AKA – Oriental Cockroach, Water Bug, Black Cockroach
Seasons Active
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Infestation Risk
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Public Health Risk
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Property Damage List
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Escalation Risk (if left untreated)
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Oriental Cockroaches
Oriental Cockroaches (Blatta orientalis) are typically found in secluded, damp spaces- meaning they could be lurking out of sight for a considerable amount of time before you realise you have an infestation on your hands. In many cases, these pest insects gather in the lower parts of buildings such as basements or beneath floorboards. Since they are attracted to water, it is not unusual to see them in kitchens and bathrooms, as well as near drains. Oriental cockroaches prefer cooler temperatures, so will avoid anywhere warmer than around 30° C. They are remarkably resistant to the cold, and there are reports of these pest insects thriving even in sub-zero temperatures.
Key Facts About Oriental Cockroaches
Due to their proclivity towards the dark and damp, oriental cockroaches are almost always found either in basements or on the ground floor of buildings It is rare to find them any higher than this. When they make their way into buildings, this is commonly due to a cockroach infestation outside which has moved in for some reason or another. For instance, when the dark winter months give way to spring and summer, oriental cockroaches will begin to search for an environment more to their liking. A colony of cockroaches can also be disturbed by heavy rain or even lawn mowing, and they will then similarly migrate to the nearest location that suits their needs- commonly the nearest accessible building.
In terms of diet, oriental cockroaches will eat whatever organic material they can find. In buildings, this will commonly take the form of rubbish, meaning the insects can quickly spread all kinds of harmful bacteria. Oriental cockroaches also have a very strong, distinctive smell which is commonly one of the earliest symptoms of an infestation. This odour is fairly musty, and will be more pungent in areas where a significant number of cockroaches are present. Due to this smell, many consider oriental cockroaches to be among the most unhygienic of pest insect species.
Adult oriental cockroaches typically measure between 17mm and 30mm in length. Usually they are a very dark brown, almost black, which distinguishes them from the lighter-coloured German cockroach. The males have fully developed wings which are slightly shorter than their body, whereas females have extremely short, rudimentary wings. Neither male nor female, though, are able to fly, and thus the only way they can get around is on foot. Before reaching maturity, the oriental cockroach nymph looks much like the adult female, albeit smaller and without any wings whatsoever.
Oriental Cockroach (Blatta orientalis) Significance of Control
For many people, the mere appearance of oriental cockroaches is disgusting, and enough to warrant calling in professional pest controllers. As a fairly uncommon pest that thrives in dirty conditions, an infestation of cockroaches may well be a sign of an underlying hygiene or housekeeping issue that needs to be dealt with. However, they are also a significant public health risk since they can contaminate food, surfaces and eating utensils by spreading bacteria from other areas or rotting food. Oriental cockroaches are known to carry pathogens, such as Salmonella and E.Coli, which can result in human diseases like food poisoning or diarrhoea.
Cockroaches seek out foods that are high in starch. If nothing else is available, then they may well feed upon fabric and paper, which can be extremely destructive in a home or business environment. What’s more, when they gather in large numbers they will often secrete a substance to communicate with each other. This can cause rather significant stains on all manner of different surfaces, as well as adding to their already disagreeable odour. Lastly, cockroaches produce all manner of substances which can act as allergens, from their faeces and shed skin to legs and antennae. Young children and elderly people are especially susceptible to allergic reactions to these substances, making it all the more important to deal with an infestation as swiftly as possible.
Call Pest Solutions to Get Rid of That Pest Today!
At Pest Solutions our competent team are right here twenty-four hours a day to aid resolve your Pest Management concerns. Oriental Cockroach (Blatta orientalis). With regional coverage across the UK we have extremely qualified techs and support staff ready to take action speedily and discretely to get back your home or business from unwelcome Pest Species.
Find your local branch here or call Freephone 0800 027 2555 today to arrange a FREE Survey or a service call.
