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Oriental Cockroaches
The Oriental cockroach, which is one of the bigger cockroach species, actually originated in Africa. They are commonly called “water bugs” due to their fondness for damp environments. However, its smooth, dark body gives it the name “black beetle cockroach” also.
Cockroaches find their way into buildings through various entry points, such as gaps under the siding or through the space under doors. They can also gain entry by tracing the path of pipes, sewers, and drains.
Adult German Cockroaches
Baby German Cockroaches Around Egg Case
Juvenile German Cockroaches
The Oriental cockroaches display a shiny, dark reddish-brown to black colouration. Although they are both sizeable, the male and female cockroaches have distinct physical characteristics. Males measure about 25 mm long and have shortened wings that only cover three-quarters of their body, exposing the last few abdominal segments.
Conversely, female Oriental cockroaches have a length of around 32 mm and do not have wings. However, they possess large wing pads covering several segments of their bodies. It’s important to note that neither male nor female cockroaches can fly.
During their lifetime, a female Oriental cockroach can produce approximately eight egg capsules, commonly called an ootheca. Each ootheca comprises about 16 eggs placed vertically in two pairs within the egg case.
After carrying the egg capsule for 12 hours to five days, the female Oriental cockroach will deposit it in a warm, covered location with easily accessible food. The incubation period for this species lasts between 42 to 81 days. Once hatched, the nymphs, or baby cockroaches, go through seven moults before adulthood, typically taking around one year.
The Oriental cockroach is typically found outdoors in warm, damp, and shady areas. However, these creatures prefer to live near the ground and in areas with natural debris.
During lower outdoor temperatures, Oriental cockroaches often move indoors seeking shelter. You may observe them in your basement, sewer pipes, floor drains, and under sinks during these times. This species is known to be seasonal, with adult cockroaches appearing primarily during the spring and summer months.
Dangers to Humans
Oriental cockroaches prefer feeding on unclean items such as garbage, decaying organic matter, rubbish, and discarded food containers. In addition, due to their tendency to reside in unsanitary and damp locations, they are inclined to spread filth from these sources to your cooking areas, utensils, dishes, and other clean surfaces.
Oriental cockroaches produce a strong-smelling secretion in their bodies that can affect food taste if it comes into contact with it. If the infestation of these cockroaches in your home is significant, certain areas may begin to have an unpleasant odour due to releasing these secretions. Additionally, their bodies can harbour disease-causing organisms such as bacteria, protozoa, and viruses, which can contaminate your food and lead to illnesses such as food poisoning, diarrhea, and dysentery. Their excrement and cast skins may also contain allergens, which can trigger allergic reactions in some people.
Signs of an Oriental Cockroach Infestation
There are three indications that Oriental cockroaches may be present on your property:
- Visual sightings, particularly near drains and sewers at night or in dark, damp, and undisturbed places during the day.
- You may discover egg cases approximately 8 to 10mm long in various concealed areas of your home.
- A musty odour may suggest an infestation, as Oriental cockroaches emit chemicals that produce an unpleasant smell.
Hire the Pest Control Experts
Eliminating Oriental cockroaches from your property can be challenging to achieve independently, as they are skilled at concealing themselves and have a rapid reproductive rate.
Tom’s Pest Control provides a solution to remove the hidden cockroaches in your property by offering a team of skilled pest control specialists who can create a tailored treatment plan. Then, based on the severity of the infestation, they can implement appropriate methods to achieve the desired outcome.
Call Us
To remove cockroaches from your property, get in touch with us.
Frequently Asked Questions
What Brings Oriental Cockroaches Indoor?
Oriental cockroaches are drawn to residences with large dark, damp, and protected areas. They travel via sewers and enter buildings via pipes and drains. They are also attracted to properties with moist vegetation that provides a suitable environment for them to thrive. Oriental cockroaches frequently infest houses with leaky plumbing or other plumbing issues.
How Serious are Oriental Cockroaches?
Oriental cockroaches are commonly found in sink drains, garbage disposals, and plumbing or bathroom voids. They move around the house in search of food and can transfer harmful bacteria to kitchen surfaces and food, posing a health risk to you and your family. Additionally, their body secretions can alter the taste and smell of your food, causing contamination.
Do Oriental Cockroaches Bite?
While oriental cockroaches do have the ability to bite, it is rare for them to do so. However, in cases where there is a severe infestation and food and water are scarce, they may resort to biting. Oriental cockroaches can survive up to a month without food and less than 14 days without water.
