Surinam Cockroach

Characteristics

Size:

Adults measure 3/4-inch in length.

Color:

Pronotum (head area) is dark brown to black, while the wings are olive green.

Behavior:

This species lives primarily outdoors and is considered a nuisance pest, as it does not breed inside homes. It can appear in northern states, usually in shopping malls and zoos, where it is found in atriums and potted plants carried from nurseries in Florida and other southern states. In the South, the Surinam cockroach can build large populations around structures in landscape beds where thick mulch layers, heavy ground cover and landscape timbers are present. This species does not fly.

Habitats

The Surinam cockroach is found along the Southeast Gulf Coast from Florida to Texas. It lives among piles of leaves, mulch, lumber piles, firewood piles and similar outdoor harborages.

Tips for Control

Removing leaf piles, woodpiles and other potential harborages is the best approach with this cockroach. It is also important to seal as many exterior cracks as possible, and to ensure that all foundation and attic vents have tight-fitting screens. Granular cockroach baits applied to active harborages are also helpful.