The adults are about 1 ½ inches long and shiny, chestnut brown. There are yellow marking on the region behind the head. The immatures are uniformly dark brown and lack wings. The egg case is about 3/8 inch long and dark brown.

(Periplaneta americana) This cockroach occurs outdoors and indoors, and often infests basements and sewer systems. These large cockroaches are capable of flying, but usually remain on the ground. The female produces an egg case every month for about 10 months; there are about 16 eggs per egg case.

Limiting the movement of these cockroaches from sewer systems to basements may be done with screens placed over drains. Sticky traps may help to locate infested sites. Chemical control in the form of aerosols, dusts or baits directed at these infested sites will provide control.