With a maximum size of about a half inch, brown banded cockroaches are among the smallest common pest cockroaches. Entering the Southeast United States through the Caribbean, these cockroaches have become recognized pests across the country. They are somewhat harder to detect than other cockroaches, being smaller and more widely distributed. They are not as water dependent as many other cockroaches and can be found in living rooms and bedrooms in addition to places with more consistent moisture. Â Brown banded cockroaches eat almost anything, again contributing to their ability to live in a variety of locations.
Due to their hiding abilities, it is important to assume that there may be an infestation even if you only find an occasional insect. They can live in higher cabinets and in furniture and can spread pathogens to any food they come into contact with. As with most cockroaches, the dust they cause can exacerbate allergy and asthma symptoms, and eradication of an infestation may require professional assistance due to the resilience and varied diet of the brown banded cockroach.
