Oriental Cockroach

When disturbed, it may run rapidly and adults may fly. Unlike other pest cockroaches, oriental cockroaches cannot climb up smooth surfaces.

Looks like

1 & 1/4 inches long (31mm) dark reddish brown to black.

Environment

Oriental cockroaches generally live in moist areas, but can survive in dry areas if they have access to water.

Usual location

These cockroaches are common in basements, crawl spaces, cracks and crevices of porches, foundations, and walkways adjacent to buildings.

Diet

They feed on a wide variety of plant and animal material. This cockroach prefers to feed on starchy foods but like other roaches will adapt to survive.

Life Cycle

Adult cockroaches can live up to one year, during which females produce an average of 150 young.

Health Risks

The oriental cockroach can contaminate food with bacterial diseases that result in food poisoning and can cause dysentery or diarrhea. Some people are allergic to roaches and some research shows that cockroaches can cause childhood asthma.