Smokybrown Cockroach

Periplaneta fuliginosa (Serville)

Description

The Smokybrown cockroach is closely related to the American cockroach , but is a uniform shiny, dark-brown or mahogany color. It is about 1 ¼ to 1 3/8 inches long; the wings of both sexes cover the abdomen. The female Smokybrown has a broader abdomen than that of the male and lacks styli. Young nymphs have white markings on the thorax and abdomen, and on some antennal segments. Older nymphs are uniformly dark brown.  Reported in Florida as early as 100 years ago, this roach has become a major pest in many parts of the United States.  It is most prevalent in the moist regions, Gulf Coast states and southern and eastern portions of Mississippi.  Due to its large size and the speed at which it moves, this is not one of the most popular visitors in any home.  Image

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Habitat

The Smokybrown cockroach has a great tendency to lose moisture through the cuticle and thus requires water every two to three days.  These requirements are important to remember when implementing your roach extermination program.  This pest is most likely found in areas which are protected, moist, dark, relatively warm and free from the desiccating effects of air flow.  In nature, tree holes and the canopies of palm trees offer the ideal environment in which this bug can thrive.  The home equivalent of these conditions include:

• Block Walls
• Flower Beds
• Any Mulched Areas
• Attics or Soffits with Moisture Problems
• Damp Basements
• Any Dark, Poorly Ventilated Area

Control

Smokybrown cockroach elimination:

1. Eliminate or alter any conditions which encourage the presence and/or reproduction of the roaches.  These pests thrive in dark, humid areas which have little or no air flow.
2. Spray exterior of structure with Suspend SC, Demon WP or Cynoff WP.  These odorless insecticides will give a quick knockdown of bugs while lasting for several weeks, usually yielding about 90 day residual.  Spray any crack, crevice or entry point on the outside of the structure.  This includes treating around all windows, doors, vents and in weep holes of brick veneer.
   Also spray tree trunks, from ground to crotch of tree, but no higher than six feet.  All mulched areas should be sprayed with your insecticide.
   These exterior surfaces should be treated 3 to 4 times each year.
3. If necessary, spray indoors in the following areas: basements, garages, carports, attics, closets, laundry rooms.  Also treat beneath and behind large appliances (refrigerators, stoves, etc.) or other areas where these roaches prefer to hide.  (Spraying all of your baseboards with any bug spray is not necessary!)
   Indoor areas should be treated 2 to 3 times per year.
4. Hollow blocks or other areas such as behind brick walls and along plumbing lines should be treated with Delta Dust.  Although many dusts will kill roaches, Delta Dust is water-proof and will not be destroyed by the moist habitat of the Smokybrown as would other dusts.  For deeper penetration and better distribution of your insecticide dust, use a Crusader Duster.
   Delta Dust should be used once each year or as needed.

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