How to Get Rid of Brown-Banded Cockroaches

Confirm you have brown-banded cockroaches

Start by confirming the bug. Brown-Banded Cockroaches have a few features that set them apart. Adults measure 10–14 mm (up to about 0.55 in) and are usually brown and tan. Look for these features:

• Two pale yellow bands across the wings and abdomen
• Small, light-brown body
• Found in upper cabinets, ceilings and electronics, not just kitchens

They are most often confused with German cockroach. See the full brown-banded cockroach profile for side-by-side details.

Why you have brown-banded cockroaches

Brown-Banded Cockroaches come indoors looking for food, water, warmth or shelter. Gaps around doors, windows, pipes and utility lines give them easy ways in. Clutter, leaks and food left out let a small problem grow into an infestation. They are most active in spring, summer, fall and winter, so expect to see more of them then.

When you'll see brown-banded cockroaches

Brown-Banded Cockroaches are most active in spring, summer, fall and winter. In spring, overwintering adults become active and many species lay their first eggs. Summer heat speeds up development, so populations can grow quickly. In fall, many bugs look for shelter, and some move toward or into buildings. In winter, activity continues mainly indoors in heated spaces.

Typical places to check: bedroom or bed and kitchen.

Step-by-step: getting rid of brown-banded cockroaches

Step 1: Place bait throughout the home

Place bait throughout the home, including high shelves and furniture. Combine this with the other steps rather than relying on it alone.

Step 2: Inspect used furniture

Inspect used furniture and electronics before bringing them inside. Repeat this for at least two to three weeks, since eggs and hidden insects keep appearing for a while.

Step 3: Vacuum egg cases found under furniture

Vacuum egg cases found under furniture and shelves. This is the step most people skip, and it is the one that makes the biggest difference.

Natural and low-toxicity options

These methods work well alongside the steps above and keep chemical use to a minimum:

• Vacuum insects and egg cases, then empty the canister outdoors right away.
• Wipe surfaces with soapy water to remove scent trails and residue.
• Place sticky traps to find out where activity is highest.
• Run a dehumidifier where damp areas attract them.

If you do use a pesticide, choose one labeled for this pest and the place you're treating, and follow the label exactly. The label is the law.

When to call a professional

Call a licensed pest control company if you still see brown-banded cockroaches after three to four weeks of steady effort, if they are spreading to several rooms, or if you share walls with neighbors who have the same problem.

How to keep brown-banded cockroaches from coming back

• Seal cracks and gaps with caulk and install door sweeps.
• Store food in sealed containers and take out trash often.
• Fix leaky pipes and faucets and keep basements dry.
• Trim shrubs and branches so they don't touch the house.
• Keep firewood, mulch and debris away from the foundation.

Safety notes

They carry bacteria and allergens like other cockroaches but are not known to bite.

Keep children and pets away from any traps, baits or treated areas.

About cockroaches

The brown-banded cockroach is one of the cockroaches. Cockroaches are ancient, flat-bodied insects that hide in narrow cracks during the day and forage at night. Females produce egg cases called oothecae, each holding a dozen to about 40 eggs depending on the species. Nymphs look like small, wingless adults.

Seeing a cockroach during the day can be a sign of a large population, because crowded hiding spots push some roaches out into the open.

Frequently asked questions