Smoky Brown Cockroach

Latin Name: Periplaneta fuliginosa

What are smokybrown cockroaches?

Smokybrown cockroaches are large cockroaches that can live close to homes, businesses, and other structures. Adults have oval-shaped bodies that are shiny and dark brown to mahogany or black in color. They also have wings that extend past the end of the abdomen and are capable of flying short distances.

Where will I find smokybrown cockroaches?

Outside, smokybrown cockroaches are often found around garden beds, gutters, decks, sidewalks, mulch, vegetation, and other protected outdoor areas. They are also attracted to outdoor lights, so homeowners may notice them around porches, doorways, windowsills, and exterior light fixtures.

When they move indoors, smokybrown cockroaches usually hide during the day in attics, bathrooms, kitchens, basements, wall voids, and other dark areas. At night, they come out to search for food and may gather near indoor lights, televisions, or other light sources. (Albemarle Termite & Pest Control, Inc)

Why do I have a smokybrown cockroach problem?

Smokybrown cockroaches are scavengers that are attracted to properties with easy access to food, moisture, and shelter. Outdoor lights can draw them close to the home, and from there, they may enter through cracks in exterior walls, gaps around windows and doors, damaged screens, or other small openings.

They may also move indoors while looking for food or trying to escape outdoor conditions that have become too hot or dry.

Are smokybrown cockroaches dangerous?

Yes, smokybrown cockroaches can be a health concern. Before entering a home or business, they may come into contact with bacteria, parasites, and other pathogens. As they move across counters, food prep areas, cabinets, floors, and stored food, they can spread contamination.

Their droppings and shed skins may also trigger allergies and asthma symptoms, especially in children and sensitive individuals.

How can I help prevent smokybrown cockroaches?

To help prevent smokybrown cockroaches, seal gaps and cracks in the foundation, exterior walls, and around doors and windows. Repair damaged screens and reduce access points around the home.

Because these roaches are attracted to lights, replace white outdoor bulbs with yellow bulbs or LED lights that are less attractive to insects. Keep mulch pulled back from the foundation, trim overgrown vegetation away from the home, and store trash cans and compost bins away from the structure with locking lids.

Moisture control is also important. Fix leaky pipes and fixtures, remove standing water, and keep basements, attics, and other areas as dry as possible. Inside, store food in airtight containers or the refrigerator and vacuum regularly to remove crumbs and food debris.

How do I get rid of smokybrown cockroaches?

Smokybrown cockroaches can be difficult to control because they live both outdoors and indoors and may enter through small openings. PestNow can inspect your home, identify activity and entry points, treat problem areas, and help reduce the conditions that attract these pests.