The male and the female are about one inch in length. The female differs in appearance from the male which often leads homeowners to believe they have two types of cockroaches. The female is black, oval in shape and has no wings but has two small wing pads just behind the thoracic "shield" where the male is thinner in shape, about the same length, and has two brown wings that extend partway down the abdomen.
This cockroach is a pest in homes throughout much of the United States. During the summer, they move outdoors where they may venture into neighboring buildings. During the colder months, they reinvade homes, establishing themselves in basements and crawl spaces. This cockroach commonly inhabits sewers and storm culverts and will enter buildings through floor drains. It will also live outdoors in firewood, leaf litter, sheds, dog houses, and similar locations. Indoors, the basement, crawl space, and occasionally the attic will be the primary harborage for this pest.
Eliminating or minimizing potential harborages outside is the best way to limit infestations of these cockroaches. Sealing cracks in the buildings exterior helps prevent these pests from entering and also installing screening in all vents is important. |
