Brown-banded cockroaches are a common problem in Florida, especially in warm, dry climates. Unlike German cockroaches or American cockroaches, they prefer high, hidden spaces.
An infestation can spread quickly, bringing pathogens and allergens into your home. They can also trigger asthma attacks, so getting rid of them fast is important.
Here’s what you need to do to get rid of brown-banded cockroaches.
Key Takeaways
- Brown-banded cockroaches have brown bodies with two light bands and hide in dry areas like attics and storage rooms.
- Food crumbs, cardboard, and wallpaper glue attract cockroaches, so keeping food sealed and fixing leaks helps.
- Cracks, cabinets, and picture frames provide hiding spots, so sealing gaps and using bait stations can eliminate them.
- Professional pest control services offer free inspections and custom treatment plans when DIY methods do not work.
1. Spot the Signs of a Brown-Banded Cockroach Infestation
Before starting cockroach control, make sure you’re dealing with brown-banded cockroaches and not another cockroach species. These roaches have brown bodies with two light bands across their wings.
Unlike German roaches, they don’t need much moisture, so you’ll find them in dry areas like attics, basements, and storage rooms.
Look for droppings on countertops, inside pantries, or near food sources. Also, check for egg cases (also called ootheca or egg capsules) stuck to furniture or walls.
2. Remove Their Food and Water Sources
Brown-banded cockroaches are scavengers, meaning they will eat almost anything.
To make your home less inviting, keep food in airtight containers or sealed containers, and clean up crumbs daily. They also feed on starches found in wallpaper glue, book bindings, and cardboard.
Fix leaks and remove standing water sources, as even a little moisture can help them survive.
3. Seal Entry Points and Hiding Spots
They can squeeze into small cracks and crevices, so sealing entry points is important.
Use caulk to close gaps around doors, baseboards, and windows. Since these pests prefer dry areas, check upper cabinets and shelving for signs of activity.
4. Use Baits, Repellents, and Insect Growth Regulators
Bait stations are one of the best ways to eliminate a roach infestation. Place them in closets, upper cabinets, and behind picture frames, where roaches tend to hide.
Insect growth regulators (IGRs) also help break the life cycle by preventing nymphs from becoming adults. Boric acid is another DIY solution that can be sprinkled in areas where cockroach eggs may be developing.
5. Declutter and Improve Cleaning Habits
Brown-banded cockroaches thrive in cluttered spaces, which provide plenty of hiding spots. Reduce clutter in closets, pantries, and basements, and avoid stacking paper or cardboard boxes.
Keeping your home clean also helps reduce allergens that can lead to asthma attacks.
6. Call a Professional Pest Control Company
If DIY methods don’t work, you may need professional pest control.
At Rowland Pest Management, we use integrated pest management techniques to eliminate brown-banded cockroaches. Our pest control services include a free inspection, and our exterminators will create a treatment plan tailored to your home.
Keep Your Home Pest-Free
After removing the infestation, take steps to keep your home pest-free. Continue sealing crevices, storing food in airtight containers, and scheduling regular pest control services.
If you need expert help to get rid of brown-banded cockroaches in Casselberry, FL, contact us today for a free quote
Frequently Asked Questions
Still have questions about brown-banded cockroaches? Here are some common concerns homeowners may have that weren’t covered in the main discussion.
Can brown-banded cockroaches spread diseases to humans?
Yes, brown-banded cockroaches can spread bacteria and allergens that trigger asthma and allergies. They contaminate food and surfaces by leaving behind droppings, shed skins, and saliva, which may carry harmful pathogens.
Do brown-banded cockroaches fly, and how far can they travel?
Male brown-banded cockroaches can fly short distances, but females cannot. They mostly crawl and spread quickly by hiding in furniture, electronics, and walls, making it easy for them to move throughout a home.
How long does it take to get rid of a brown-banded cockroach infestation?
Getting rid of them depends on the infestation size. A small problem may take a few weeks, but larger infestations can take months, especially if professional pest control is needed for complete elimination.
