Habit |
Primarily nocturnal, a pest of warm environments but tolerant of colder conditions. Nymphs and adults cluster in groups in harbourages when inactive attracted by aggregation pheromone. Forage on wide range of foods but need. access to free water. Found indoors in heated buildings, underground heating ducts and also in drains, refuse tips and outdoors near buildings. May even survive winter outside in protected environments but will not breed below 10°C. Climbs rough surfaces and may reach upper floors via vertical ducts, lifts. Does not tolerate extremely hot and dry conditions. |
Biology |
Egg - nymph - adult.
Eggs - in ootheca (case) about 5 per female each containing average 16 eggs, laid at intervals. Deposited when fully formed in harbourage. Incubation time 6-12 weeks, longer if cool.
Nymphs - 7-10 moults taking from 6 to 18 months to reach maturity. Live and feed with adults.
Adults - dark brown, robust living up to 6 months. Partial wings or wing buds, incapable of flight. |
Importance |
Serious pest in heated buildings such as hotels, laundries, institutions and multi¬occupation dwellings, particularly in large urban areas. Can carry disease organisms.
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Control |
Difficult to eradicate and planned, pro-active approach essential. Allowance must be made for the long incubation period of the treatment tolerant egg case. Survey using monitors and night inspection. Wide range of products available including baits, dusts, residual sprays. Choose products with persistence and suited to conditions. Find and treat all harbourages. Repeat treatments and monitor until control achieved. |
