Asian Cockroach

Category:

Actual Size: 16 mm

Characteristics: Brown with two darker parallel bands running lengthwise.

Legs: 6

Antennae: Yes

Wings: Yes, and they are capable of flying.

Habitat: Primarily lives in dark and damp outdoor areas such as landscaping mulch, compost, and leaf litter

Habits:

  • Looks similar to German cockroaches but has very different behavior.
  • Most commonly live in shaded areas and damp areas.
  • May invade homes and buildings, but indoor infestations are rare occurrences.


Asian Cockroaches in San Angelo

Back in 1986, a professional pest control operator discovered a new insect species in San Angelo, United States. At first, he thought they were German cockroaches, but after a closer look, it turned out they were Asian cockroaches. Even though adult German and Asian cockroaches look alike, there’s a key difference – Asian cockroaches are excellent flyers, capable of sustained flights of at least 120 feet. These cockroaches only become pests during peak adult populations, which typically occur in early spring and summer.

Asian Cockroach Habitat

Unlike German cockroaches, which are notorious household pests and prefer indoor living, Asian cockroaches, on the other hand, prefer to reside outdoors in places like mulched beds, compost piles, leaf litter, and lawns. When people encounter Asian cockroaches for the first time, they may mistake them for small flying moths or German cockroaches since these species have a similar appearance. These roaches typically become active at dusk and are drawn to lights, often flying into buildings through any open entry points like illuminated doorways or windows. Although many people get distressed upon finding Asian roaches inside their homes, it’s worth noting that indoor infestations are rare occurrences.

Asian Cockroach Behaviors, Threats, or Dangers

Asian cockroaches exhibit behavior quite distinct from the German cockroach. They are skilled flyers and favor outdoor habitats, seeking shelter in shaded regions, mulched areas, grass, and compost piles, making them infrequent intruders in homes. As the evening sets in, these roaches become active, with adult individuals being attracted to light reflected off light-colored walls, doorways, and windows. Occasionally, they may enter homes and settle on illuminated surfaces like lampshades, TV screens, and walls. When lights are switched off, these cockroaches might move to the next lighted room, which can give residents the impression that they are being targeted by these insects.

If you are dealing with an Asian cockroach problem, contact your local roach exterminators for help.