Japanese Cockroach Facts
Again like the German cockroach, the Japanese cockroach is no longer confined to its native country, and has since made its way to the United States. This potentially invasive species has been popping up in larger quantities recently, most notably in New York City. While NYC is no stranger to pests, this newer species is considerably more resistant to cold weather than others, making it quite the pest.
Japanese Cockroach Bites
Japanese cockroaches do not bite, but do have another interesting form of protection. When young Japanese cockroaches are threatened their bodies secrete a thick material along their dorsal surface, which can then be thrown at an enemy through shaking. You may see this behavior if a Japanese cockroach feels threatened by your behavior. The liquid is not poisonous, but merely meant instead to slow down attacking insects. If you get this material on you, simply wash it off.
Japanese Cockroach Infestation
Most cockroaches prefer warmer, more humid environments, and while this may still be the case with the Japanese cockroach, it has adapted to colder environments quite well. Having evolved to deal with the harsh winters in Japan and China, these pests take on the challenging New York winters surprisingly well. As of now, they are the only species of cockroach in America that can handle the snow and cold even while still developing. This means that while other species might enter homes to avoid the cold in the winter, these cockroaches are more likely to set up shop near commercial areas, but still outside (perhaps near the garbage disposal areas).
Types of Japanese Cockroaches
Japanese Cockroach Identification
Japanese cockroaches are a moderately sized of cockroach, measuring on average an inch in length. These are another flying species of cockroach, but still are often seen crawling as a primary means of movement. They further have the fairly common dark brown coloration, with lighter brown/amber colored wings. Some variations have been shown to have lighter brown patterns across their heads, but this is not the average in most cases.
Japanese Cockroaches in the House
Japanese cockroaches, like most others, will tend to search for food in areas near humans. Instead of hunting, these scavengers prefer to pick at what we leave behind, especially in NYC. While there have not been an abundance of reports of Japanese cockroaches in homes and apartments in NYC, the sightings are definitely increasing. Because this species is very resistant to the cold, it does not necessarily need to search for food directly in apartments. Moreover, because the city trash receptacles near apartments are full of food scraps, this is where they are more likely to be found.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do Japanese cockroaches bite?
Japanese cockroaches are not known to bite.
Do Japanese cockroaches fly?
Japanese cockroaches are almost identical to the German cockroach. The only real noticeable difference is that unlike the German cockroach, they are strong fliers.
What attracts Japanese cockroaches?
Japanese cockroaches are attracted to lightly colored surfaces and or well lit areas. They usually remain outside, but may get inside your home on rare occasions.
How do you prevent a Japanese cockroach infestation?
Because of the newer nature of this species it is unlikely that they will become a prevalent pest outside of NYC for quite some time. For those living in the city and are concerned, its important to keep in mind that with any cockroach they need water as well as food. Food is not always the only thing that brings these bugs inside, and in fact they can go longer without food than they can without water. Damp, dark places in your home will thus be likely to attract them, so keep an eye on those pipes! Watch out for dishes soaking with water and food scraps in them, as well as any plumbing that may be leaking under cupboards.
It’s also key to remember that in the city environment, some areas come with an “expectation” of bugs and roaches. This is something to discuss with landlords and property owners, to ensure that they won’t be shrugging off your concerns if you believe there is an infestation.
What are the benefits of professional Japanese cockroach pest control?
A pest management professional has the education, equipment and skills necessary to effectively address a Japanese cockroach problem. Finding and treating the Japanese cockroaches can be challenging, especially if their home and eggs are spread throughout your house. A cockroach management professional provides their expertise to identify the pest problem and determine the best possible solution to resolve the Japanese cockroach infestation.
