Oriental Cockroaches- Do you see large, dark looking insects in your basement, crawlspace or living area? If so, you may want to read on...

Oriental Cockroach Size & Characteristics

• Size: Up to 1 ¼ inch in length
• Color: Dark brown to black
• Scientific Name:  Blatta orientalis
• Common Names: Waterbug, shad roach, and black beetle

Pest Description & Behavior

In particular, oriental roaches prefer cooler climates containing decaying matter & filth. Capable of surviving for months without food but will need water at least every 5-7 days. Where do these roaches live? Generally found in sewers and drains. Sometimes these roaches will find their way into our basements, crawlspaces & bathrooms. If you are seeing roaches in your kitchen cabinets checkout this article https://antpestcontrol.com/german-cockroaches/

Male oriental cockroaches are slightly smaller than their female counterparts. They both have wings! But don't worry... They don't fly & have poor climbing ability. Hence, very rarely found in high areas such as attics.

Controlling Oriental Roaches

First inspect the area where evidence is found. Particularly pay keen attention to the level of humidity & moisture. If the humidity is high, try using a dehumidifier. Sucking the humidity out of the air will generally dry the remove the attractiveness of the environment. Subsequently, a pesticide is used to eliminate the roaches in a timely manner.

Next, figure out how these oriental roaches in house gained entry. With a flashlight, check all drains, traps & toilets in your home. As a rule, all drains & toilets should have water in the trap of the plumbing. In the Midwest, most oriental cockroach problems are a result of a dry trap, toilet or floor drain. In brief, pour a cup of water into the dry drain or trap. This will create a barrier between your home and the sewer. For more information on this pest, checkout the University of Florida's Entomology blog http://entnemdept.ufl.edu/creatures/urban/roaches/oriental_cockroach.htm

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