1. Cockroaches and Their Control
Dr. Richard M. Houseman
Department of Entomology
University of Missouri

3. Cockroaches Order Blattaria Incomplete metamorphosis Food Scavengers
3,500 species worldwide
55 species in U.S.
Incomplete metamorphosis
Food Scavengers
Preferences vary by species
Warm, moist habitats
Domestic/peridomestic
High reproductive capacity
Oviparous, ovoviviparous, viviparous

4. Life History Life Stages Eggs Nymphs Adults
Normally produced in egg cases called ootheca
Hatch within days, depending on species
Some species lay no eggs, or they hatch internally
Nymphs
Most active feeding stage for molting and growth
Live for days, depending on species
Adults
Intermittent feeding and reproduction
Live for 2-52 weeks, depending on species

5. Cockroach Biology Habitats Active at night
Prefer warm, moist environments
Near food and water sources
Protected harborages are very important
Domestic species occur indoors
Peak feeding just after dark and just before dawn
Peridomestic populations not limited to indoors
Peak feeding after dark until middle of night

6. Cockroach Biology Feeding and Nutrition
Cockroaches are not proud…just hungry
Chewing mouthparts
Feed on a wide variety of things--starches, greases, sweets, decaying organic matter, feces, garbage, etc.
Contamination
Regurgitation and defecation on food
Pheromone secretions (characteristic odor)

7. Cockroach Biology Reproduction
Chemicals and sound used to attract mates
Female attracts male
Antennal contact is essential
Primarily on cuticle and antennae
Copulation
May last for hours
Package of sperm deposited
Males of some species seal vaginal opening

8. Missouri Cockroaches 5 Common Species Domestic and peridomestic
German
Brown-banded
American
Oriental
Pennsylvania wood
Domestic and peridomestic
Can be identified by the egg case or adult stage

9. Domestic Cockroaches German cockroach
(Blatella germanica)
½ inch; grayish-tan; two stripes pronotum;
ootheca slender, 1/3”, light brown
Ootheca carried for 3weeks
1 day; eggs; 4-8 ootheca
Nymphs stage lasts days
Adults live 4-6 months
Variety of foodstuffs
Mostly kitchens and bathrooms

10. Domestic Cockroaches Brown-banded cockroach
(Supella longipalpa)
½ inch; red-brown; light stripe across abdomen;
ootheca small, ~1/4”, barrel-shaped
Attached ootheca
40-60 days; 18 eggs; ootheca
Nymph stage 3-5 months
Adults 4-8 months
Variety of foodstuffs
Throughout homes
Appliances, ceilings, walls

11. Peridomestic Cockroaches
American cockroach
(Periplaneta americana)
1½ inch; red-brown; yellow margin of pronotum
ootheca large, >1/3”, barrel-shaped
Attached ootheca
30-50 days; 14 eggs; ootheca
Nymph stage 6-20 months
Adults months
Decaying organic matter
Moist, shady areas outdoors
Drains, basements, boiler rooms inside

12. Peridomestic Cockroaches
Oriental cockroach
(Blatta orientalis)
1 inch; dark brown; shiny; no distinctive markings
ootheca large, >1/3”, barrel-shaped
Attached ootheca
40-60 days; 16 eggs; 6-8 ootheca
Nymph stage 6-20 months
Adults months
Decaying organic matter, filth
Moist, shady areas outdoors
Sewers, drains, basements inside

13. Peridomestic Cockroaches
Wood cockroaches
(Parcoblatta pennsylvanica)
2/3 inch; dark brown; slender; yellow margin on pronotum, wings
Ootheca slender, curved, >1/3”
Ootheca deposited under bark
Rarely breed indoors
Nuisance pests in May, June
Decaying organic matter
Incidental invaders
Infested firewood often the cause

14. Cockroach Control Cultural Chemical (>200 products)
Sanitation is key
Chemical (>200 products)
Baits
Most important part of roach control
Should be placed near harborage
Nymphs most susceptible
Adult females less susceptible
Don’t place in treated areas
Can be transmitted via feces

15. Cockroach Control Chemical Liquids Crack and crevice spray
Directed at harborage
Helpful to get females
Quick knockdown
Space sprays
Gives some residual activity
Shouldn’t use this during baiting program