Parcoblatta spp.
Characteristics
Size: A number of species belong in this group.
Adults measure 1/2-inch to one inch in length.
Color: Reddish brown to dark brown,
depending on the species. Females do not have fully developed wings,
only small wing pads.
Behaviour
This species lives primarily outdoors and is considered a nuisance
pest, as it does not breed inside homes. Adult males usually mature
in June and July and are active at night. Being strong fliers, they
will readily fly to lights on buildings and may crawl inside. Where
conditions exist to support adult females and nymphs close to a
home foundation, these may wander inside occasionally throughout
the summer.
Habitat
They live among piles of leaves, mulch, lumber piles, firewood piles
and similar outdoor harborages. Homes located on wooded lots may
be more prone to encounters with these cockroaches. In extreme cases
where soffits remain moist or wet due to clogged gutters or leaks,
woods cockroaches can become established in soffits and behind fascia
boards, especially around chimneys.
Tips
for Control
Changing exterior lighting to yellow "bug" lights can
help reduce the number of cockroaches attracted to a home, as can
simply keeping lights turned off. It is also important to seal as
many exterior cracks as possible, and to ensure that all foundation
and attic vents have tight-fitting screens. Removing leaf piles,
woodpiles and other harborages is very important in minimizing the
potential number of cockroaches near the home.
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