Oriental cockroaches are also known as water bugs or black beetles. They are dark brown to black in color with a glossy body and the adults look different. The males are smaller, measuring one inch with three-quarter-length brown wings that leave the last few abdominal segments exposed. The females are larger, measuring 1 ¼ inch without wings. They have large wing pads that cover the first couple of segments on their bodies. They are both incapable of flying and are different from other cockroaches because they don’t have sticky pads on their feet. They are therefore unable to climb smoother and slippery surfaces. Oriental cockroaches are considered major household pests.

Are Oriental Cockroaches Harmful?

They can spread at least 33 kinds of bacteria, 6 kinds of parasitic worms and at least 7 other kinds of human pathogens due to their feeding habits. The most common diseases that can be spread by the Oriental cockroach are dysentery and food poisoning. They eat filth in sewage and other decaying matter only to track it into our homes and onto our food. The saliva, feces, and shedding body parts can trigger both asthma and allergies. The allergen can act like dust mites to aggravate symptoms when they are kicked up into the air. Thankfully Oriental cockroaches rarely bite people.

Where Do Oriental Cockroaches Live?

Oriental cockroaches most commonly get into your home under thresholds of doors, through open doors or gaps in siding. They will also follow utility lines, pipes, open drains and sewers to get inside. To survive, they need a place to hide. Warm places with high humidity are ideal. They are primarily nocturnal and are slow at travel compared to other cockroaches. They can be found in sewers, damp basements, drains, and other damp environments. Outside they can be found in bushes, under leaf and mulch cover or damp areas.

Signs of Oriental Cockroaches

Oriental cockroaches are good at going undetected as there are few signs of cockroach activity during the day. Daytime sightings indicate a serious infestation as their nests are likely full. Oriental cockroaches are nocturnal and foul odors will get stronger closer to their nests. Brown smear marks from feces and fine black dust around water sources are tell-tale signs. Molted skins, dead roaches, and empty egg cases are also good indications.

Oriental Cockroach Prevention

The easiest way to keep Oriental cockroaches away is to use effective sanitation practices. Vacuum often and keep your kitchen clean. Locate and seal off all areas they are using to get inside. Take care of water leaks in and around the home because Oriental cockroaches look for areas with moisture. Remove rotting leaves from window sills and move trash cans away from moist areas. If areas need to be moist, then ventilate those areas.

Oriental Cockroach Control

Cockroaches are good at overwintering outside and can withstand freezing temperatures, making them a pest throughout the year. Oriental cockroaches are very hard to get rid of. If you notice any signs of activity in your home, it’s best to contact professionals to take care of the problem. Oriental cockroaches reproduce at alarming rates and are very resistant to the poison you can buy at the store. Waiting too long can lead to a massive infestation. Contact Rentokil to keep your home free of Oriental cockroaches.