# Brown-banded cockroach

*Supella longipalpa*

**Identification confidence:** Identifiable with care — The transverse banding separates it from the German cockroach's longitudinal stripes — a common and consequential mix-up.

## How to recognise it

- Two pale transverse bands run across the wings and abdomen, running side to side. The German cockroach's stripes run front to back on the pronotum instead, and this is the key separator.
- Small at 10 to 14.5 mm, light brown to tan.
- Males have full wings and fly readily when disturbed; females have shorter wings and do not fly.
- Egg cases are small, reddish-brown, and glued in clusters to undersides of furniture and inside electronics.

## What it leaves behind

- Egg cases attached beneath tables, chairs, shelving, and inside appliance and electronics housings.
- Activity distributed throughout a building rather than concentrated near kitchens and bathrooms.

## Why an infestation persists

Unlike the German cockroach this species does not concentrate near water, so it spreads through bedrooms, living rooms, and offices — inside picture frames, clocks, televisions, and upholstered furniture. Inspection focused on the kitchen will miss it entirely, which is why the mix-up with German cockroaches matters.


## Where it occurs

Throughout the United States, more commonly reported in the South.

## What prevents it

- Inspect and treat the whole building rather than only kitchens and bathrooms.
- Check second-hand furniture and electronics carefully before bringing them in.
- Reduce clutter throughout, particularly cardboard and paper storage.

## Commonly confused with

- **German cockroach** (*Blattella germanica*) — Two dark parallel stripes run front to back on the pronotum, the shield-like plate behind the head. This is the single decisive feature.

**Verdict:** professional-recommended. The building-wide distribution makes thorough inspection difficult, and a kitchen-focused response reliably misses the population.


Source: https://againstpest.shop/identify/cockroaches/brown-banded-cockroach/