oriental cockroach

Oriental Cockroach Appearance

Male Oriental cockroaches have wings while females do not. However, neither the male nor female can fly.

Oriental Cockroach Size

An Oriental cockroach generally ranges from 1 inch to 1.25 inches in length, but can seem much larger when the intruder is up close and personal.

Oriental Cockroach Color

The Oriental cockroach is typically dark brown to reddish-brown in color, though it can also seem to appear as a black cockroach in the dark places where this type of cockroach is generally found.

Do Oriental Cockroaches Infest Homes?

Yes, Oriental cockroaches do often infest homes. Many people call Oriental cockroaches "water bugs" because they like very damp areas. One of the most likely indoor areas you'll find Oriental cockroaches is in the basement, especially around sump pumps and water collection systems.

Condensation in walls or around air ducts may also create the damp environment that they prefer. Plumbing leaks that are not promptly repaired, damp crawl spaces and any other areas in and around your home with a constant supply of moisture are also all very attractive to Oriental cockroaches.

Likewise, Oriental cockroaches also require very wet areas when living outdoors. They are commonly found in storm and sanitary sewers, heavy vegetation, tree holes that collect water, under mulch beds and other similar areas.

What Do Oriental Cockroaches Smell Like?

As with any cockroach species, if the infestation is large enough, you may smell an unpleasant and musty odor. However, Oriental cockroaches may come with the worst smell of all the common U.S. home-invading cockroaches.

Are Oriental Cockroaches Harmful?

Yes, Oriental cockroaches can be harmful. Like other cockroach species, Oriental cockroaches can carry bacteria on their legs and bodies. And as they walk on items — including food — around your home, they can contaminate each and every thing they come in contact with, potentially transferring E. coli and salmonella from one food source to the next.

Cockroaches are also known for triggering allergic reactions and aggravating asthma in some people.

How Do You Kill Oriental Cockroaches?

An Oriental cockroach infestation is best treated with professional pest control methods. When an infestation is identified, there are a variety of control measures routinely used by professionals who are trained on how to locate, identify and treat specific cockroach species. These treatment methods can include baits, dusts and liquid treatments. And an Oriental cockroach infestation may take a combination of those methods.

It's also important that the moisture attracting the cockroaches is reduced. This usually involves fixing leaks, reducing vegetation, properly ventilating areas or locating other issues that result in trapped moisture inside your home. And you'll have to have cracks in the outer walls sealed and have screens installed on vents that lead indoors.

Terminix® technicians are trained in identifying cockroach infestations and applying the proper treatment methods to eliminate Oriental cockroaches, as well as other species of cockroaches. Your technician can also provide tips on how to help prevent another cockroach infestation. Let us help you.