Oriental Cockroach
Facts About The Oriental Cockroach
The oriental cockroach is often referred to as the water bug or black beetle, and is a sizable pest who enjoys cool temperatures and high moisture content. This makes him a common visitor to dank basements and leaky window casings, where he will eventually decide that the feeding opportunities indoors are far too appealing to put off. During a one plus year life span, the adult female oriental cockroach will produce 8 to 14 egg pods, each pod containing up to 16 eggs. She will carry each pod for up to 12 days, and then deposit it in an extremely dark and safe place where it will continue to mature without her for up to 2 months.
Measuring just around one inch in length, the oriental cockroach is a deep brown to black color, with wings that he does not use. The nymphs are completely independent of the adults, and will undergo 7 molts in order to take full adult form and size. It is extremely easy for these roaches to infest a home, and they do it rather quickly as well. And where there is an infestation of these odorous pests, other species of roach are bound to join in on the festivities. There are control methods that you can employ outdoors in order to deter them from entering your home.
The oriental cockroach has many of the same habits and preferences as does the American species, and biodegrading organic materials are a huge draw to them. If your gutters are full of leaves, if your roof is moldy and unkempt, and your yard is full of decomposing leaves and grass clippings, you are rolling out the red carpet for these insects. Also, if your have tree branches or large bushes near your home, and particularly hanging over your roof, you may be inviting these creatures into your attic and walls.
Disease is a very great probability when dealing with an oriental cockroach infestation, as they contaminate food and eating utensils with bacterial secretions. There are many pesticides and chemicals available on the market today, and the free flowing pellet food methods have proven to be quite effective. Use caulk to seal off any cracks, holes, or crevasses beneath your sinks and in your walls. Don’t forget leaky window casings and utility pipes when going through your home. Spray your outdoor area after clearing all biodegradable materials, and then use a stronger pellet formula to draw a line around the perimeter of your home. Indoors, you may use the liquid pesticide formula on your baseboards, corners, and beneath all of your sinks. Don’t forget to pay close attention to bathrooms and laundry facilities, as the moisture content in these areas spell bliss for the oriental cockroach.