Smokey Brown Cockroach and Their Control

How To Get Rid of Smoky Brown Cockroaches-nymphs — *Nymphs*

There are about four thousand six hundred cockroach species, out of this number there are about 30 of these roach species that are associated with and see our homes and gardens as their natural habitat. One such household cockroach is the smoky brown. This common household pest once indoors will infest and contaminate food supplies and spread diseases for example dysentery, tuberculosis, leprosy, typhoid disease, and cholera. The smokey brown cockroach is also a carrier of and spreads harmful bacteria that can cause gastroenteritis and diarrhea.

The salvia and skin of smokey brown cockroaches can trigger asthma and allergic reactions, these roaches resemble the American cockroach but have a uniform color. There are many ways the smokey brown cockroach roach enters a home. Once this environment is fit for them as a habitat they will reproduce which can lead to an infestation.

How to Identify Smokey Brown Cockroach

Smokey brown cockroaches are about 1,5 inches long, their bodies are shiny dark-brown to mahogany-colored, and both the male and the female possess fully developed wings that extend beyond their bodies. They are uniformly colored with no distinct markings, giving them a smooth, polished appearance.

Signs of Smokey Brown Cockroach

Here are some signs to look for if you think you might have smokey brown cockroaches.

Seeing them either alive or dead.
Egg cases
Roach droppings, that resemble small dark specks.
Shed skins.
Grease marks on the floor.
You see an infestation.

How Smokey Brown Enters Home and Building Structures

There are many ways that the smokey brown cockroach enters our homes, if you discover these entry points take quick action to bring control.

Through cracks and crevices in the building foundation.
Door sweeps that are damaged or missing.
Damage window screens.
Small holes where pipes enter the home
The smokey brown cockroach can hitchhike on furniture brought from a yard sale, potted plants brought indoors, boxes brought indoors, clothing, etc.. always thoroughly inspect items before bringing them indoors.
Through open windows or doors.

How to Control Smokey Brown Cockroaches Using Natural Methods

Like other roach species and rodents the smoky brown cockroach has four basic needs, water and a food source, shelter, and a nesting site, you may not want to use baits and insecticides to control the smoky brown cockroach but rather use natural means. Here are a few natural methods to control smokey cockroaches however if there is already an infestation of these roaches then natural methods alone won’t do. Pesticides and baits may be needed to bring complete control.

Make sure that your outdoor trash storage area is always kept clean with no trash or garbage on the ground.
Trash containers should always have tight-fitted lids to keep out mice, rats, flies, and other rodents.
All leaky outdoor pipes and faucets including irrigation pipes should be repaired.
Clean up fall leaves and other debris.
Remove and discard unused old boxes and papers where roaches can hide.
Store firewood as far as possible or store wood off the ground on shelves or racks that will eliminate hiding places.
Remove rotting leaves from gutter window wells.
Once your pet is finished eating rinse or wash your pet’s bowl.
Keep pet foods properly sealed.
Remove all fallen fruits and vegetables from the ground.
Make sure that your indoor living area is clutter-free.
Indoor trash cans should have a tightly fitted lid.
After preparing foods remove all food particles from the stove including cleaning grease, food particles should also be swept up from the kitchen floor and areas where foods are consumed, clean down kitchen countertops, and wipe or mop up any water spills including juice, tea, soft drinks, etc…
Fix indoor leaky pipes and faucets.
Make sure that windows and doors fit securely inside the frames to discourage roach entry points.
Repair damaged door and window screens.
Repair damaged door sweeps or replace them.
Seal cracks around doors and windows with caulk.
Seal cracks and crevices in the foundation with caulk.
Holes where pipes enter your home should be sealed with caulk, foam, or sealants to close gaps.
Place mesh screens over floor drains, vents,s, and windows.
Caulk holes around baseboards.

How to Control Smokey Brown Cockroaches with Pesticides.

Insecticides are a great way to control the smokey brown cockroach especially if there is already an infestation. However, before pesticide use make sure you are wearing the proper safety gear and read the manufacturer’s directions on the label to get the best results.

Microencapsulated or suspended concentrates Insecticides can be applied to outside areas for example, sprayed 3-6 feet up the foundation and 3-6 feet out from the foundation to act as a barrier, spray this product around dryer vents, windows, doors, and pipe openings.
Indoors this product can be applied to windows, doors, and plumbing that’s located under sinks, indoors on baseboards, basements, on the baseboard in your garage, and under the washer and dryer connections.
Insecticide dust such as D-Fense Dust can be applied in crawlspaces and your attic. The dust can be applied with a hand duster, crank-style duster, or electric-power duster.
Intice Perimeter Bait or nvict Xpress Granular Bait can be applied in and outdoors including turf areas.
Insecticide granules such as Bifen LP can be applied in mulched and pine strawed areas and around the base of your house.

Conclusion

The smokey brown cockroach is a common household pest that can be controlled by following these steps, if you want to deter these pests or bring control to an infestation this guide is here to help you. The first defence to manage roaches is sanitation and exclusion and only use pesticides and baits as needed.