Brown Banded Cockroach
Supella longipalpa
Identification
- about 1/2 inch long; brown with light band behind head
- bell-shaped pattern on the back of the head
Nesting Habits
- egg capsules are fastened to walls, ceilings, and in protected areas
- found in warmer, drier areas than the other common roaches– ceilings, high areas on walls, picture frames, furniture, etc.
Diet
- may consume materials like glue or paste, starch and certain color dyes present in stamps, older books and draperies
Significance
- chew on nonfood materials such as fabric
- feed on and harbor within food stored indoors
- can transmit disease
- can trigger asthma or allergic reactions
IPM Recommendations
- Educate occupants of building or room(s) of their role in eliminating roaches.
- Improve sanitation.
- Store food in pest-proof containers.
- Inspect and monitor all areas where food is prepared, stored, or eaten and where moisture and heat are present.
- Use cockroach traps to determine species, harborage location and movement.
- Vacuum (with a HEPA filter) existing roaches and ootheca (egg cases).
- Use roach baits and/or boric acid dust.