The Smokybrown Cockroach Is The Second Most Common Roach Pest Found In Georgia Homes
A significant number of cockroach species are commonly encountered pests within Georgia homes and buildings. Some of the most common roach pests in the state include German, American, brown-banded, and Oriental cockroaches. The state has also become home to non-native species that have been introduced into the US somewhat recently. These species include Turkestan, smokybrown and brown cockroaches, and although these species are relative newcomers in Georgia, the humid and warm year round climate in the deep south has allowed these pests to thrive in the region. While the American cockroach species is often considered second only to the indoor-dwelling German cockroach species in terms of commonality in Georgia, the smokybrown cockroach has quickly become the second most common pest in southwest Georgia households where it often establishes indoor infestations during bouts of dry weather.
Residents of Georgia are certainly familiar with the exceedingly large American cockroach, as this species is capable of flight and is commonly referred to as a “waterbug.” In every region of the country, the German cockroach is the most commonly encountered roach species within homes and buildings, as this species, along with the less widespread brown-banded cockroach, dwells primarily within indoor environments where they thrive unnoticed in hard-to-access indoor areas, such as wall voids and beneath floorboards. The 2 inch long American cockroach species is the second most commonly encountered roach pest within homes throughout the US, with the exception of southwest Georgia where the similar looking smokybrown cockroach has become the second most common roach house pest.
The smokybrown cockroach is often mistaken for the American cockroach, as both of these species are brown to dark brown in color and are comparable in size. The smokybrown cockroach grows to be around 1 ¼ to 1 ½ of an inch in length, and like the American species, smokybrown cockroaches are capable of flight and require copious amounts of water to survive. Smokybrown cockroaches are also known for establishing a presence within sewer systems, and on particularly dry days, these roaches invade homes in large numbers in search of water. Smokybrown cockroaches are also a nuisance to homeowners due to their habit of flying toward artificial light sources on and within houses.
Have you ever spotted a smokybrown cockroach within your home?
