Brown-banded Cockroach

What Is That Critter?

For us Top End locals, cockroaches are a part of every day living in the tropics. We have big ugly ones, little ugly ones, and some in between ugly ones but unfortunate no cute ones. So what is this menagerie of cockroach species and how can you identify them. In this blog series 'cockroach identification' we are going to help you to identify types of cockroaches species, their preferred hangouts and tell tale signs of cockroach activity.

The Brown-banded Cockroach

The brown-banded cockroach is by far the most prevalent species you will encounter in Darwin. If you have been in Darwin more than a month, most of you would have seen these guys hanging around your kitchens and bathroom if not throughout your entire home. They are highly adaptable, need little food and like to harbour close to there water and food sources. 

Appearance - 12 mm long light brown in colour and has two light coloured bands across its wings. The male is long and slender and has a tendency to fly, the female is broader and stout. (male pictured above)

Harbourages - They need food, water and a safe shelter, The most common places to find these little guys is under bench tops, in the cracks and crevices, behind tiles, tiny nocks and gaps, toasters, coffee machines, knife blocks, dishwashers, under tables and chairs, children's high chairs, behind pictures, stored papers and they love anything made of wicker. Brown-banded cockroaches will set camp just about anywhere as long as there is a food source, water and shelter. 

Signs of Activity - Often you realise just how bad the problem has become the night you need to journey to the kitchen to heat up the baby bottle or grab that cold slice of pizza after a big evening. Turn on the light and there is a party going on and no one invited you. Brown-banded cockroaches, like all cockroaches are most active at night. When the house is silent and dark they will become active foraging. Other then actually seeing the cockroach there are sure indications of a cockroach infestation. 'Pepper' or droppings are the best indication of Brown-banded cockroaches. Look at your self tops in the cupboards or under appliances on your bench tops. If you are seeing small piles of what appears to be 'pepper' you know you have cockroaches harbouring there.