Size, Shape and Colour: Adult Brown banded cockroaches are 12-15mm in length, they are light brown to glossy dark brown in colour,These cockroaches have two light yellow or cream transverse bands across the base of wings and abdomen (twice banded). These bands may appear irregular or broken, but are usually quite apparent on the nymphs and females. Immature stages (nymphs) are smaller, have undeveloped wings and resemble adults. Egg capsules (Ootheca) are about 8-10mm long, purse-shaped, and yellowish or reddish-brown.
Biology: Brownbanded cockroach females deposit egg cases in clusters inside furniture, undersides of tables, wall decorations, shelving and ceilings. The egg capsule contains 14 to 18 eggs, a female produces 10 to 20 cases in her lifetime. Eggs hatch in approximately 2 months, and nymphs develop in 3 to 9 months, with adults living about 5 to 6 months. Females carry the egg capsule for 1 to 2 days, and then attaches it to something.
Behaviour: These cockroaches are active at night, and nymphs and adults jump rapidly when disturbed. Adults are fair flyers. These pests do not require as much moisture as German cockroaches and tend to avoid light. They can be commonly transported in furniture, luggage and other items into homes and soon develop into annoying infestations under warm, humid conditions (80 deg F temperatures preferred).
Preferred Foods: These cockroaches feed on any organic matter and starch materials (book sizing and wallpaper paste) and even nonfood materials such as nylon.
Habitat: They prefer to hide in warm, high areas near the ceiling, behind wall decorations, pictures, loose wallpaper, in shower stalls, underneath chairs and tables, in cupboards, beneath or inside upholstered furniture, and in electrical appliances such as TV sets, stereos, radios and toasters. They develop and live throughout the whole building.
