Latin: Supella longipalpa
It is believed that the brown-banded cockroach – with the Latin name Supella longipalpa – originated in Africa. But over the past few centuries, the brown-banded cockroach has found its way to all tropical and subtropical locations across the Earth.
The brown-banded cockroach is also found on Danish soil, after it first began to appear in this country in the 1970’s. Although the brown-banded cockroach has also taken over Danish territory, it must be seen beaten by its fellow species – the German cockroach, as the German variant is by far the most common cockroach in Denmark.
Appearance
The brown-banded cockroach measures around 1.0 – 1.4 cm when fully grown. The color of the cockroach is light brown, and down over the back runs two lighter brown bands that have given it its characteristic name. At the front of the head, it has two long feeler horns. The female’s wings do not completely cover the hind body and she is slightly wider than the male.
Biology and behavior
The brown-banded cockroach originates as described from the warmer countries. Therefore, it also requires a certain amount of heat to thrive. In fact, the cockroach prefers warm temperatures between 25°C and 30°C.
Therefore, it often finds its way into dry and heated rooms, such as a living rooms, bedrooms, or the like. It also likes to search behind appliances that emit heat, such as a television. It is this behavior that has given the brown-banded cockroach the nickname “TV cockroach”.
The brown-banded cockroach is not exactly a picky as it can devour pretty much anything. Ranging from dead insects to breadcrumbs and organic waste. It is categorized as nocturnal and likes to hide in places that are located high, such as shelves.
When the brown-banded cockroach must lay its eggs, they are placed in capsules. Each capsule can contain about 10 to 20 eggs, and the female can lay about 5 to 20 capsules in her lifetime. The female lays the capsule in protected areas where there is a good temperature. The warmer it is, the faster the process of hatching the little nymphs goes. This means that a fluctuation between 20°C and 30°C can result in the development process lasting anywhere from 6 to about 8 weeks.
At 25°C there is a hatching time of approx. 70 days, and the development from egg to adult takes approx. 160 days at these temperatures.
The cockroach undergoes 6-8 nymph stages before it is fully mature. Again, temperature plays a significant role, and the development can last between almost 2 months to about ½ years.
The brown-banded cockroach produces about half as many offspring as the German cockroach.
Damage
If the brown-banded cockroach has found its way into one’s home, it as such does not pose the great damage. However, cockroaches can act as carriers of diseases and cause allergic reactions, which is why it is wise to fight them. They can also gnaw at stationery, paintings, and documents.
Prevention and pest control
The best attack is defense when it comes to cockroaches. It is important to make the home as uninviting to the brown-banded cockroach as possible. This means paying attention to areas that could be obvious hiding places for the cockroach, such as behind electrical appliances that emit heat. Therefore, make sure to place the appliances at a good distance from the wall or other furniture so that you do not inadvertently form a dark and comfortable space for the cockroach. Also, be thorough with the cleaning and vacuuming in such areas.
If a major attack by cockroaches is found, one should find the animals’ hiding places. In this way, the control can be concentrated in the correct areas, and the chance of killing the cockroaches will be greater. It can be difficult to find the cockroaches’ hiding places. But they leave traces. Watch out for brown stripes around pipe penetrations, as these can be excrement from the cockroach.
The cockroach is nocturnal as described. Therefore, it only appears in the dark. If you suspect that there are cockroaches in a room, leave the light off for some time. When you suddenly turn on the light, you will probably spot the cockroaches darting across the floor to their respective hiding places.
It may be necessary to control the cockroach with chemical pesticides. Often, these products will act as poison belts, which the cockroach is forced to pass in search of food or water. The product is applied to areas that the cockroach often passes, such as along panels, at the pipe penetration or behind electrical appliances. There are also different types of insect sprays that can be used for this purpose. It can be an advantage to try different methods and products, as the cockroaches can develop a form of resistance to certain products if used regularly. Please note that products must not be used in areas where they may come into direct contact with food.
"Pests in House and Home"
"Bed Bugs - Bites, Stings and Itches"
"Food Pests"
"Husets dyreliv" (Insects Around the House - Only danish)
"Skadedyr i træ" (Timber Pests - Only danish)
"Stuefluen" (Common Housefly - Only danish)