How To Get Rid of Brown Banded Cockroaches?
Brown-banded cockroaches pretty much infest everywhere in most homes, but if you have already seen those pests running around, here’s what you need to know regarding the proper ways of identification as well as eliminating them so you can maintain your house roach-free.
Here in this guide, we covered some of the basic things that anyone could do to remove brown-banded cockroaches and avoid infestations to stay safe.
Important Things to Identify Brown Banded Cockroaches
Before you even fight these pests, you’ll have to be able to identify them. Brown-banded cockroaches are smaller than some species, even compared to the German cockroach. They average 1/2 to 5/8 inches in length.
Roaches of this species tend to have light brown coloration and two very apparent bands of color across their wings, even on their nymphs. Their bodies are longer and flat and can be a bit more challenging to discern than other larger species.
These cockroaches do not have a strong odor and are easy to overlook until the population grows large. The male body is elongated with wings that are even longer than its abdomen while the female’s body is almost similar and more in width with wings that are shorter.
Reproduction and Lifecycle
There are three stages in the lifecycle of the brown-banded roaches: egg, nymph and adult. The female cockroach lays the egg case; this is known as an ootheca, with 14 to 18 eggs inside. These egg cases are actually placed inside crevices or behind furniture or appliances.
The gestation period takes about 24 to 38 days, upon which time nymphs appear. Nymphs are little adults but lack fully developed wings. It takes about 5 to 6 weeks for nymphs to develop into full adults, and this cycle repeats very fast, causing a rapid population increase.
Behavior and Habitat
They prefer warmer, drier environments. Unlike other cockroach species, they can often be seen in places like closets, electronic appliances and even research labs. This nocturnal pest scavenges for food mostly at night. They are good climbers. They can be seen climbing on walls and ceilings, especially where temperatures tend to rise above 80°F.
They may be a common sight near heat sources such as an electric kitchen and water heaters because they require a warm place.
Diet Habit
These cockroaches prefer starchy, carbohydrate-based foods. Apart from the regular food items like crumbs and spills, they can even survive om glue, cardboard, and paper which are their special attractions
7 Easy Ways to Get Rid of Brown-Banded Cockroaches
1. Properly Identify
The first measure that can be used in the prevention and treatment of cockroach infestations is correct species identification. Brown-banded cockroaches usually do not collect in areas of high moisture like other species. Thus, ensure that you check every nook and cranny within your house so you can find and identify them.
2. Clean It Up
Roaches come inside to seek food and find shelter. To keep them from hanging around, remove what keeps them coming. Clean your house by regularly vacuuming, clean spills when they happen, and never leave dishes overnight in the sink. Keep food sealed when stored, and trash them as well.
3. Seal Them Out
Cracks as tiny as 1/4 inch can let cockroaches pass through. Seal cracks around doors, windows, and utility pipes. Also, check the foundations and seal them up.
4. Use Non-Toxic Repellents
There are numerous organic ways that the brown-banded roaches can be repelled. This includes peppermint oil, catnip plants, and bay leaves. These may be of great use in keeping the pests away without using chemical pesticides. Peppermint oil may be a reasonable value to acquire in trying to repel roaches.
5. Call a Professional
If the infestation appears too severe, it is already time to call a licensed exterminator. Professionals can check your house properly, identify the species of roach, and give a good treatment plan.
6. Use Cockroach Baits
Cockroach baits should be placed in areas to attract and kill them and gradually reduce their population.
Early Signs of Brown Banded Cockroach Infestation
The presence of cockroaches could be identified through their droppings. Droppings are small in size and dark in color. They can almost be confused as it is about the same color as that of black pepper or coffee grounds. They can be found in areas where roaches often visit such as kitchen counters, under sinks, and even behind some furniture.
What to Do to Deal with a Brown Banded Cockroach Infestation
Sanitize Your Home
Keep your home clean and roach-free at all times. Vacuum crumbs and pieces of food on the floor, especially where there are furniture and machines. Clean all surfaces as well. Pack foods in sealed containers and collect garbage as often as you can. A roach-free home keeps away the possibility of letting roaches have their chance to invite themselves in.
Keep the Humidity Level Balanced
Cockroaches like damp areas. Prevent infestation by lowering humidity in your home, in particular in areas such as the basement and the kitchen.
Conclusion
You have to work hard from head to toe if you want a permanent solution against brown-banded cockroaches. But you can make things easier for yourself with the right steps and correct knowledge. If you’re going to make your home a roach-free zone, you have to understand roaches’ behavior, how they live, what they eat, and what they like or dislike, or anything.
By understanding these things and using natural remedies or taking the help of professional pest control, you can make these roaches run miles away from your home.
FAQs
Q1: How can I identify a brown-banded cockroach?
Brown-banded cockroaches can be identified by their light brown color, with two distinctive brown bands across their wings. They are smaller than other roach species, measuring around 1/2 to 5/8 inch in length. Male cockroaches have longer wings, while females are broader with shorter wings.
Q2: What do brown-banded cockroaches eat?
These roaches are attracted to starchy and carbohydrate-rich foods, such as bread, cereals, and certain fruits. They also feed on organic materials like paper, cardboard, and glue.
Q3: How do I know if my house has brown-banded cockroaches?
You can spot an infestation by finding egg cases (ootheca), nymphs, droppings that resemble black pepper or shed exoskeletons. These signs indicate an active infestation.
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