Did you know that a single brown-banded cockroach can produce up to 13 egg cases in its lifetime? This small, but prolific, domestic cockroach species is a common household pest found throughout the United States, excluding Alaska. The brown-banded cockroach, scientifically known as Supella longipalpa (Fabricius), is a fascinating insect that derives its name from the two prominent bands present on its nymphs and adults.
The brown-banded cockroach resembles the German cockroach (Blattella germanica) in its small size and body shape, but can be distinguished by the absence of two dark pronotal stripes. This species is sometimes referred to as the “furniture cockroach” due to its tendency to distribute throughout residences, including non-food-containing environments such as the bedroom, under tables, and behind pictures on the walls. The brown-banded cockroach is believed to have been transported from Cuba to the United States, where it was first collected in 1903 in Miami, Florida. Today, this brown-banded cockroach is present in most states in the US (probably not in Alaska), preferring buildings maintained at relatively high temperatures.
Key Takeaways
- The brown-banded cockroach is a small, domestic cockroach species found throughout the United States, excluding Alaska.
- It derives its name from the two prominent bands present on its nymphs and adults.
- The brown-banded cockroach resembles the German cockroach but can be distinguished by the absence of two dark pronotal stripes.
- It is sometimes referred to as the “furniture cockroach” due to its tendency to distribute throughout residences.
- The brown-banded cockroach is believed to have been transported from Cuba to the United States, where it was first collected in 1903 in Miami, Florida.
Introduction to Brown-banded Cockroaches
The brown-banded cockroach, Supella longipalpa (Fabricius), is a small domestic cockroach species. This species derives its name from two prominent bands present on nymphs and adults.
Common Name and Scientific Name
The brown-banded cockroach, Supella longipalpa (Fabricius), is a small domestic cockroach species.
Origin and Distribution
Rehn (1945) suggested the origin of the brown-banded cockroach is Africa. Additionally, this species is thought to have been transported from Cuba to the United States, where it was collected in 1903 in Miami (Rehn 1945). Several records in Europe suggested the brown-banded cockroach was introduced by U.S. troops during World War II, across the Atlantic and Pacific Ocean in the late 1940s or early 1950s (Schal 2011). In North America, the brown-banded cockroach is thought to be present in most states (probably not in Alaska), in buildings maintained at relatively high temperature (Ebeling 1978).
Physical Description
The adult males (13-14.5 mm) are longer than the adult females (10-12 mm), but females are more robust (Cornwell 1968). Two dark bands consisting of horizontal stripes can be found on the closed wings of the adults (Figure 4). The males fly when disturbed and the females cannot fly (Ebeling 1978). Males have wings covering the full length of the abdomen, however the wings of females are shorter than the abdomen. Additionally, the female brown-banded cockroach has a distinctly larger abdomen than the male. Two light colored bands are present behind the posterior margin of the mesonotum (the second segment of the thorax) and dorsal side of the first several segments of abdomen (Figure 4), distinguishing the nymphs from other cockroach species.
Brown-banded Cockroach Habitats and Behaviors
Brown-banded cockroaches can be found within furniture and other household items but show a preference for drier locations in warmer areas above 80 degrees. They tend to be found in higher locations than most other cockroach species, taking shelter in upper cabinets in kitchens and bathrooms, as well as congregating near ceilings. However, these roaches often hide their egg cases in or under furniture. Brown-banded cockroaches also like to live among electronic equipment, such as refrigerator motors, and tend to avoid water and bright light.
Preferred Living Conditions
The brown-banded cockroach will feed on almost anything, even other cockroach species. Their diet consists of trash, food items, drapes and boxes and also items with high starch levels like wallpaper glue and book bindings. They may also feed on dyes and pastes, including portions of envelopes and wallpaper. These pests are often carried into the home via infested food, furniture, or grocery items, and then rarely leave once inside. These roaches will remain anywhere they have access to food and a warm, dry shelter.
Feeding Habits
Being nocturnal, brown-banded cockroaches are often most active at night. However, they can be found during the day, typically looking for food. They enter homes and structures looking for shelter and once they find it, they will remain hidden for the majority of the day. If disturbed, males will take flight while females will run away.
Nocturnal Activity
Brown-banded Cockroach Life Cycle
The ootheca (egg case) of this species is relatively small (5 mm), with a yellowish or reddish-brown color (Schal 2011). The females normally carry the fully developed ootheca at the tip of their abdomen for 24 to 36 hours and attach it to coarse surfaces such as cardboard or sand after the ootheca is hardened (Benson and Huber, 1988). Oothecae are commonly found in clusters when population density is high (Schal 2011). Each ootheca usually contains 18 eggs, with an average hatch rate of 13.2% (Ebeling 1978).
Two light colored bands are present behind the posterior margin of the mesonotum (the second segment of the thorax) and dorsal side of the first several segments of abdomen (Figure 4), distinguishing the brown-banded cockroach nymphs from other cockroach species.
The life cycle of the brown-banded cockroach consists of the eggs (enclosed in an ootheca), 6-8 nymphal instars and the adults (Cornwell 1968). According to Tsai and Chi (2007), the life history of this species varies significantly with temperature. At the highest temperature (33°C) tested, preadult development (including eggs and nymph stage) took about 80 days, with both sexes of adults living for about 80 days. However, preadult development took 124 days, with both sexes of adults living for about 60 days at 25°C. Each adult female was shown to produce about 13 oothecae in her lifetime at 33°C. Tsai and Chi (2007) concluded that the brown-banded cockroach was expected to establish and thrive in environments with temperatures ranging from 25°C to 33°C.
Health Concerns and Medical Importance
Domestic cockroaches such as the German cockroach and brown-banded cockroach are closely associated with humans and have the potential to adversely affect human health. According to Kramer and Brenner (2009), cockroaches are recognized as one of the most important sources of allergens, with about half of asthmatics allergic to cockroaches. Allergens from cockroaches include cast skins and excrement. Some symptoms of cockroach-induced allergies include sneezing, skin reactions, and eye irritation (Wirtz 1980).
Allergens and Asthma Triggers
The brown-banded cockroach allergens can trigger asthmatic reactions in individuals who are sensitive to them. Exposure to these allergens can lead to increased respiratory distress, wheezing, and other allergy-related symptoms. Maintaining a clean and cockroach-free environment is crucial for those with asthma or other respiratory conditions.
Pathogen Transmission
Brown-banded cockroaches are known to spread at least 33 different kinds of bacteria, making them a concern for any homeowner. Foraging cockroaches can be vectors of disease, depositing germs or bacteria in areas they inhabit and causing asthma attacks in some people sensitive to cockroach allergens. E. coli and Salmonella are both commonly spread by brown-banded cockroaches and can cause gastroenteritis and diarrhea.
Signs of Brown-banded Cockroach Infestation
Identifying a brown-banded cockroach infestation can be challenging, as these pests tend to hide in hard-to-reach areas. However, there are several telltale signs that can indicate their presence. The most obvious sign is the presence of their distinctive droppings – small, black specks or smears that are often found in cabinets, around ceiling light fixtures, and other areas where the brown-banded cockroaches spend a lot of time.
Another key indicator of a brown-banded cockroach infestation are the yellowish egg cases, or oothecae, that the female roaches lay. These cases are less than 5mm long and are commonly found underneath furniture or in other secluded spots. As the embryos inside the egg cases develop, they may become visible, further confirming the infestation.
Perhaps the most definitive sign of a brown-banded cockroach problem is the sighting of the actual cockroaches themselves. If you spot even a single brown-banded cockroach, it is important to have a professional pest inspection performed, as this likely indicates the presence of a larger infestation nearby.
Conclusion
If there is evidence of a brown-banded cockroach infestation, it is crucial to contact a licensed pest professional immediately to inspect and address the problem. An integrated pest management (IPM) approach, which may involve the use of baited traps, structural modifications, and targeted insecticide application when necessary, can be effective in controlling brown-banded cockroach populations. Additionally, research has shown that a parasitic wasp, Comperia merceti (Hymenoptera: Encyrtidae), is capable of parasitizing the oothecae (egg cases) of the brown-banded cockroach, leading to the collapse of the cockroach population.
Proactive measures, such as maintaining clean and dry living conditions, can also help prevent brown-banded cockroach infestations. By addressing the problem promptly and utilizing a multifaceted approach, homeowners and business owners can effectively manage brown-banded cockroach infestations and maintain a healthy, pest-free environment.
Remember, early detection and prompt action are key to effectively controlling brown-banded cockroaches and preventing the spread of potential health issues associated with these pests. Contact a professional pest management provider to develop a comprehensive plan for brown-banded cockroach extermination and control in your home or facility.
