Oriental Cockroaches
Oriental cockroaches are a major household pest in parts of the northwest, mid-west, and southern United States.
They are sometimes referred to as "black beetles" because of its dark black appearance. Oriental cockroaches are slow movers, can barely climb and few are capable of flying.
They will eat practically anything they can find, from the finest food to the disgusting slime that builds up in drains. The oriental cockroach is one of the filthiest of cockroaches.
Size:
1 in.
Color:
Dark brown
Body Structure:
Oval-shaped body. Females have a slightly broader body and functionless wing pads. Males have fully-developed wings yet are incapable of flight as well.
Characteristics:
The adult female will lay an egg capsule, which she carries attached to her abdomen for about a day before depositing the capsule near a food source. Females produce around 8 capsules, each containing 16 eggs. The gestation period is approximately 2 months. When eggs hatch, the offspring emerge as nymphs. Depending upon environmental conditions, it can take anywhere from 6 months to 2 years for nymphs to develop into mature adults, molting anywhere from 7-10 times during the process.
Habitat/Behavior:
The Oriental cockroach prefers moist, dark areas and is found under porches, in crawlspaces, and around sewer drains and pipes. Likewise, they can be found in and around decaying plant and animal life, indoors or out. Oriental cockroaches are known disease carriers and can spread a number of microorganisms known to cause gastrointestinal distress. Likewise, the Oriental roach releases various secretions from its body. When infestation is high, the secretions result in a distinctive, fetid odor.
Prevention/Treatment:
Sanitation, especially in food preparation areas, is important. Likewise, sealing cracks around your foundation and caulking gaps around pipes, doors, windows and under cabinets will help keep Oriental roaches out. Before administering a do-it-yourself treatment, such as “foggers” or powder containing boric acid, please consult a pest control professional. If administered incorrectly, store-bought pesticides can be highly toxic to family and pets and actually disperse roaches rather than killing them, making the problem harder to treat. Learn more about roach extermination service options.
