Cockroaches are incredibly annoying pests that have been getting into people’s houses for as long as we can remember.
Being one of the oldest creatures in the world, they know how to survive, even if we attempt to exterminate them. However, if you want to delve deep into what a particular roach species is, then you have come to the right place!
This article discusses what brown-banded cockroaches, or scientifically speaking, Supella longipalpa, are and what type of behaviors they have. For example, what this type of roach eats, where they live, and their life span.
Overall, you would want to take advantage of an opportunity to learn about these pests, especially if you have a brown-banded cockroach infestation! We highly encourage you to continue reading for more.
Read More: Other Types Of Common Cockroaches
What Are Brown-Banded Cockroaches?
The brown-banded cockroach is relatively small, measuring about 1/2 an inch long or 10 to 14 mm. The female brown-banded cockroach is much smaller and stout and contains smaller wings than the males. However, only the males can fly if they feel threatened, whereas the adult female cockroach cannot.
These creatures are tan to light brown and contain two light-colored bands across their abdomen and wings, hence the name “brown banded.” Sometimes these colors are irregular and not exactly symmetrical, but you can still notice them.
Brown-banded roaches can cause health problems such as allergic reactions, especially if you have pre-existing asthma or allergies. Not only that, but if this disgusting pest comes in contact with food or food preparation surfaces (like your countertops), it can result in food-borne diseases and other illnesses.
In that case, you want to make sure to disinfect everything if your home has any brown-banded cockroach infestations in the future.
Read More: Are Cockroaches Dangerous?
Where Do Brown-Banded Cockroaches Live?
Brown-banded cockroaches are commonly found in dry and warm places like living areas, bedrooms, kitchens, or refrigerator motor housings.
However, you may see these pests inside electronic equipment due to the warm temperatures it brings. For example, if you are a gamer, these insects can get into the crevices of your device, making it hard to eliminate but not impossible.
Read More: Get Cockroaches Out of Your Electronics
This might indicate a cockroach infestation if you notice any dark brown or black specks near ceiling light fixtures, moldings, behind picture frames, etc.
Brown-banded cockroaches originally came to the United States from Africa in the early 1900s, most likely through boats or other forms of travel. Still, you can find these roaches all over the United States, making them more common than most other species.
The Brown-Banded Cockroach Diet
The brown-banded cockroach eats almost anything it comes across, which is why it is tough to eliminate if you have a roach infestation. Brown-banded cockroaches eat anything from sugar, spice, and everything excellent (pun intended.)
For example, the tiniest crumb on your floor may not be a big deal to you, but it is an all-out feast for this cockroach species. However, that is not the only thing these creatures eat.
Suppose you seal all food products you have within your home. In that case, brown-banded roaches will eat organic material, like dead skin cells, wallpaper glue, human or animal hair, and even inside your furniture. The sky is the limit on their diet, which is both disgusting and frightening at the same time.
Life Cycle of the Brown-Banded Cockroach
Brown-banded cockroaches live between 130 to 315 days, given that predators or humans do not kill them. These creatures molt eight times until they become full-grown adults. Still, this process can take up to 276 days. After their last molt, they start reproducing.
These cockroaches produce roughly 14 egg cases during their adult lifespan, with each egg case containing between 14 to 17 individual eggs.
Most of the time, only a dozen eggs make it, meaning brown-banded cockroach produces 168 additional pests you need to eliminate. Due to this reproduction rate, these cockroaches are incredibly frustrating when they enter your home.
How to Eliminate Brown-Banded Cockroaches
There are quite a few ways to eliminate brown-banded cockroaches, but one of the best ways to control the cockroach populations is by using diatomaceous earth or baking soda.
These two methods are a natural way of killing brown-banded and other cockroach species. Mix one with cocoa powder, sugar, or peanut butter to create a bait. Afterward, place them inside infested furniture, under kitchen cabinets, or anywhere else you see the most cockroaches.
Still, call pest control if you have a nasty infestation. Some roaches can nestle their way into your home, so using this method might be your best bet.
Final Thoughts
Considering what we have discussed above, brown-banded cockroaches can infest homes, so please take any preventative measures you might need, like sealing cracks in the wall, thoroughly cleaning your home, and anything else you think of.
Overall, we hope you learned something new. Please look through our other informative posts if you have any more questions or need more information. You will not regret it!
