The Pennsylvania Wood Roach is the wood roach that we deal with in North Georgia. As their name implies this species of cockroach is typically found living in wooded areas. This species rarely live inside homes and other buildings in large numbers; they prefer to live and breed outdoors. A Pennsylvania wood cockroach infestation usually occurs accidentally in Georgia homes and is generally a temporary occurrence.
They are usually found outdoors beneath loose bark in woodpiles, stumps, and hollow trees. Brought indoors on infested firewood, they wander about the house without congregating in any particular room. They can be especially troublesome during the mating season. Male wood cockroaches frequently travel in large numbers and fly considerable distances. They are attracted to lights at night and may gain entry indoors. Large numbers may also be found in rain gutters of homes.
Pennsylvania wood cockroaches feed primarily on decaying organic matter. Both female and male Pennsylvania wood cockroaches have been found under shingles and on the inside of garages. They rarely breed indoors. However, with the continued habit of storing firewood indoors and the continual building of homes in wooded areas, problems with Pennsylvania wood cockroaches will probably continue or escalate.
Pronto's Control Plan for Pennsylvania Wood Roaches begins with advice to the homeowner. Don't store firewood inside. Outdoor wood boxes can be treated without contaminating firewood reducing wood roach harborage. In addition, repellent applications on the exterior will greatly reduce populations attempting to get inside.