The Smokybrown cockroach (Periplaneta fuliginosa) closely resembles the American cockroach; and is often mistaken for one. This roach is a solid dark brown color with a light-rimmed pattern on its thorax that distinguished them from the American roaches. Its thorax is dark and glossy. Another distinguishing characteristic of the Smokybrown Cockroach is that it has fully developed wings that extend past the tip of the abdomen. It is also one of the larger species of cockroach, reaching lengths well over one inch.
The Smokybrown Cockroach is not very tolerant of cold weather; make its home in the gulf coast states like Texas, Florida, Mississippi, and Louisiana. They prefer dark, wet environments that are not well ventilated because they will lose their body’s moisture through their cuticle. You will commonly find these roaches outdoors, hiding under debris in your yard. Mulch and leaf piles are their favorites. These roaches prefer these areas because they feed on the organic plant material.
Smokybrown Cockroaches do enter homes to escape cold weather. Look for them around the concealed areas around the perimeter of your home; thriving in concealed moist areas. When these roaches head outdoors, they can become problems damaging gardens, nurseries, and greenhouses since they eat plant material. Traditional cockroach control methods are used to treat infestations.