Periplaneta filiginosa
Characteristics
Size: As large as 1-1/2 inches in length.
Color: Dark mahogany brown.
Behaviour
This cockroach is a ready flier and easily travels from trees onto
houses. It is commonly attracted to homes to feed on improperly
maintained trash containers and pet food on patios and decks. Once
by the house, the insect may then enter.
Habitat
The smoky brown cockroach usually invades the attic or crawl space
where it finds conditions similar to those found within a tree hole.
Once populations grow large inside these areas, the cockroaches
regularly venture down into the home. The occasional cockroach may
wander into a home from harborage outside but chronic infestations
are most always associated with attic or crawl space populations.
Research has shown that attics and crawl spaces that have good ventilation
are less likely to have these cockroaches living within them.
Tips
for Control
The best way to control smoky brown cockroaches is to determine
the source and treat it directly, usually with a cockroach bait
product. To keep these cockroaches from invading, the following
steps are helpful:
-
Ensure the attic and/or crawl space has sufficient
ventilation. Research has shown that proper ventilation creates
an environment unsuitable for cockroaches and other pests. It
also improves the heating and cooling efficiency of the home.
-
Make sure that all foundation and attic vents
are equipped with tight-fitting screens.
-
Seal as many exterior cracks and holes as
possible on the outside of the home.
-
Do not allow pet food to sit out overnight.
Pick it up after outdoor pets are finished eating.
-
Store firewood as far from the house as possible,
locating it off the ground and covering it with a tarp or plastic.
-
Eliminate piles of lumber and debris where
cockroaches could harbor.
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a member of THE PEST CONTROL ASSOCIATION OF MALAYSIA