Oriental Cockroach

Blatta orientalis

Oriental Cockroach Facts

Many cockroaches are ill adapted for living in the natural environment. Whether they’re not fit for the fluctuations in climate, or only too used to consuming our food scraps, some are simply too dependent on humans to survive without our help. The oriental cockroach on the other hand is one of the few that have managed to remain an outdoor scavenger. Oriental cockroaches are some of the more dangerous cockroaches in terms of pathogens and bacteria, due to their strong need for water to survive. This need drives them often towards sewers and other bacteria heavy areas. Besides just bacteria ridden water, they also have a penchant for eating garbage and decomposing food, making them something to try to keep out of your home. Unfortunately for most, these insets are adaptable and can be found in almost every northern state in the U.S., so always keep an eye out for them, and keep Catseye on speed-dial!

Oriental Cockroach Bites

These cockroaches very rarely bite people. It only happens during large oriental cockroach infestations when there is not enough food for the insects. The bites are small and painless unless they become infected. The real danger with oriental cockroaches comes from the disease-causing bacteria they carry on their bodies. These pests can contaminate your food and kitchen surfaces which may make you or your family sick.

Oriental Cockroach Infestation

Preferring cool, damp areas, oriental cockroaches are right at home in your basement. While they are largely an outdoor insect during the hotter months of the summer you may find some of them seeking refuge in your house, especially in lower levels of the home. Weather outside or inside your home, they will likely congregate near sources of water, as they are one of the more water dependent species of cockroach.

While many cockroaches are relatively dependent on human scraps and refuse for food and survival, the oriental cockroach is not entirely. It is known to chow down on the same starchy scraps that other cockroaches do, but this one can survive equally well on decaying materials (animals or plant life) outside in its natural habitat. When it chooses to come inside your home more often it is looking for water, not food, and thus will often be seen around toilets, sinks, or exposed pipes and plumbing.

Types of Oriental Cockroaches

Oriental Cockroach Identification

Commonly described as: black beetle, waterbug, shad roach

This smaller breed of cockroach is usually all black (or a deep reddish brown), and rarely has other colored markings along its sides or head. For this reason they are sometimes confused with beetles. Males are much smaller than females, and have small wings that only cover part of their body. Despite these wings, oriental cockroaches are unable to fly, which is good news considering its primary means of pathogen transfer is by contact between its body and clean surfaces.

Oriental Cockroaches In The Home & The Apartment

Oriental cockroaches in your home are easily identified by a strong odor they gives off, but not as a defense mechanism. This is instead a social function, and it is used to communicate between other cockroaches in an environment. This semi-social nature is due to the large amounts of eggs that females can lay, leading to infestations that may quickly overwhelm your one can of bug spray. In terms of humans contact, these cockroaches like most others prefer to search for food at night. This means you will spot them less, or at least not the whole “nest.” Instead what you might find is one or two around plumbing or other areas with water. Don’t let that lull you into a false sense of security though! Just because you only see one, doesn’t meant there couldn’t be many more around the corner.

Frequently Asked Questions About Black Beetles

Do oriental cockroaches bite?

Though they have the ability to bite, oriental cockroaches rarely ever do. Unless they become infected, their bites are harmless.

Do oriental cockroaches fly?

Both male and female oriental cockroaches do not fly.

What attracts oriental cockroaches?

Oriental cockroaches primarily live outside. On rare occasions, when the temperatures drop, they will seek refuge inside and will get in along pipes and cracks in the foundation. They are usually found low to the ground in areas with lots of organic debris, but will also end up underneath trash cans as they eat any decaying food found in garbage.

How do you prevent an oriental cockroach infestation?

Keeping a clean house is an important part of preventing these pests out. More important than just cleaning the food scraps and starving them out, is keeping your house dry! Oriental cockroaches are a species that prefers damp colder areas, and is often found near water sources like toilets and sinks. Making sure that you have a tight and drip free plumbing system is a good first step towards keeping them out.

If you see one in your home, don’t assume that it is only one. Instead search around areas where these bugs are likely to be. This means lower levels of your home (especially the basement) in corners and dark areas often forgotten about. Quick tip: laundry rooms tend to be in the basement of homes making them cold, damp, and full of dark corners. That might be a good place to start if you’re concerned about the oriental cockroach!

Benefits of Professional Oriental Cockroach Pest Control

A pest management professional has the education, equipment and skills necessary to effectively address a oriental cockroach problem. Finding and treating the oriental 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 oriental cockroach infestation.