Smoky Brown Cockroach

The smoky brown cockroach is a fairly large species that thrives in warm, humid places. It is often compared to the American cockroach, but it is slightly smaller and is easy to recognize by its uniform, shiny dark brown color. Here is what you need to know about this cockroach, whether it bites, and how to keep it out of your home.

What Does a Smoky Brown Cockroach Look Like?

Adults can grow up to about 38 mm (1.5 inches) long. They have fully developed wings that extend beyond the tip of the abdomen and a glossy, uniformly dark mahogany-brown color. Young nymphs are darker, with whitish bands on the thorax and the tips of the antennae.

Smoky brown cockroaches feed on many kinds of organic matter, especially decaying plant material, and they look for very damp places to make up for the moisture they lose quickly through their bodies. They are often found in leaf litter and mulch, where their color helps them stay hidden. They can carry many pathogens into food preparation areas, so they should not be taken lightly.

Where Do Smoky Brown Cockroaches Live?

These cockroaches usually live outdoors in sheltered, humid areas. They are attracted to tree holes, woodpiles, roof gutters, leaf litter, standing water, uncovered garbage and drains. They enter buildings through small gaps and cracks and can also fly in through open doors and windows, especially when attracted to lights.

When outdoor populations grow large, they often move into attics, roof voids, crawl spaces and other undisturbed areas of the home.

Smoky Brown Cockroach Life Cycle

Smoky brown cockroaches go through three life stages: egg, nymph and adult.

• Eggs: Females produce egg capsules containing about 20–26 eggs, which hatch after roughly 50–80 days.
• Nymphs: Nymphs take around 9–10 months to develop into adults.
• Adults: Adults usually live from two to six months, and longer in favorable conditions.

Can Smoky Brown Cockroaches Fly?

Yes. Both adult males and females are strong fliers, while nymphs cannot fly because their wings are not yet developed. Because they are sensitive to changes in temperature and humidity, adults often fly to new areas in search of food and damper, more suitable shelter.

What Do Smoky Brown Cockroaches Eat?

They are most active around dusk and in the early hours of the morning, when they leave their hiding places to look for food. They feed on decaying plant material, dead insects, droppings, meat, starches and sweets.

Do Smoky Brown Cockroaches Bite?

Bites are rare and are not usually a serious concern. The bigger risk is contamination: these cockroaches can spread germs that cause illnesses such as diarrhea, gastroenteritis, typhoid and other infections, and their droppings and shed skins can trigger allergies and asthma, especially in children.

How to Get Rid of Smoky Brown Cockroaches

The most effective way to control smoky brown cockroaches is to find their source and treat it directly, usually with professional cockroach baits and targeted treatments. To help prevent infestations:

• Make sure crawl spaces and attics are well ventilated, since good airflow creates conditions cockroaches dislike.
• Fit tight screens on all vents in the building and roof space.
• Seal as many exterior gaps and openings as possible.
• Do not leave pet food out, especially outdoors.
• Remove woodpiles, debris and standing water where cockroaches can shelter.

If you are dealing with an infestation, Safeguard’s cockroach control experts can identify the species, locate where they are hiding and eliminate them safely and effectively.