Oriental Cockroach

Identification

Oriental cockroaches are easy to recognize by their size and color. They can measure up to an inch or more in length, excluding the antennae. They have dark brown to black bodies, with a glossy and smooth appearance. They have six legs, two long antennae, and an oval shape.

Oriental cockroaches differ in appearance from male to female. The males have wings that cover about three-quarters of their abdomen, while the females have much shorter wings or wing pads. Neither gender can fly, but they can run or glide. The females are larger and wider than the males.

Lifecycle

Oriental cockroaches have three stages of development: egg, nymph, and adult. The lifecycle from egg to adult can take up to a year, depending on the temperature and humidity.

The nymphs emerge from the ootheca after six to eight weeks. They are reddish-brown in color and look like miniature adults, except they lack wings. They molt 7 to 10 times as they grow, shedding their exoskeleton and becoming darker in color.

The adults emerge after the final molt. They have fully developed wings and reproductive organs. They can live up to a year under favorable conditions.

Habitat

Oriental cockroaches can live in various habitats, but they prefer warm and moist environments. They are often found in sewers, drains, basements, crawl spaces, garbage dumps, and other places where they can find food, water, and shelter.

Oriental cockroaches can also invade homes and businesses, especially in areas where food is stored or prepared. They can enter through cracks and crevices, vents, pipes, or drains. They can also hitchhike on bags, boxes, or furniture. They are nocturnal and hide during the day in dark and secluded places, such as behind appliances, under sinks, in cabinets, or in wall voids.

Behavior

Oriental cockroaches are omnivorous and scavengers. They feed on a variety of organic matter, such as decaying plants and animals, garbage, feces, cheese, bread, meat, sweets, and even hair and nails. They can survive for up to a month without food.

Oriental cockroaches are social insects that communicate with each other using pheromones (chemical signals). They form aggregations and cooperate in finding food and shelter. They also have a hierarchy within their group, with dominant individuals having access to better resources.

Oriental cockroaches are also adaptable and resilient. They can withstand high temperatures and radiation levels. They can also survive without their head for up to a week, as they breathe through spiracles (small holes) on their body segments. They only die when they lose too much water or starve.

Fun Facts

Oriental cockroaches probably get their name from trade ships, but they are thought to be from Africa or south Russia.
Oriental cockroaches can produce a foul-smelling substance from their mouth or glands on their abdomen.
Oriental cockroaches can regrow lost limbs or antennae during their molting process. They can also regenerate damaged tissues or organs.
Oriental cockroaches have been used in scientific research and medicine.

The Oriental cockroach is very resilient, breeds rapidly and can spread disease. To effectively remove them from your home or business, call the Experts Today for an honest quote and evaluation to meet your specific needs!

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Additional Information:

https://entnemdept.ufl.edu/creatures/urban/roaches/oriental_cockroach.htm
https://extension.psu.edu/oriental-cockroaches
https://extension.okstate.edu/programs/digital-diagnostics/insects-and-arthropods/oriental-cockroach-blatta-orientalis/