When thinking of cockroaches, most people picture black, reddish brown, or dark brown cockroaches. However, the Cuban cockroach is different from other roach species; it is light or lime green.
Additionally, when other species take to the sewers in fear, Cuban cockroaches take to the trees. They also have a different diet and breed differently when compared to other roaches.
Like most cockroaches, Cuban cockroaches can be hard to eliminate and pose health risks to humans and plants. Luckily, there are various ways to get rid of Cuban cockroaches.
This blog will help you identify the Cuban cockroach, learn other key information about the pest, and figure out how to get rid of Cuban roaches and prevent an invasion.
Identifying the Cuban Cockroach
Appearance: The Cuban cockroach, also known as the green banana cockroach, is a species native to Cuba. Unlike other cockroach species that are brown, black, or reddish brown, these are light green.
Adult Cuban cockroaches can grow up to an inch long and have long see-through wings that extend beyond their abdomen tips. As a result, the Cuban cockroaches are strong fliers and can fly better than most roaches and insects, including the American cockroach.
Habitat: Green banana cockroaches are primarily found outdoors and are rarely found indoors. Outside, you can find these cockroach species flying into trees. They can also live in gardens, firewood, leaf piles, trees, plants, mulch, and other protected areas.
Cuban cockroaches can also find their way into homes through gaps in doors, windows, and areas where utility pipes enter your home. Once inside, they hide in cracks, basements, and attics.
Behavior and Diet: These cockroaches have sweet teeth and can be found in banana and other fruit-bearing trees, feeding on fruits and sweet plant sap. In addition, Cuban cockroaches are scavengers and can feed on decaying matter, garbage, leftovers, and mulch. They can also invade homes if they detect sugary substances inside.
How to Eliminate and Prevent Cuban Cockroaches
There are various ways to get rid of Cuban roaches once you have confirmed their presence. For example, you can use cockroach baits like Ficam insect bait or apply a perimeter treatment to prevent these pests from invading your home.
Cuban cockroaches are strong fliers and can fly into your home from nearby fields when drawn by light. Therefore, keeping light fixtures off on your property will be best, especially when the windows are open.
In addition, you can install window screens to keep Cuban cockroaches from flying into your home. Finally, remember to eliminate all harborage areas like yard debris, leaf litter, and woodpiles to keep these pests away.
Diatomaceous Earth
Diatomaceous earth is an excellent natural remedy against Cuban cockroaches. Ensure you use food-grade diatomaceous earth, as it is finer and more effective in killing roaches.
DE is a natural product that kills roaches by destroying their outer protective wax coat, exposing them to dehydration and other harm.
To use this powder against Cuban roaches, sprinkle it in entry points, cracks, crevices, and anywhere with high Cuban roach activity.
Borax
Borax is another good roach killer. To use it to kill Cuban cockroaches, mix it with sugar to create bait. Remember that Cuban roaches have a sweet tooth and will rush to the bait.
Sprinkle the mixture in areas where these roaches are likely to enter your house, and ensure the mixture is away from kids, pets, and food preparation areas. Borax is very effective because it can kill baby and adult green banana cockroaches.
Baking Soda
Baking soda is another option to kill Cuban roaches. While there are many ways to prepare a roach-killing mixture with baking soda, the best way is to mix it with sugar.
Cuban roaches will enter homes if they detect sweet substances. So, take that advantage and prepare them a sweet lethal bait. Place the bait in all entry points and anywhere you have seen these roaches.
Bait Stations
While you can make baits using home remedies, you can also choose store-bought bait stations. Cuban roaches will be attracted to the bait, eat it, get poisoned, and take the poison back to their nests outside.
In the nest, the poisoned roach will die and be cannibalized by the other colony members. This will result in a deadly domino effect.
Insecticides and Liquid Concentrates
Most Cuban cockroach treatment plans from a professional pest control company include spray or liquid insecticides. While these products have dangerous poisons, you can dilute them into a safe mixture for use as long as the safety protocols are followed.
In addition, you can use insect growth regulators to restrict Cuban cockroach reproduction and get rid of the infestation.
Use Sticky Traps
Sticky traps can be used for two purposes. You can use the traps to get rid of Cuban cockroaches while at the same time monitoring the green cockroach infestation. You will know you have a serious Cuban cockroach infestation if you find your glue trap filled with many roaches.
That said, there are various traps available on the market. Most use cockroach pheromones as attractants to lure roaches into the glue.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can Cuban Roaches Infest Homes?
Yes, Cuban roaches can infest homes.
Cuban cockroaches are rarely found indoors. However, they can fly into homes through open windows because they are attracted to light sources.
Are Cuban Roaches Harmful?
Yes, Cuban roaches are harmful occasionally.
The Cuban cockroach primarily feeds on plants and is considered harmful. They can infest gardens and greenhouses, damage vegetation, and destroy fruit-bearing trees.
Can Cuban Roaches Fly?
Yes, Cuban roaches can fly.
Cuban cockroaches have long wings that extend beyond their abdomen tips. This makes them excellent fliers.
