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Size: |
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Adult males are about 1 inch (25 mm) long; females are about 1 1/4 inches (32 mm) long. Wings in males cover 75% of abdomen; female’s wings are much smaller. |
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Characteristics: |
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Commonly know as the "waterbug". Associated with areas of high moisture. Found commonly in damp, warm conditions. Seen outside on warm nights. |
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Color: |
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Usually shiny black, dark brown, or varies to a dark reddish brown. |
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Where Found: |
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Originated in North Africa and now found throughout the world. |
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Comparison: |
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Also known as a Shad Roach, Black Beetle, or Water Bug. Smoky Brown Cockroach: wings extend to tip of abdomen. American Cockroach/Australian and Brown Cockroaches: wings extend to tip of abdomen, pale markings; American is also larger. Other roaches: smaller or larger, with fully developed wings, not uniformly black, and/or not found in buildings. |
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Habitat: |
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Damp locations Outdoors: under stones, in leaf litter and other debris; Indoors: in spaces within walls, crawl spaces, basements, floor drains. May crawl up along water pipes to second floor. Usually found in lower cabinets in kitchens. |
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Food: |
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A variety of food, especially starches. Also eat organic matter that is in the process of decaying. |
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Biology: |
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Female usually deposits egg capsule within about a day after formation. May be dropped onto or glued to a surface that is warm and protected, and near a source of food. Females produce on average of 8 egg capsules (15 eggs each) during lifetime. Development from egg to adult varies depending on temperature; at room temperature it takes about 20 months. Adults live from about 1 to 6 months. |
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Damage: |
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Nuisance to humans, and feeds on filth, which increases potential as disease transmitters. This species also has a strong odor. |
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Invasion: |
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They enter around doors, along pipes and air ducts, through drains and unscreened ventilation openings. |
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Control: |
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Outside treatment is important for control of this insect. When noted inside, treatments should be made to both interior and exterior areas. Preparation will be necessary. Emptying lower cupboards in kitchen and bathrooms and treating cracks within is recommended. On the exterior, cracks in concrete walkways and hollow block walls should be treated. Garage area should also be inspected and treated, especially the expansion joint between the concrete slab and foundation. Areas that accumulate moisture should be inspected and treated. Often, 7-10 days are required for control as more insects come in contact with the material. There are cockroach baits available, but due to competition with other food available, may not produce a quick ‘knock-down’ of the population or satisfactory long-term results. Due to the thoroughness required during the treatment process, you may want to use a professional exterminator. Continued monitoring and possible additional treatments may be necessary. Contacting the insects with the material is essential to control. Use of residual liquid pesticides and dust formulations injected in wall voids is recommended. When using any pesticide, be sure it is registered for the target pest/location. Read the entire label prior to use. Follow all label directions, restrictions, and precautions. |
