Description

The brown-banded cockroach is one of two species of cockroaches that depend on human behaviors and structures to survive, the other being German cockroach (Blattella germanica). Adult brown-banded cockroaches are light brown to tan in color and 10-14 mm in body length. The common name derives from the two distinct horizontal dark bands on the abdomen. These bands are more distinct in adult males. Adult males possess wings that extend over the abdomen and they can fly. Adult females are darker in color, the abdomen is wider and the wings are reduced. The body region behind the head, known as the pronotum, is transparent at the margins with a black, bell-shaped marking. Nymphs are similar to adults but smaller, light brown with two thin brown bands on the abdomens. Eggs are enclosed within purse-shaped, dark brown cases (oothecae) that are slightly shorter than the abdomen. These cases are pale when first secreted by rapidly darken when exposed to air.

Identification of brown-banded cockroaches in straightforward in the U.S. It is the only obviously banded species that regularly infests structures.

Life Cycle

Brown-banded cockroaches undergo gradual metamorphosis. Egg cases are secreted by females and are carried on the tip of the abdomen for one to two days before being attached to surfaces. Nymphs hatch after 50 days in warm conditions. Development times are greatly extended for eggs and nymphs at lower temperatures. Three to seven months are required for nymphs to reach adulthood. Nymphs undergo through six to eight growth stages (instars) during this period of time. Adult lifespan also varies with temperature, but adult females typically live about six months. They can produce up to 600 eggs during their life.

Ecological Importance and Pest Status

Brown-banded cockroaches likely originated from Africa and have been introduced throughout the world by humans. They are less frequently encountered than other pest cockroaches. Brown-banded cockroaches prefer warm, dry environments such as motors of electronics, stoves, microwaves, pantries, cabinets, behind pictures and ceilings where warmer temperatures exist. They have been nicknamed the “furniture roach” because of their tendency to infest home furnishings such as cabinets and dry pantries. They are often scattered in infested buildings, but may form small aggregations. Brown-banded cockroaches may infest a variety of structures but they are typically in older buildings, such as homes, universities, research facilities, museums and offices. They are well distributed throughout the southern U.S.

Control Strategies

Management of brown-banded cockroaches relies upon a thorough inspection of the premise because the insects are usually scattered throughout the building, hiding in or behind furnishings. No rooms should be left uninspected. Glue board traps can be used to help locate areas where brown-banded cockroaches are residing and will increase efficacy of subsequent control measures. Searching for live insects, fecal material, molts or cast skins, and ootheca can be helpful to locate the primary location(s) of the infestation. The same insecticides used for German cockroaches are also effective for use against brown-banded cockroaches. Baits are also used for brown-banded cockroach control because of their palatability and attractiveness to the insects. Insecticide baits, sprays or dusts can be applied to shelves of cabinets, ceiling light fixtures and other brown-banded cockroach hiding places. Be sure to follow all label directions on insecticide products.

References

• Bennett, G., R. Corrigan, and T. Owens. 2010. T. Truman’s Scientific Guide to Pest Control Operations. 7th edition, Purdue University (in press).
• Schal C. 2011. Cockroaches. In: The Mallis Handbook of Pest Control (S. Hedges and D. Moreland, eds.), 10th edition, GIE Media (in press).
• Koehler, P.G., B.E Bayer, and D. Branscome. 2022. Cockroaches and their management. UF/IFAS Extension, ENY-214 (https://edis.ifas.ufl.edu/publication/IG082) (accessed 4 December 2025).