Surinam Cockroach

Surinam cockroach, Pycnoscelus surinamensis (Linnaeus)(Blaberidae)(Fig. 5), like the Asian cockroach is a non-native species.

Adults are medium-sized (3/4 to 1 inch long) and have a shiny-brown to blackish body with golden-colored forewings and markings on the abdomen. The prothoracic shield (covering the thorax) is shinny black, narrowly marked with yellow along the front edge.

This species lives primarily outdoors and is considered a nuisance pest, as it does not breed inside homes. It can appear in northern states, usually in shopping malls, where it is found in atriums and potted plants carried from nurseries in Florida and other southern states.

In the South, the Surinam cockroach can build large populations around structures in landscape beds where thick mulch layers, heavy ground cover and landscape timbers are present. This species does not fly. The Surinam cockroach is found along the Southeast Gulf Coast from Florida to Texas. It lives among piles of leaves, mulch, lumber piles, firewood piles and similar outdoor harborages.

The cockroach hides during the day under the soil in the benches, on the sides of the benches, under boards, barrels, in holes and crevices in the walls of buildings and wherever it was dark and possible for them to conceal themselves. At night, they come out in great numbers and gnaw the stems of plants

Life Cycle: Cockroaches develop through simple metamorphosis (egg cases, nymphal stages or instars, and adult stages are observed). Female cockroaches deposit eggs in batches or cases known as egg capsules or oothecae. Each ootheca contains approximately 15 eggs and is glued or dropped on or around nesting areas.

Nymphs hatch from the ootheca and resemble small versions of the adults except they lack fully developed wings and the ability to breed (note that adults of some cockroach species are wingless). Nymphs molt 10 to 13 times in over a year. Cockroaches are omnivorous, feeding on a variety of materials; some species occasionally may feed on and damage plants.

Damage: Surinam roaches are plant feeders. They can severely damage plants in greenhouses, atriums, and yards.

Control: Removing leaf piles, woodpiles and other potential harborages is the best approach with this cockroach. It is also important to seal as many exterior cracks as possible, and to ensure that all foundation and attic vents have tight-fitting screens. Granular cockroach baits applied to active harborages are also helpful.

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