Oriental Cockroach Identification & Prevention

Oriental Cockroaches are large, black cockroaches 1 to 1.25 inches long; they are commonly found in basements, attics, and crawlspaces.

Description

Thought to have originated in North Africa or southern Russia, Oriental cockroaches now live throughout the U.S. Typically, Oriental cockroaches prefer cooler environments than other cockroach species. Still, they can infest warmer environs such as attics, soffits, and boiler rooms. This cockroach is particularly offensive because of the foul odor it emits and the filth associated with it.

Biology And Behavior

• They are a large, black cockroach that ranges from 1 to 1.25 inches in length.
• Their egg capsules are dropped or attached near food sources.
• The egg capsules contain 16 eggs per capsule and hatch in 60 days.
• This cockroach spends much of its life outdoors beneath mulch, leaf litter, and debris.
• They migrate indoors in large numbers during droughts and unseasonably cool weather.
• Oriental cockroach populations peak in spring and summer.
• They will feed on almost any food item, especially starch-based materials.