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This species originated from Africa and is one of the larger cockroach species. Oriental cockroaches are also known as “water bugs” because they prefer to live in damp areas. They have also been called “black beetle cockroaches” because of their smooth, dark bodies.
These cockroaches enter homes below the doors or through gaps beneath the siding. They also enter structures by following pipes, sewers, and drains.
Adult German Cockroaches
Baby German Cockroaches Around Egg Case
Juvenile German Cockroaches
Oriental cockroaches have a shiny black to dark reddish-brown colour. Though both sexes are large, their appearance is quite different. Male cockroaches measure 25mm in length and have shortened, three-quarter-length wings that do not cover their bodies’ last few abdominal segments.
On the other hand, the female roaches measure 32mm in length and have no wings. However, they have large wing pads covering some body segments. Males and females both can’t fly.
A female oriental cockroach can produce about eight egg capsules, known as ootheca, in a lifetime. Each ootheca comprises approximately 16 eggs placed vertically, two by two, in the egg case.
The female roach carries the egg capsule from 12 hours to five days before depositing it in a warm, covered environment with easy food access. The incubation period for this species is about 42 to 81 days. The nymphs or baby cockroaches go through seven moults until they reach adulthood, which takes about a year.
Oriental cockroaches are commonly found outdoors in warm, damp, and shady areas. These creatures like to live near the ground and in any place that has natural debris.
However, when the outdoor temperature drops, these roaches seek refuge indoors, and this is the time when you are likely to see them in your basement, sewer pipes, floor drains, under sinks, and other damp areas of your home. This species is seasonal, so it is common for the adults to appear during spring and summer.
Oriental cockroaches feed on dirty things, and you will likely find them on garbage, decaying organic matter, rubbish, and discarded tins. Since they have a habit of harbouring in unsanitary damp areas, they are likely to spread filth from these sources to your cooking areas, dishes, utensils, and other clean surfaces.
Also, these cockroaches produce stinky secretions in their bodies that, if released in food, can affect their flavours. If the roach infestation issue in your property is too high, certain areas may begin to smell because of their secretions. Moreover, it is not uncommon for disease-producing organisms like bacteria, protozoa, and viruses to be found on their bodies, which means if they contaminate your food, you may contract diseases like food poisoning, dysentery, diarrhea, etc.
Also, their excrement and cast skins contain allergens that may trigger allergies in some people.
The below-mentioned three signs can indicate the presence of oriental cockroaches on your property.
It may be difficult to remove the oriental cockroaches from your property on your own as these creatures can hide well and multiply quickly.
However, Tom’s Pest Control has a team of qualified and experienced pest control experts near me that can design a customised treatment plan for removing the roaches hiding in your property. Then, depending on the level of infestation, we can implement the proper methods to get you the expected results.
For a cockroach control from your property, get in touch with us.
These cockroaches are attracted to homes with plenty of damp, dark, and sheltered areas. They travel through sewers and get indoors through pipes and drains. Activities like a property’s outdoor plants also attract these cockroaches as they get a damp place to flourish. Homes with leaking pipes and other plumbing leaks are also a common target of oriental cockroaches.
Oriental cockroaches live in sink drains, garbage disposals, and below cabinets with plumbing or bathroom voids. As they move around in the house for food, they may transfer disease-causing bacteria to your kitchen goods and countertops, harming you and your family. Also, these cockroaches secrete odours from their bodies that may contaminate your food and change its smell or flavour.
Though oriental cockroaches can bite, they rarely do so. However, they are likely to bite in case of a large infestation when food and water are scarce. These creatures can live without food for a month and water for less than 14 days. Their bites are small and painless.