What Do Brown-Banded Cockroaches Look Like?
The brown-banded cockroach, as its name suggests, has two light brown bands across their dark brown bodies. They are a small species of house-infesting roaches, about 1/2 inch long. Males have full wings that extend beyond their abdomens, while females have shorter, underdeveloped wings that prevent them from flying. The brown-banded cockroach is also known as the “furniture cockroach” because it can be found throughout households, including kitchens, bedrooms, sofas, and chairs. Their coloring helps them blend in among furniture, cabinets, and food. These roaches are oval in shape with six legs and two long antennae.
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What are the Signs of a Brown-Banded Cockroach Infestation?
Brown-banded cockroaches are domestic cockroaches, which means they generally do not live outside but rely solely on conditions created in our homes and buildings for survival. These roaches prefer dry and warm places and can be found inside furniture, heat-generating appliances, cabinets, closets, and behind picture frames. These roaches are often brought indoors by hitchhiking a ride on infested items.
Seeing a Cockroach
Brown-banded cockroaches are nocturnal or active primarily at night. These roaches avoid light and will immediately scurry into a dark crevice when a light is turned on.
Cockroach Droppings
Brown-banded cockroach droppings look like black specks or smears and are usually found in spots where the roach spends a lot of time, such as cabinets, around light fixtures, and behind picture frames.
Cockroach Eggs
Brown-banded cockroaches produce a protective egg sac called an ootheca. The egg sac is encased in a hard protective casing shaped like a bean. Their egg capsules are roughly 5 mm long and are yellowish-brown in color. Each ootheca holds about 10 to 18 eggs. On average, a female brown-banded cockroach can produce about 250 nymphs. The eggs are commonly found under cabinets or behind appliances in kitchens, living rooms, and laundry rooms.
Cockroach Odor
Brown-banded cockroaches produce a chemical called an “aggregation pheromone.” The roaches congregate in groups due to the smell of this chemical, which gives off a “musty” smell. As the cockroach population starts to grow, people may begin to notice this odor.
Are Brown-Banded Cockroaches Dangerous?
Brown-banded cockroaches carry and spread harmful bacteria and protozoa, which cause gastroenteritis and diarrhea. They are known to spread at least 33 different kinds of bacteria, including Salmonella and E. Coli. These filthy pests contaminate food, cooking utensils, and food preparation surfaces. They can also cause allergic reactions and asthma attacks, especially in children.
Brown-Banded Cockroach Control in Milwaukee, WI
Advanced Wildlife and Pest Control offers professional cockroach control services in Milwaukee and southeastern Wisconsin. Our certified cockroach exterminators provide reliable, long-lasting solutions to eliminate brown-banded cockroaches from your home or business. Our targeted pest treatments and recurring maintenance services will ensure your property remains pest-free throughout the year.