Brown-Banded Cockroach

Danger/Damage

Cockroach allergens can trigger allergies and exacerbate asthma attacks, especially in children. Brown-banded cockroaches are known to elicit allergy symptoms such as itchy eyes, sneezing, and a runny nose. If household members show these symptoms, it could signal an infestation.


Did you know?

Brown-banded cockroaches get their name from the two-light brown bands they have across their dark brownish bodies. These bands can be seen across the wings of the adult and the body of the nymph.

Brown-banded cockroaches can be found throughout households – lurking in closets, furniture, and sometimes even behind picture frames.


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Measuring about 1 to 1.4 cm long, the brown-banded cockroach is a small species of cockroach that got its name from the two light brown bands they have across their dark brownish bodies.

Adult brown-banded cockroaches grow to about ½” long.

Male, brown-banded cockroaches have wings that reach beyond the tip of their abdomens, while the female wings do not completely cover her abdomen. Males can fly. Females do not.

Brown-banded cockroaches are oval with six legs and two long antennae. Their coloring helps them blend in among furniture, cabinets, and food. Female roaches tend to be much darker than males.


Brown-banded cockroaches tend to prefer warm and dry locations. It's also common to find them hiding in higher locations and away from water sources.

They can be found on the upper walls of cabinets, inside pantries, closets, dressers, and other furniture.

They also hide behind picture frames and inside clocks, radios, light switch plates, and door frames.


The brown-banded cockroach lives for 206 days on average and can reproduce at an alarming rate. The nymphal stage ranges from eight to 31 weeks. A female adult has a life span of 13 to 45 weeks; each female produces about 600 descendants per year.

During her adult life, a female brown-banded cockroach produces about 14 egg capsules, each containing an average of 10-18 eggs.

Eggs are laid in capsules, which the female carries for about 30 hours before she fastens it in clusters inside furniture, undersides of tables, draperies, wall decorations, shelving, and ceilings.


  1. The brown-banded cockroach is primarily nocturnal but can be seen on the move during the daytime. The brown-banded cockroach can easily go undetected because of its nocturnal nature and small stature.
  2. Brown-banded cockroaches like to live among electronic equipment, such as refrigerator motors and tend to avoid water and bright light. The brown-banded cockroach can easily blend into their surroundings and can be difficult to spot.
  3. The brown-banded cockroach will feed on almost anything, even other cockroach species. Their diet is high in starch and includes items like wallpaper glue and book bindings. They also feed on dyes and pastes, including portions of envelopes and wallpaper.

Are Brown-Banded Cockroaches hazardous to humans?

Cockroaches can spread diseases, contaminate food, cause allergies and cause asthma reactions. Brown-branded roaches have been reported to spread at least 33 kinds of bacteria, six kinds of parasitic worms, and at least seven other kinds of human pathogens. They pick up germs on their legs and bodies and then transfer these germs to food or onto food surfaces.

What causes a Brown-Banded Cockroach infestation?

Cockroaches are attracted to food, water, and shelter. They will eat anything and are particularly attracted to starchy foods.

Brown-banded cockroaches are carried into homes via infested food, furniture, or groceries. Once inside, they rarely leave.

How can I prevent a Brown-Banded Cockroach infestation?

Cockroaches most likely enter properties by boxes, groceries, or used furniture. Careful inspection of products or packages entering the home or building can help to prevent cockroaches from establishing themselves in your property.

How do I remove a Brown-Banded Cockroach infestation?

To prevent brown-banded cockroaches from infesting your property:

  1. Practice good sanitation.
  2. Vacuum often, reduce clutter, and seal all gaps around furniture, ducts, and molding around the house.
  3. If there is evidence of a cockroach infestation, contact your Technician at Abell Pest Control to treat your infestation.

 
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