Smokybrown Cockroach

Category:

Actual Size: 1 to 1.5”

Characteristics: Shiny reddish-brown bodies.

Legs: 6

Antennae: Yes

Wings: Yes, and both males and females can fly.

Habitat: Drawn to sheltered and secluded areas, such as basements or crawl spaces.

Habits:

  • Requires moisture to survive.
  • Capable of flying even when it is very humid outside.
  • Often invades structures but will die quickly without water.


Smokybrown Cockroaches in Memphis TN Metro Area

The smokybrown cockroach is a common tropical pest in various regions of the United States, including Texas, the Gulf Coast, Memphis TN Metro Area, and certain areas of California. Typically, this species is found outdoors in places like decorative plantings, planter boxes, woodpiles, garages, and water meter boxes. Occasionally, they may even inhabit municipal sewers. These cockroaches can invade homes, seeking shelter in areas such as attics, bathrooms, and kitchens, while also spreading bacteria. On warm, humid evenings, adult smokybrown cockroaches have the ability to fly.

Smokybrown Cockroach Habitat

To thrive, smokybrown cockroaches rely on moisture, and they are commonly found outdoors in areas like mulch, woodpiles, leaf litter, and tree bark. These locations provide them protection from drying out. Occasionally, they can be found indoors, with a preference for the upper parts of buildings. They may also reside under shingles or siding, and during the summer months, they might make their way into trees, shrubs, and other vegetation. Smokybrown cockroaches can sometimes be found in kitchens, bathrooms, attics, and near entry points such as garage and crawl space doors.

Smokybrown Cockroach Behaviors, Threats, or Dangers

While smokybrown cockroaches primarily reside outdoors, they can create issues for homeowners, particularly in humid environments. They inhabit various unsanitary locations, ranging from piles of decaying leaves to storm drains, sewers, and even feed on bird droppings. When these cockroaches enter your home, they carry harmful bacteria that can contaminate cooking and eating surfaces. Moreover, their shed skin can trigger allergies in sensitive individuals. Although they usually struggle to survive in dry indoor conditions, rare instances of indoor infestations can still happen, particularly in moist environments rich in organic matter. They are often found dead indoors likely due to dehydration. If you suspect a smokybrown cockroach infestation, it is recommended to contact a professional cockroach exterminator.