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Brown-Banded Cockroaches

Brown-banded cockroaches are commonly found infesting human dwellings. True to their name, brown-banded cockroaches have two brown bands that run across their abdomens. The brown bands are visible on every stage of the roaches' life cycle.

Brown Cockroach Illustration
Brown Cockroach Illustration

Brown-banded cockroaches are relatively small. Adults measure approximately ½" in length (males are slightly longer than females). Adults are light brown in color, with fully developed wings. Brown-banded cockroaches undergo three stages of development: egg, nymph and adult. Females can produce up to 14 egg capsules in one lifetime, which ranges in length from 13 to 45 weeks. The brown-banded cockroach egg stage typically lasts 37 to 103 days.

Brown-banded cockroaches prefer dry and warm locations and can be found inside cabinets, pantries and closets. , They can also be found in electronic equipment or around refrigerator motor housings.  Brown-banded cockroaches can also hide from humans in a variety of places such as clocks and picture frames. They tend to avoid water sources and are more commonly found near the ceilings of infested homes. Brown-banded cockroach infestations can pose a number of health risks. These roaches have been found to carry and spread dangerous bacteria and protozoa, which cause gastroenteritis and diarrhea. More commonly, roaches indoors have been found to trigger asthma and allergies.

The first step in addressing any cockroach infestation is to identify the species correctly. The techniques used to manage one species seldom prove effective when applied to another species. Thus, it is best to contact your local pest control professional if you suspect an infestation.