About Wood Cockroaches
Wood roaches resemble American roaches in appearance, with a flat, oval body, long antennae, spiny legs, and a chestnut brown hue. They are roughly 3/4 to 1 1/4 inch length, somewhat smaller than the American Cockroach. The color of the adults’ wings, adults, especially males, seem tan. A light, creamy white, or translucent stripe on the wood roach’s outer margin distinguishes adults and big nymphs. The pale border of the adults’ front wings extends for the first third of their length.
Habits
Wood cockroaches are “accidental invaders” because they reside outside but stray into or are brought into dwellings. German, American, and Smoky Brown cockroaches are sometimes mistaken with them. Because of the hue of their wings, males seem tan. Females lack wings and are rarely observed. On the outer margin of their thorax and the outside edge of their wings, both males and females have a transparent stripe. This roach resembles the common German cockroach in appearance, however the degree of resemblance varies depending on the species. The simplest method to detect the difference between a wood roach and a home roach is to observe their behaviour. Because wood cockroaches aren’t light-sensitive, you may view them at any time of day or night. They aren’t afraid of you and are less likely to flee when you approach. They will also roam throughout your house without congregating in any one spot.
Habitats
Because these roaches require a continually damp atmosphere, they do not live or reproduce inside. The female wood roach takes advantage of the outdoors by laying egg capsules beneath the loose bark of dead trees, fallen logs, or stumps, hidden from hungry predators. These roaches aren’t as likely to infest homes as other cockroaches, although they may show up in your home on occasion. They might be able to get in via a bundle of firewood. Because males are attracted to light at night, they may enter your home through a window frame or other opening. When they’re inside, it’s for a limited time, usually a few weeks in the spring.
Threats
The Wood Cockroach, unlike the German and American Cockroaches, likes to be outside and only enters a residence by mistake. They may commonly be found under logs, woodpiles, and leaf litter since they require continual wetness in their habitat to live. The wood cockroach feeds on decomposing organic waste like rotting trees and leaf litter. They don’t consume the structure or furniture of your house.
Prevention
Vacuuming wood roaches is one of the simplest ways to get rid of them inside. Just make sure to empty the canister or dispose of the bag as soon as possible to avoid attracting flies or other pests. Dead ones may also be easily removed with a broom and dustpan, especially if you have glue traps set up for an existing insect problem. A variety of creatures can gain access through cracks or fissures in walls, doors, and windows. Make a point of locating and sealing any such gaps. This involves ensuring that any foundation cracks are properly sealed. A small amount of putty or caulk may go a long way toward keeping pests out.
