Oriental Roach

Appearance

Dark reddish brown to black, glossy; oval, males have three-quarter-length wings; about 1 inch in length

Region

Found throughout the U.S.

Diet: Orential cockroaches prefer decaying organic matter and garbage, and require water to sustain themselves.

Habitat: Primarily an outdoors species, oriental cockroaches can be found under mulch, rocks, and various outdoor debris. Indoors, they prefer moist locations such as basements and crawl spaces. You will often find them crawling around areas with water sources nearby, like sinks, pipes, and toilets.

Threats: Orential cockroaches are known to be the source for many food-borne pathogens, and can transfer bacteria from contaminated to clean surfaces.

Control: For preventative measures, seal all possible entry points, paying close attention to doors, windows, and utility pipes. To reduce moisture buildup, use dehumidifiers in your home and ensure crawl spaces have ventilation. Eliminate any sources of stagnant water and keep gutters clear, making sure downspouts are away from the foundation of your home.