August 1996
SIZE: 1 & 1/4 inches long (31mm)
COLOR: Dark reddish brown to black
DESCRIPTION: When disturbed, may run rapidly and adults may fly. Females are wingless, and males have wings. Unlike other pest cockroaches, oriental cockroaches cannot climb up smooth surfaces (they lack sticky pads on their feet). Immature cockroaches resemble adults except that they are wingless.
HABITAT: Oriental cockroaches generally live in moist areas, but can survive in dry areas if they have access to water. They prefer cooler temperatures around 75 degrees Fahrenheit and can overwinter in protected areas outdoors where temperatures average 40 to 45 degrees Fahrenheit. These cockroaches are common in basements, crawl spaces, cracks and crevices of porches, foundations, and walkways adjacent to buildings. They feed on a wide variety of plant and animal material.
LIFE CYCLE: Females produce egg cases and carry them protruding from the tip of the abdomen for about two days. Egg cases are then generally glued to a surface in a hidden location. Egg cases are 3/8 inch long, brown, and purse shaped. Immature cockroaches emerge from egg cases in 6 to 8 weeks and require 6 to 12 months to mature. Adult cockroaches can live up to one year, during which females produce an average of 150 young.
TYPE OF DAMAGE: Not common in the home
CONTROL: Due to their large size and slow development, large infestations of these insects are not common within houses. However, during certain times of the year, they may move inside a house from outside sources. For example, in winter these cockroaches may move indoors, seeking warmer temperatures and food.
Cockroaches may enter houses via sewer connections, under doors, around utility pipes, air ducts, or other openings in the foundation. Exclusion is the best way to control this inward movement of cockroaches. Place fine mesh screening over crawl space vents and basement floor drains. Seal exterior doors with weather stripping. Fill gaps in walls and floors where pipes enter using steel wool and/or caulking compounds. Cockroach populations in basements can be reduced by decreasing dampness and applying insecticides in cracks and crevices where there is evidence of cockroach activity (presence of egg cases, dead cockroaches, brown fecal smears).
Cockroach populations around the perimeter of houses are more difficult to control. First, limit the availability of food and water. Place garbage in trash cans, not plastic bags (plastic bags rip easily). Divert water from gutters at least 3 feet away from the foundation. Secondly, reduce hiding places for the cockroaches. Do not stack firewood or debris next to the foundation. Make a visual inspection about one to two hours after sunset to locate cracks and crevices in the building from which cockroaches are emerging. Spray these areas with insecticide and seal the cracks and crevices, if possible.