| Scientific name | Periplaneta fuliginosa |
|---|---|
| Group | Cockroaches |
| Size | 30–38 mm (up to about 1.5 in) |
| Colors | Brown and Black |
| Legs | 6 legs |
| Wings | Yes |
| Where found | Indoors, anywhere, Yard or patio and Trees or shrubs |
| Most active | Summer and Fall |
| Bites | No |
| Stings | No |
| Risk level | Nuisance |
How to identify it
The smokybrown cockroach is a large member of the cockroaches group. Flat, oval bodies, long antennae and a shield covering the head. Check for these three features:
- Shiny, uniformly dark brown body with no markings
- Strong flier that is attracted to lights
- Found in attics, gutters and mulch beds
About this bug
A large, uniformly dark mahogany cockroach common in the humid Southeast. It lives outdoors in tree holes, mulch and gutters and flies toward lights at night.
You'll usually find smokybrown cockroaches indoors, in yards and on patios and on trees and shrubs. They are most active in summer and fall.
Is it dangerous?
Smokybrown cockroaches can carry bacteria indoors from mulch and garbage.
Our rating: Nuisance, meaning it is a nuisance pest but not a health threat to most people.
When you'll see smokybrown cockroaches
Smokybrown Cockroaches are most active in summer and fall. Summer heat speeds up development, so populations can grow quickly. In fall, many bugs look for shelter, and some move toward or into buildings.
Typical places to check: indoors, anywhere, yard or patio and trees or shrubs.
About cockroaches
The smokybrown 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.
What to do about it
- Clean gutters and pull mulch back from the foundation
- Seal gaps around eaves, vents and attic openings
- Use granular bait outdoors around the perimeter
Read the full guide: how to get rid of smokybrown cockroaches.
Bugs that look similar
Size: American Cockroaches are larger, reaching 53 mm, while smokybrown cockroaches top out around 38 mm.
Size: Smokybrown Cockroaches are larger, reaching 38 mm, while Oriental cockroaches top out around 30 mm.
Frequently asked questions
What does a smokybrown cockroach look like?
Shiny, uniformly dark brown body with no markings. Adults measure 30–38 mm (up to about 1.5 in).
Does the smokybrown cockroach bite or sting?
It does not bite. It does not sting. Smokybrown cockroaches can carry bacteria indoors from mulch and garbage.
Where do smokybrown cockroaches live?
Smokybrown Cockroaches live indoors, in yards and on patios and on trees and shrubs.
When are smokybrown cockroaches most active?
Mostly in summer and fall.