Wood Cockroach

Parcoblatta spp.

Color: Light Brown

Size: 13-25 mm

Shape: Long antennae, oval body, winged

Diet: Organic food, rotting carcasses, rotting wood

Habitat: North America

General Behavior

They prefer to live in open areas in places like woodpiles.

They like damp areas such as rotting logs and leaf litter.

They usually do not enter houses.

They are active at night. They are sensitive to light sources at night.

Males have developed flight skills.

They feed on dead leaves and rotten wood.

They help decompose these materials.

They do not breed indoors and do not invade houses.

They are not interested in and do not harm human food sources.

What People Need to do to be Protected

It is important not to leave piles of firewood in the immediate vicinity of the house.

Firewood should be located at least 30 meters away from the house.

Humidity should be reduced in the garden and in areas where wood is stored.

Clearing piles of leaves prevents activity.

Isolating areas such as under doors and windowsills prevents entry into the interior.

At night, they may be attracted to the house because they are sensitive to light.