Being that cockroaches are a pest the world knows, no one is stranger to these gruesome looking creatures. Where many species share general similarities, every species have their own characteristics that separates them from others. Though at a closer inspection these roach species have their differences, most of them can easily be vectors of diseases, bacteria, germs and viruses that they easily spread by crawling over a surface where you prepare food or even the food itself. Additionally, they can also trigger various levels of allergies and asthma attacks. Roaches are also capable of destroying your home and your possessions as they forage for food, water, and things to nest with. There are a common species of cockroaches found in California, and among them is the Smoky Brown Cockroach that we at Animal Pest Management would like to take the opportunity to discuss today.
What Do Smoky Brown Cockroaches Look Like?
The smoky brown cockroach, scientifically called Periplaneta fuliginous, are uniformly a black-mahogany color and average around 1 ½ inches in length. Stretching to the tip of the abdomen are fully developed wings that smoky brown cockroaches acquire by adulthood. During the nymph stage, their long antennae feature white tips.
Where Do Smoky Brown Cockroaches Live?
Smoky brown cockroaches tend to stick to damp places such as basements, on top of leaky roofs and around standing water, as well as the ground floor. They will easily be found in any exposed garbage, in sewer openings, and under stacks of wood. Being they have fully developed wings, they are prone to flying inside homes through any openings, such as an open window or door, but can easily squeeze through cracks, holes, and gaps in the in siding or found of your home or business. These nocturnal pests are attracted to light, which often draws them insides. During late dusk or early dawn hours is when these cockroaches are typically out looking for the next meal and water. These cockroaches, like most pests, are opportunistic feeders; their diets can include starches, meats, and sweets, dead insects, and fecal matter. Typically, when they live outdoors, the mulch, leaf litter, tree bark, and wood piles are the places they stick to for moisture. A special paradise for the smoky brown cockroach is finding a greenhouse and they will also live in tree holes and canopies of palm trees. They will also look for moisture and protection close to block walls, in gardens, and in flowerbeds.
Smoky Brown Cockroach Life Cycle
Egg capsules are laid by female smoky brown cockroaches, which they average 17 and there are about 24 eggs in each capsule. Depending on their surroundings, it can between 10 and 12 months from the time they hatch to mature into adulthood. Without a constant source of water, they will dry up quick as these roaches are more of a tropical cockroach, needing moist environments. Any place with a sizable current of air, such an air vent for example, are places they avoid so they do not dry out. These roaches are often found deceased in homes due to dehydration.
Cockroach Pest Inspections, Control, Removal & More in San Bernardino, Orange, Los Angeles, Riverside & San Diego Counties, California
Controlling the moisture in your home can reduce the intrusion of smoky brown cockroaches as well as keeping your home well sealed. Protect your food by storing them in air tight containers, avoid clutter and keep trash can lids in place. Call Animal Pest Management today and let our experts eliminate any cockroach or other pest that might have infested your home.
