Surinam Cockroaches
Order:
Blattodea
Family: Blaberidea
Scientific Name: Pycnoscelus surinamensis
Although
more common in the southeastern states, the Surinam cockroach is often
transported to other areas of the United States by the tropical plant
industry.
These occasional pests prefer vegetative habitats such as interiorscapes
of malls, homes and hotels.
In Florida and other semi-tropical states, Surinams can survive
outdoors.
They frequently hide beneath stones and mulch during the day and
forage on a variety of plants at night.
Biology and Habits
Like most cockroaches, they prefer moist areas. The nymphs and adults conceal themselves in crack and crevices, and under objects. These dark-colored cockroaches are negative phototropic, seeking dark areas and shying away from bright light. Reproduction is parthenogenetic (i.e., the eggs develop without fertilization), and adult males are not known to exist in the United States. The egg capsule, concealed within the female’s body, contains an average of 24 eggs.
The nymphs are dark brownish-black, and the female adults have shiny black pronotums and light-colored wings (see illustration). At maturity, the Surinam cockroaches are approximately one-inch long. In both life stages Surinams are broad in shape where the thorax joins the abdomen.
These
night-feeding insects can severely damage outdoor plants, indoor plants,
and nursery stock. They also
burrow several inches in loose soil and mulch.
When heavily infested, the soil might look like it’s moving.
Control
The best method of preventing infestations is to inspect incoming plantings for the presence of Surinams. To determine the extent of an existing infestation, carefully examine structures such as cage bars in zoos and table legs in greenhouses for the presence of these cockroaches.
PCOs can discourage outdoor populations from entering structures by applying barrier sprays and sealing entry points. The top soil layer of infested plantings may be treated with insecticides labeled for these sites. Always read the label prior to making any pesticide application. Check for phytotoxicity if treating plant foliage.
(Courtesy of the National Pest Control Association.)