Oriental Cockroaches in Georgia
The oriental cockroach (Blatta orientalis) is often referred to as the “black beetle” or “water bug” and is a major household pest in parts of the northwest, mid-west, and the southern United States. This species is attracted to wet and shady perimeter areas and prefers the dark and dampness of basements, cellars, and crawl spaces. Oriental cockroaches are known to climb water pipes and garbage chutes to access the upper floors of apartment buildings. They feed on all kinds of filth, debris, and other decaying organic matter and seem especially fond of garbage and the contents of discarded tin cans.
What Do Oriental Cockroaches Look Like?
Oriental cockroaches are shiny, dark brown to black, and about 1 inch long. Males have short, undeveloped wings, while females are wingless with a broader, rounded body. These cockroaches are larger and more robust compared to other types of cockroaches in Georgia.
Signs of an Oriental Cockroach Infestation
Signs of an oriental cockroach infestation include spotting shiny, dark brown to black cockroaches, about 1 inch long, in damp, cool areas like basements, drains, and crawl spaces. You may notice a musty odor, droppings resembling black pepper, or egg cases in hidden spots. Unlike other types of cockroaches in Georgia, oriental cockroaches are less likely to climb walls and are slower-moving, preferring ground-level areas. These pests thrive in moist environments, so excess moisture is a key indicator.
Habitat, Diet, Life Cycle & Behaviors
Where Do Oriental Cockroaches Live?
Oriental cockroaches are common outdoors and live in warm, damp shady areas near the ground. Outside the house, these cockroaches will gather near or under trash cans. When temperatures drop, they may seek shelter indoors but can tolerate cooler weather. Oriental cockroaches may enter homes in food packages from grocery stores or gain access under exterior doors, garage doors, air ducts, and ventilators. Inside, they tend to remain on lower floors and move more slowly than other cockroach species. The most common areas to find oriental cockroaches in homes are toilets, bathtubs, sinks, radiators, and pipes. These cockroaches are seasonal and adults generally appear from May through July in the Atlanta GA area.
Diet
Oriental cockroaches primarily eat decaying organic matter, such as rotting food, plant material, and garbage. They thrive in damp, unsanitary environments like sewers, drains, and basements. These cockroaches are scavengers and can survive on a wide range of decomposing materials, making them highly adaptable to poor conditions.
Life Cycle
The Oriental cockroach life cycle consists of three stages: egg, nymph, and adult. Females produce around 16 egg cases (oothecae) during their lifetime, each containing about 16 eggs. The eggs hatch in about 60 days, depending on temperature. Nymphs go through 7 to 10 molts before reaching adulthood, which can take anywhere from six months to a year. Adult oriental cockroaches live for about six months, typically thriving in damp environments. Among the various types of cockroaches in Georgia, Oriental cockroaches are notable for their slower development.
Behaviors
Unlike other cockroach species, oriental cockroaches prefer cooler temperatures and are less agile, making them slower movers. These roaches are nocturnal, emerging at night to scavenge for food, which can include decaying organic matter. While not typically found inside homes as often as other species, they can still pose a hygiene risk by contaminating food and surfaces.
Are Oriental Cockroaches Dangerous?
Oriental cockroaches are not a structural pest in that they do not damage homes, but they do present a serious threat to your health and the health of your family. Cockroaches are known for spreading disease and have been discovered to carry 33 different kinds of bacteria, including E. Coli and Salmonella. Cockroaches contaminate food items and the surfaces in our homes with harmful bacteria as they forage for food. They also pose a major threat to people with allergies or asthma as their shed skins and feces can cause serious reactions in these individuals. For these reasons, it’s important to contact a professional cockroach exterminator when you are dealing with an infestation.
How To Get Rid of Oriental Cockroaches
To get rid of roaches, the focus is on using targeted treatments like bait stations and insecticides around areas where they commonly infest, such as basements, drains, and crawl spaces. Cockroach control methods may include gel baits, dusts, and sprays designed to eliminate oriental roaches. If an oriental cockroach infestation persists, professional pest control services are recommended. Experts can apply more potent insecticides and treatments to completely remove the pests from your home, with their specialist knowledge, including how to get rid of cockroaches from air vents. Oriental roaches are resilient, so consistent and thorough treatment is essential for effective elimination.
Oriental Cockroach Prevention Tips
To prevent an oriental cockroach infestation, focus on eliminating moisture and keeping areas clean. Use boric acid in cracks and crevices where cockroaches might hide, and ensure drains are regularly cleaned and sealed to avoid damp environments that attract these pests. If you notice signs of an infestation, such as sightings or droppings, it’s crucial to know when to call an exterminator for cockroaches. We recommend seeking professional pest control help at the very first sign of an infestation to avoid the problem escalating.
Our team of cockroach pest control experts understands how distressing an oriental cockroach infestation can be. We are proud to provide our Georgia community with quick, effective, and long-lasting cockroach control services year-round.
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Oriental Cockroach FAQs
Do Oriental Cockroaches Fly?
Oriental cockroaches cannot fly. While adult males have short wings that cover three-quarters of their bodies, and female oriental cockroaches have only small wing pads, neither can take flight. They rely on crawling to move around, typically preferring cool, damp areas.
Do Oriental Cockroaches Bite?
Oriental cockroaches generally do not bite humans. They are primarily scavengers, feeding on decaying organic matter, and prefer to avoid direct contact with people. While they do not bite or sting, their presence in homes can pose significant health risks, making prompt cockroach pest control essential.
What Attracts Oriental Cockroaches?
Oriental cockroaches are attracted to cool, damp environments like basements, drains, and crawl spaces. They are drawn to decaying organic matter and garbage. To deter them, keep areas dry and clean.
