming rate and one female can produce up to 600 young in her lifetime. Perhaps most alarming is their ability to spread dozens of different types of dangerous bacteria to humans. These cockroaches are vectors of disease as they will spread bacteria to surfaces where food is prepared or eaten. Some of the more dangerous bacteria include Salmonella and E. coli, which can cause diarrhea and gastroenteritis. Further, they can cause asthma attacks for people who are sensitive to cockroach allergens.

If you suspect a brown-banded cockroach infestation, contact a professional cockroach exterminator for help.