Identification

​ Appearance
The Smoky brown cockroach is a common pest in Australia. This primarily outdoor pest gets its name from its uniform brownish-black coloration and, as adults, can reach a length of 38 mm. These strong flyers have wings that extend beyond their body.

Behavior, Diet & Habits
Outdoors, smoky brown cockroaches can be found in areas that are warm, very moist and protected from the elements. Since this insect is prone to dehydration, the availability of a moist environment is critical for its survival. Around homes and structures, the smokybrown cockroach can be found in tree holes and cavities, beneath mulch beds and ground cover, and around soffits and eaves, or areas where moisture problems may exist. The smoky brown cockroach can easily penetrate buildings  through openings or gaps beneath siding, through attic or soffit vents, openings around utility and plumbing penetrations, and through open windows or doors.

Smoky brown cockroach feeding activity is most evident during the late dusk or early dawn hours when the insects leave their hiding places in search of food. These opportunistic feeders will utilize any food that may be available, including human food scraps, dead insects, fecal matter and even plant materials. It is also not uncommon to see these insects taking a drink when water is available.

Reproduction
Dependent upon environmental conditions, the development time for a smokybrown cockroach, from egg to adult, can vary greatly, with a range of 160 days to 716 days. As adults, a female smokybrown lives an average of 218 days, and a male will live, on average, 215 days. During her lifetime, a female will produce an average of 10 egg cases, or ootheca, with an average of 20 eggs per case. These egg cases are then attached to a protected surface within a day of production, where they will remain until the young hatch.

Signs of a Smokybrown Cockroach Infestation

Sightings
Smokybrown cockroaches are a more regionally important species, impacting the southeastern United States. These insects are commonly found outdoors and can be seen primarily at night, walking in search of food around landscaping beds, running in and out of ivy or other ground cover, and in and around gutters and fascia of homes and structures. These insects then become a pest when, attracted by interior lights, they gain entry into a home or structure through openings in windows, doors and other gaps into the home.

Droppings
Fecal material and droppings can be evident in areas that the smokybrown cockroach frequents.

Egg Capsules
Attached to a surface within a day of production, the 11 to 14 mm long, dark-brown to black egg case, or ootheca, may be observed in areas that the smokybrown cockroach frequents.

More Information
Although smokybrown cockroaches are related to the American cockroaches, they are slightly smaller in size and uniformly mahogany in color. Nymphs are the same color as adults and their antenna tips are white. Smokybrown cockroaches can grow up to 38 mm in length. Both sexes have wings that are longer than their abdomens. Smokeybrown cockroaches are capable of flying, and they are attracted to light.