Cockroach Control

The Oriental cockroach contrary its name is thought to be of North African origin. They are typically found in crawl spaces, basements, and outdoors.

Pest Facts

• Color: Shiny black to dark reddish brown
• Legs: Six
• Shape: Oval
• Size: 1 to 1 1/4 inches
• Antennae: Yes
• Flying: Winded but does not fly
• Region: All 50 states

Habits
Oriental cockroaches can be found throughout structures but show a preference for warm and wet places primarily outdoors. They feed on all kinds of food and decaying organic matter, but prefer to feed on starchy foods.

Habitat
Oriental cockroaches prefer to live in dark moist areas outdoors or in basements and crawl spaces. They are typically found under debris, stones, leaf litter, and porch or deck voids.

Threats
Cockroaches have been reported to spread at least 33 kinds of bacteria, six kinds of parasitic worms, and at least seven other kinds of human pathogens. They can pick up germs on the spines of their legs and bodies as they crawl through decaying matter or sewage. Medical studies have shown that cockroach allergens cause lots of allergic reactions, especially in children. They were even shown to cause asthma in children. These allergens build up in deposits of droppings, secretions, cast skins, and dead bodies of roaches.

Prevention
Good sanitation and habitat reduction, along with vacuuming, surveillance, and baiting program, and some sealing of cracks can usually reduce or eliminate a cockroach problem. The reduction of moisture sources, such as leaking pipes, is also helpful.