Kingdom : Animalia
Phylum: Arthrpoda
Class: Insecta
Order: Blattodea
Family: Blattidae
Genus: Blatta:
Species B. orientalis
The Oriental roach is also known as the Waterbug, partly because it is associated with damp and moist places. This bug is one of the larger peridomestic roaches, and is most often found in low-lying areas of the home, such as basements or crawl spaces. Homes with high humidity, chronic leaks, sump pumps, thick vegetation or leaf debris around the exterior are most prone.
Oftentimes, the Oriental roach is underestimated as a serious pest, but it can present a real challenge and be very persistent. This scavenger feeds on just about any kind of filth, and is especially fond of garbage and scraps. Food contamination is always of concern, as this roach passes germs (pathogens) it picks up from its unsanitary conditions by coming in contact with food or food contacting surfaces.
Oriental roaches can go for about a month without eating, but only 2 weeks without water. Not as prolific as other roaches, the Oriental female produces about 200 offspring. Once becoming an adult, they may live for 5 to 26 weeks. Egg capsules (oothecas) are carried by the female for a short time, and then dropped in a secure place near a food supply. The ootheca contains an average of 16 eggs that take about 60 days to hatch on average. Nymphs molt 7 to 10 times. The time between birth and a mature roach can take 24 to 130 weeks. The cycle of this roach is somewhat centered around the seasons, with peak activity in late spring and summer (this is not the case with other home infesting roaches).
How They Travel
This roach is seldom found in walls. It does not fly, and is somewhat slow and clumsy. The Oriental roach can be transported in bulk truckloads of dirt or mulch. Warehouses that have this roach will often ship goods in boxes, where this roach has crawled inside to hide or in search for food.
How Best to Identify Oriental Roaches
The Oriental roach is about an inch in length, very dark brown to black in color, and shiny in appearance. Females are larger than males, and have wing pads but no wings. Males have wings that cover about 2/3rds of their abdomen. This roach is thick and heavy, as roaches go. When crushed, it emits a putrid odor.
Treatment and Elimination
Addressing any moisture problems is the first step in this roach’s control. Removing leaf debris and vegetation, as well as turning and/or reducing mulch to keep the area dry are methods that will greatly help. Garbage cans should be in good repair. Eliminating spilled scraps, and elevating exterior pet dishes will help reduce this roach.
Chemical treatment can work very well, but keep in mind your products will be placed in areas of moisture, so re-treatment may be needed. Baits, such as NiBan FG, are excellent for this roach and can be used around sump pumps, under sinks, under bookcases, in A/C and utility areas, and other places indoors. Outside, you can simply sprinkle the bait around the home on the grassy or landscaped areas, and the roach will find it. To speed things up, put some under splash blocks of gutters, under planters, etc. Place it a bit heavier in mulch or leaf debris. This bait is somewhat waterproof and readily accepted by the roach, but if you can keep it drier it will last longer. Remember: Pets like this bait too, so be sure to put it in areas where your animals and children cannot reach. Please read the label.
Liquid sprays can be of help, and should be sprayed around known areas of activity. Dusts, such as DeltaDust, work very well under heavy objects, behind bookcases, or other hiding spots near to a moisture source. These areas could be under a washer and drier, or under and behind floor shelving in the garage or utility room. The key is to treat around areas of moisture, as this most often is where your Oriental roach will be.