One of the cockroach species that fly, Brownbanded cockroach males are capable of flying, but the females with a shorter wingspan are not. Like most cockroaches, these insects dwell in the darkness and need warmth and moisture to live. Cockroaches are known to carry salmonella and e-coli.

Although you will find them at night raiding your food pantry, snacking on any starchy foods, you are likely also to find them in your underwear drawer taking a bite out of your pantyhose

The females will lay her eggs in crevices of furniture, up on draperies, or underneath sofa cushions. The eggs are glued in place by a sticky secretion she can manufacture.Her eggs are placed in a capsule and then dropped for incubation. One egg capsule resembles a kidney bean both in size and color and can contain up to sixteen to fifty eggs. Eggs will hatch in just over two-and-a-half months. The nymphs hatch out of the eggs and generally outnumber the adults.

The Brownbanded cockroach has three different life stages (as do all cockroaches) egg, nymph and adult stage. The Brownbanded cockroach is generally the cockroach you see in homes. They hide anywhere, inside electric appliances, up on the ceiling, inside books. Once you have an infestation of Brownbanded cockroaches, it is not easy to stop them.

The Brownbanded adult cockroah is about 1/2" long. The male is golden-brown in color with graceful wings. The female is a darker brown and her body is shaped like a teardrop. Her wings are shorter and narrower. Both the male and female have a band of yellow running horizontally across their body. The nymphs have two bands of pale yellow running across their body.

Pest Control tips for dealing with the Brownbanded Cockroach-

Prevention is key here.The Brownbanded Cockroach originated in Cuba. It was carried across to other countries in shipments of cigars, furniture and other goods. Discard any empty corrugated cardboard boxes (a favorite hiding place for cockroaches). Clean up all food and food particles in your home. Make sure your sink isn't full of dirty dishes when you go to bed. Cover any opened food product in your cupboards securely. Do not leave pet food out overnight. Sweep and mop daily, keep your garbage at a minimum and repair any leaky pipes or faucets. These cockroaches need water to survive. After you are done drinking a soda, rinse the can out, then put it in the recycle bin. Rinse out all empty cans that contained food.

Sticky traps will work to capture some cockroaches. If you decide to use pesticides like Cockroach bait, or Roach powder, read all label directions carefully before use. Remember to safeguard your family and pets, as these products are poison.

But if your infestation is major call a professional exterminator (pest control company) They have the means and the skill to help you get rid of these pesky nocturnal pests.