Primarily nocturnal, a pest of warm, humid conditions. Found in the UK only in heated buildings, not normally outside or in underground heating ducts. Nymphs and adults cluster in groups in harbourages when inactive attracted by aggregation pheromone. Prefer narrow harbourages close to food and water source. Forage on a wide range of foods and need access to free water.
Egg - nymph - adult. Eggs - in ootheca (case) which protrudes from the tip of the abdomen. After about two days, the egg cases are placed on a surface in a safe location. Immature cockroaches emerge from egg cases in 6 to 8 weeks and require 6 to 12 months to mature. Nymph - Take 6-12 months to reach maturity. Live and feed with adults. Adults - Adult cockroaches can live up to one year, during which females produce an average of 150 young.
Serious pest in heated buildings where it may spread if conditions are suitable. Odorous secretions and carry disease organisms.
Application of residual insecticide to all known harbourages, flooring, walls, cracks and crevices etc.