Oriental Cockroach

Biology

The oriental cockroach is also referred to as the “black beetle”, “waterbug”, or “shad roach”, it is one of the largest species of cockroaches. Contrary to it’s name, the oriental cockroach is found throughout the world. This cockroach normally has a shiny black coloring but could also be colored a dark red-brown. Males have a smaller body with large wings that cover it’s entire back, while females who have a larger body have smaller wings.

The female will lay her egg case (known as ootheca) in a glued substances in any protected area, this egg case usually contains around 32- 36 eggs each. She can lay up to 30 egg cases in her lifespan. The lifespan of this species of cockroach is around six months.

Feeding Preferences

The insects are scavengers and will feed on a wide variety of foods. They feed on garbage, sewage, or decaying organic matter and will eat almost anything.

Transmitted Diseases

Cockroaches do spread bacteria, protozoans, and viruses. Different forms of gastroenteritis appear to be the primary illness caused by cockroaches. Cockroach droppings and cast skins also contain a number of allergens which some people are allergic to; some physical reaction include skin rashes, watery eyes,sneezing, congestion, and asthma.

Habits

The oriental cockroach prefers the outdoors, but will invade your structure in search of food or to find shelter during colder temperatures. This species of cockroach thrives in water, they seek out water sources or damp areas. Outdoors you can find them under decaying trees/wood, leaf litter, sewers, or drains. Inside, you can find them in basements, wall voids, under porches, in or by drain pipes, sinks, and toilets.. They are known for their unpleasant odor.

Cockroach Extermination

Cockroach trapping is sometimes necessary to determine the level of an infestation. A key factor in prevention is sanitation. Cleaning up all spilled foods and removing dirty dishes overnight. Store food items such as cereal, crackers, cookies, flour, sugar, and bread in airtight sealed containers. Empty garbage every night into a sturdy container with a tightly lid.

Baiting is an effective method to control or eliminate cockroaches. Insecticidal dusts like boric acid, silica aerogel, and diatomaceous can provide additional control. The use of residual insecticidal sprays or aerosol foggers within a structure is of little value in controlling cockroaches. In fact, these applications may disperse the cockroaches making complete elimination difficult and lengthy. Expert Pest has professionally trained technicians that have all the current techniques and procedures to eliminate this pest and give you peace of mind.