Oriental cockroaches are about one inch long and are shiny and black. The males have short wings that stack on their backs, while the females only have wing pads. Like all cockroaches, they have six spiny legs, two antennae, and two angled appendages on the ends of their abdomens called cerci.
Do Oriental cockroaches fly?
No. Females of this species do not have wings, and males cannot take flight with their short wings. If you see a dark-colored cockroach flying in your home, it is likely an American cockroach.
Where do Oriental cockroaches live?
Oriental cockroaches prefer damp conditions. In nature, they live near bodies of water. In the urban environments, they live in sewer systems. You may find them living on your property in damp vegetation or decaying organic material. They also hang out in the bottom of trash cans and dumpsters. If they find their way indoors, they will likely stay only temporarily. Man-made structures are too dry and clean for these roaches. But they can go in and out routinely.
Are Oriental cockroaches dangerous?
Yes. Oriental cockroaches are considered the dirtiest roach in our area. Their attraction to damp conditions and decaying organic matter make them an extreme hazard when they come indoors. They pick up microscopic, disease-causing organisms in unsanitary places outdoors and carry them inside. Their fecal matter is also particularly harmful due to their unsanitary diet.
How do Oriental cockroaches enter homes?
Oriental cockroaches enter homes primarily through areas of moisture damage. If a gutter is broken or clogged, it can cause the wood below to dampen and rot. As the wood rots or swells from the moisture, gaps can appear. Oriental cockroaches exploit these gaps because they prefer damp environments. Once inside the structure, these roaches can climb surfaces easily and slip through gaps to explore indoor spaces.
What attracts Oriental cockroaches?
An Oriental cockroach wants to live where food and moisture are plentiful. Here’s what you need to know:
Food: Oriental cockroaches are attracted to garbage piles, compost, decaying grass clippings, rotting plants, dead wildlife, uncovered trash receptacles, dog droppings, and other cockroach food sources. They also like decaying paper and cardboard and will consume the sugary cellulose in the material. A clean and sanitary exterior environment can deter these insects.
Moisture: Oriental cockroaches are attracted to overwatered plant soil, the ground underneath obstructed gutters, and areas of dense vegetation. They also like damp ground, puddles, high humidity, and organic detritus.
At the first sign of a cockroach problem, contact got bugs? Termite & Pest Solutions for assistance. Our local pest control pros have been exterminating roaches in Atlanta and surrounding areas since 2006; you can count on us to eliminate these nasty pests. Learn more about our home pest control services, fill out our contact form, or call us.
You may take steps to prevent Oriental cockroaches from having access to food and moisture. Here are a few suggestions:
Once you’ve removed conditions that attract these roaches, apply pest-proofing.
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