Oriental Cockroach

Category:

Actual Size: 1 ¼”

Characteristics: Shiny; dark reddish-brown to black.

Legs: 6

Antennae: Yes

Wings: Yes, but cannot fly.

Habitat: Prefers dark, sheltered, and damp areas. Often found in sewers, beneath porches, and inside basements.

Habits:

  • Travels to homes through sewer pipes and drains.
  • Primarily infests lower floors of homes and buildings.
  • Has a strong odor and is considered one of the “dirtiest” cockroaches.


Oriental Cockroaches in San Angelo

The oriental cockroach is commonly known as the “black beetle” or “water bug” and is a significant household pest in certain regions of the northwest, mid-west, and southern United States. This species is drawn to wet and shaded perimeter areas and favors dark and damp places like basements, cellars, and crawl spaces. Oriental cockroaches are adept at climbing water pipes and garbage chutes to reach upper floors of apartment buildings.

As far as their diet is concerned, oriental cockroaches are not picky eaters and will consume various filth, debris, and decaying organic matter. They particularly seem to enjoy garbage and the contents of discarded tin cans.

Oriental Cockroach Habitat

Oriental cockroaches are commonly found outdoors, residing in warm, damp, and shaded areas close to the ground. You can often spot them gathering near or under trash cans. Although they primarily live outdoors, when the temperature drops, they may seek shelter indoors and can endure cooler weather. Oriental cockroaches might enter homes through food packages from grocery stores or find their way in through gaps under exterior doors, garage doors, air ducts, and ventilators.

Indoors, they tend to stay on lower floors and move more slowly compared to other cockroach species. In homes, you can often find them in areas like toilets, bathtubs, sinks, radiators, and pipes. Oriental cockroaches are seasonal, and adult individuals usually appear from May through July.

Oriental Cockroach Behaviors, Threats, or Dangers

Oriental cockroaches are not known to damage homes, so they are not considered a structural pest. However, they do pose a significant health threat to you and your family. Cockroaches are notorious for spreading diseases and have been found to carry around 33 different types of bacteria, including harmful ones like E. coli and Salmonella. As they forage for food, cockroaches can contaminate food items and surfaces in our homes with these dangerous bacteria.

Moreover, they are a major concern for people with allergies or asthma. The shed skins and feces of cockroaches can trigger serious reactions in individuals with these conditions, making them a substantial health hazard. For that reason, it’s important to contact your local cockroach exterminator for help if you notice these pests.