Scientific classification
Class: Insecta
Order: Blattodea
Family: Blattellidae
Scientific name: Supella longiplapa

The brown-banded cockroach, Supella longipalpa is one of the smaller cockroach species.  They are believed to be originated from Africa.

Characteristics

Adult brown-banded cockroach is a small species, normally not more than 11 - 14.5mm. They have 2 dark coloured transverse stripes on the mesonotum and abdomen. The males are slender, wings extended beyond the abdomen tip while females have short wings that part of the abdomen being exposed.

Nymphs have pale lateral margins on their thorax.

Life Cycle

Females will carry the ootheca for 1 - 2 days, and attached it to a protected surface, such as under surface of furniture.

On average, each egg capsule contains 16 eggs, which will hatch in about 2 month's time. The nymphal development takes around 2 months, and the adult can live for 3 - 4 months.

Where are Brown-banded cockroaches found?

They are more often found in homes, apartments and hotels. Nymphs and adults are generally found on ceilings, walls or near motors of refrigerators.

Management

It is important to do a thorough inspection to locate the infested areas and their harborage sites (warm areas).

Perimeter or barrier treatments using residual insecticides to prevent cockroach from entering the building is often be helpful. Identify the cockroach harboring areas (with the aid of insect traps) and focus insecticide application at these areas.

Sealing the cockroach entry points will also be effective in reducing the infestation indoors.