Page 44 - Florida Pest Control Examinations

SMOKY BROWN ROACH - Adult SMOKY BROWN ROACH
Newly molted adult

Photo Courtesy of UNIVAR Photo Courtesy of UNIVAR

SMOKY BROWN ROACH-EGG SMOKY BROWN ROACH
1st instar nymph

Photo Courtesy of UNIVAR Photo Courtesy of UNIVAR

1.Antenna- long & hairlike 6.Pronotum
2.Eyes- 2 7.Petiole- none SMOKY BROWN ROACH
3.Head 8.Abdomen- covered by wings 8
4.Legs- 6 9.Color- shiny dark brown 1
5.Wings- covered 10.Other- major pest in Florida

Life Cycle
About 20-24 eggs are laid in a case (ootheca) that is about a half-
inch long. They hatch into nymphs in around 45 days. The whole 4
egg to adult process takes almost one year. The adults can live
for up to 6 months.
Photo Courtesy of UNIVAR
SMOKY BROWN ROACH (Periplaneta fulignosa) Actual body size 1 1/4”

The Smokybrown Cockroach came to Florida about 150 years ago, and it is now responsible for
about 75% of the household cockroach infestations. It is closely related to the American Roach,
and is also mistakenly called the Palmetto Bug. Outdoors it will be found in leaf much, wood
piles, greenhouses, garages, tree holes, palms, around plants, and will even inhabit sewers.
The Smokybrown Roach is a good flier. They need a warm moist or humid environment.
Indoors they will be in the walls and attics, but they do not thrive once inside.

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