Oriental Cockroaches
Blatta orientalis
| Danger | high |
|---|---|
| Category | Cockroaches |
| Color | Shiny black |
| Size | 1" long |
| Legs | 6 |
| Antennae | Yes |
| Shape | Oval |
| Region | Northern regions of the United States |
Overview
Believed to be of African origin despite its name, the o riental cockroach is one of the larger species of cockroach. These cockroaches are sometimes referred to as “ waterbugs ” because they hang out in damp areas , a s well as “black beetle cockroaches” because of their smooth, dark bodies. Oriental cockroaches gain entry into households by going under doors and through gaps beneath siding, as well as following pipes, sewers and drains into a structure.
What Oriental Cockroaches Look Like
Oriental cockroaches exhibit a shiny black to a dark reddish-brown color. As adults, the male and female cockroaches, though both large in size, are quite different in appearance. Growing to only 25 mm in length, the smaller males have shortened, three-quarter-length wings. As a result, the last few abdominal segments of their bodies are exposed. In comparison, female o riental roaches reach a length of 32 mm and have no wings. Instead, they have large wing pads that shelter the first few segments of their bodies. While differing in appearance, neither males nor females can fly.
Primarily an outdoor species, oriental cockroaches are often found in sewers and under debris, leaves, stones and firewood. Additionally, these pests can also live in the voids or openings beneath porches. While their natural habitat is outdoors, oriental cockroaches tend to invade homes during the summer. They will enter structures through door thresholds, under sliding glass doors, along utility pipes and through floor drains. Once indoors, oriental cockroaches find harborage in basements and crawl spaces, as they prefer damp, cool locations. Furthermore, these cockroaches will usually crawl around toilets, sinks, pipes and service ducts.
The oriental cockroach feeds on all kinds of food, especially decaying organic matter, starchy foods and garbage. Though these cockroaches have been noted to survive for up to a month without food, they cannot live for more than two weeks without water. Heavily dependent on water, they tend to gather in large numbers near water sources.
There are three telltale signs of an oriental cockroach infestation: sightings, egg capsules and odor.
Behavior & Habitat
Primarily an outdoor species, oriental cockroaches are often found in sewers and under debris, leaves, stones and firewood. Additionally, these pests can also live in the voids or openings beneath porches. While their natural habitat is outdoors, oriental cockroaches tend to invade homes during the summer. They will enter structures through door thresholds, under sliding glass doors, along utility pipes and through floor drains. Once indoors, oriental cockroaches find harborage in basements and crawl spaces, as they prefer damp, cool locations. Furthermore, these cockroaches will usually crawl around toilets, sinks, pipes and service ducts.
Signs of an Infestation
There are three telltale signs of an oriental cockroach infestation: sightings, egg capsules and odor.
Prevention & Control
The best advice for Oriental cockroach control is to practice good sanitation. To prevent o riental cockroaches from infesting a home , vacuum often and keep a spotless kitchen . Consider using a dehumidifier to prevent moisture buildup. On the exterior of the home, seal all possible entry points with a silicone-based caulk, paying close attention to cracks around doors, windows, pipes and utility lines. Additionally, fortify all entrances around utility pipes and ventilate crawl spaces to prevent moisture buildup. Since o riental cockroaches are very dependent on water, eliminate sources of standing water and divert water away from the home’s foundation with properly functioning downspouts, gutters and splash blocks.
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Common questions about Oriental Cockroaches
What do Oriental Cockroaches look like?
Oriental cockroaches exhibit a shiny black to a dark reddish-brown color. As adults, the male and female cockroaches, though both large in size, are quite different in appearance. Growing to only 25 mm in length, the smaller males have shortened, three-quarter-length wings. As a
What are signs of Oriental Cockroaches?
There are three telltale signs of an oriental cockroach infestation: sightings, egg capsules and odor.
How do I get rid of Oriental Cockroaches?
The best advice for Oriental cockroach control is to practice good sanitation. To prevent o riental cockroaches from infesting a home , vacuum often and keep a spotless kitchen . Consider using a dehumidifier to prevent moisture buildup. On the exterior of the home, seal all poss
Related Cockroaches
Vendors for Cockroaches
Vendors below are matched from the pest category and service specialties. Use country, ZIP / postal, city, branch, or service filters to narrow results.
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| Vendor | Score | Country | Reputation | Website | Telephone | ZIP / postal coverage | Good at | Certifications | Branch count | Quality / notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| ABC Home & Commercial Services | 5 / 5 | United States | 5 / 5 | (281) 730-9500 |
United States |
Commercial, Residential, Termites, Ants, Cockroaches, Rodents, Mosquitoes, Lawn |
QualityPro Accredited, Green Pro, Schools, Food Safety |
0 |
Score 5/5. verified industry directory membership; third-party certifications: QualityPro Accredited, Green Pro, Schools, Food Safety; operating since 1949; 8 service categories; core vendor profile fields complete. |
|
| Abell Pest Control | 5 / 5 | Canada | 5 / 5 | (888) 560-2056 |
Brampton, ON, Hamilton, ON, Gatineau, QC |
Commercial, Residential, Rodents, Cockroaches, Bed bugs, Ants, Ticks, Wildlife |
QualityPro Accredited, Green Pro, Schools, Food Safety |
3 |
Score 5/5. official website branch evidence; verified industry directory membership; third-party certifications: QualityPro Accredited, Green Pro, Schools, Food Safety; operating since 1924; 8 service categories; core vendor profile fields complete. |
|
| Amco Ranger Pest Control | 5 / 5 | United States | 5 / 5 | (636) 928-3084 |
Chesterfield, MO, Lake St. Louis, MO, O'Fallon, MO, St. Charles, MO, St. Louis, MO, St. Peters, MO, Wentzville, MO |
Commercial, General pest, Organic, Residential |
QualityPro Accredited, Green Pro, Schools |
7 |
Score 5/5. 7 official branch records; official website branch evidence; verified industry directory membership; third-party certifications: QualityPro Accredited, Green Pro, Schools. |
|
| Arrow Exterminators | 5 / 5 | United States | 5 / 5 | (516) 593-7770 |
United States |
Commercial, Residential, Termites, Wildlife, Mosquitoes |
QualityPro Accredited, Green Pro, Schools, Food Safety |
0 |
Score 5/5. verified industry directory membership; third-party certifications: QualityPro Accredited, Green Pro, Schools, Food Safety; operating since 1964; 5 service categories; core vendor profile fields complete. |
|
| Central Exterminating | 5 / 5 | United States | 5 / 5 | (800) 966-7673 |
Madison Heights, MI, Cuyahoga Falls, OH |
Ants, Bed bugs, Cockroaches, Commercial, General pest, Mosquitoes, Residential, Termites |
QualityPro Accredited, Green Pro, Schools |
7 |
Score 5/5. 7 official branch records; official website branch evidence; verified industry directory membership; third-party certifications: QualityPro Accredited, Green Pro, Schools; 8 service categories. |
|
| EcoChoice Termite & Pest Control | 5 / 5 | United States | 5 / 5 | (800) 323-7378 |
Framingham, MA, Leominster, MA, Springfield, MA, Worcester, MA, Bangor, ME, Portland, ME, Manchester, NH |
Commercial, General pest, Mosquitoes, Residential, Rodents, Termites, Ticks, Wildlife |
QualityPro Accredited |
7 |
Score 5/5. 7 official branch records; official website branch evidence; verified industry directory membership; third-party certifications: QualityPro Accredited; 8 service categories. |
|
| EcoShield Pest Solutions | 5 / 5 | United States | 5 / 5 | (888) 744-1284 |
Canoga Park, CA, Englewood Denver, CO, Tampa, FL, Annapolis Junction, MD, St. Louis Park, MN, Mount Laurel, NJ, Totowa, NJ, Westchester Plaza Elmsford Elmsford, NY, Norristown, PA, Dacoma Suite G Houston, TX, Dallas, TX, Houston, TX, +3 more |
Residential, Commercial, Ants, Rodents, Mosquitoes, Organic, General pest |
- |
24 |
Score 5/5. 24 official branch records; official website branch evidence; 7 service categories; core vendor profile fields complete. |
|
| Hawx | 5 / 5 | United States | 5 / 5 | (726) 202-0214 |
Phoenix, AZ |
Residential, Rodents |
QualityPro Accredited |
14 |
Score 5/5. 14 official branch records; official website branch evidence; verified industry directory membership; third-party certifications: QualityPro Accredited. |
|
| Insight Pest Solutions Alberta | 5 / 5 | Canada | 5 / 5 | (587) 323-4844 |
Calgary, AB, Burnaby, BC, Bathurst, NB, Bedford, NS, Dartmouth, NS, Barrie, ON, Burlington, ON, Charlottetown, PE, Drummondville, QC |
Ants, Residential, Rodents, Wildlife |
QualityPro Accredited |
18 |
Score 5/5. 18 official branch records; official website branch evidence; verified industry directory membership; third-party certifications: QualityPro Accredited. |
|
| Massey Services | 5 / 5 | United States | 5 / 5 | (770) 928-7275 |
United States |
Residential, Termites, Mosquitoes, Ants, Cockroaches, Lawn |
QualityPro Accredited, Green Pro |
0 |
Score 5/5. verified industry directory membership; third-party certifications: QualityPro Accredited, Green Pro; operating since 1985; 6 service categories; core vendor profile fields complete. |
|
| North Shore Pest Detective | 5 / 5 | Canada | 5 / 5 | (604) 434-7378 |
Burnaby, BC, Corporate Head Office, BC, Vancouver, BC |
Ants, Bed bugs, Cockroaches, General pest, Rodents |
QualityPro Accredited, Green Pro |
4 |
Score 5/5. official website branch evidence; verified industry directory membership; third-party certifications: QualityPro Accredited, Green Pro; 5 service categories. |
|
| Omega Termite & Pest Control | 5 / 5 | United States | 5 / 5 | (800) 257-3636 |
Alameda, Albany, Antioch, San Carlos, San Francisco, San Leandro, San Lorenzo, San Mateo, San Pablo, San Ramon, South San Francisco, Sunol, +2 more |
Residential, Termites |
QualityPro Accredited, Green Pro |
14 |
Score 5/5. 14 official branch records; official website branch evidence; verified industry directory membership; third-party certifications: QualityPro Accredited, Green Pro. |
|
| Orkin | 5 / 5 | United States | 5 / 5 | (877) 819-5061 |
Alabama |
Residential, Commercial, Termites, Bed bugs, Rodents, Ants, Cockroaches |
QualityPro Accredited, Green Pro, Food Safety |
1 |
Score 5/5. official website branch evidence; verified industry directory membership; third-party certifications: QualityPro Accredited, Green Pro, Food Safety; operating since 1901; 7 service categories; core vendor profile fields complete. |
|
| Palmetto Exterminators | 5 / 5 | United States | 5 / 5 | (800) 585-8019 |
Bluffton, SC, Charleston, SC, Charlotte, SC, Columbia, SC, Easley, SC, Greenville, SC, Irmo, SC, Murrells Inlet, SC, Myrtle Beach, SC, Summerville, SC, Walterboro, SC |
General pest, Mosquitoes, Residential, Termites |
QualityPro Accredited |
11 |
Score 5/5. 11 official branch records; official website branch evidence; verified industry directory membership; third-party certifications: QualityPro Accredited. |
|
| Pest Management Systems | 5 / 5 | United States | 5 / 5 | (910) 215-9700 |
Summerfield Oak Ridge, NC |
Bed bugs, Commercial, General pest, Residential, Rodents, Termites, Wildlife |
QualityPro Accredited, Green Pro, Schools |
1 |
Score 5/5. official website branch evidence; verified industry directory membership; third-party certifications: QualityPro Accredited, Green Pro, Schools; 7 service categories. |
|
| Rentokil | 5 / 5 | United States | 5 / 5 | (630) 621-5997 |
United States |
Commercial, Residential, Rodents, Termites, Cockroaches |
QualityPro Accredited |
0 |
Score 5/5. verified industry directory membership; third-party certifications: QualityPro Accredited; operating since 1927; 5 service categories; core vendor profile fields complete. |
|
| Rose Pest Solutions | 5 / 5 | United States | 5 / 5 | (260) 484-5589 |
Fort Wayne, IN, Indianapolis, IN, Kokomo, IN, Niles, IN, Madison Heights, MI |
Ants, Bed bugs, Cockroaches, Commercial, Mosquitoes, Residential, Rodents, Termites, Wildlife |
QualityPro Accredited, Green Pro, Schools, Food Safety |
12 |
Score 5/5. 12 official branch records; official website branch evidence; verified industry directory membership; third-party certifications: QualityPro Accredited, Green Pro, Schools, Food Safety; 9 service categories. |
|
| Terminix | 5 / 5 | United States | 5 / 5 | (334) 260-7670 |
Auburn, AL, Birmingham, AL, Dothan, AL, Homewood, AL, Irondale, AL, Madison, AL, Mobile, AL, Montgomery, AL, Northport, AL, Summerdale, AL, Theodore, AL, Batesville, AR, +512 more |
Residential, Commercial, Termites, Bed bugs, Rodents, Ants, Cockroaches, Organic, Ticks |
QualityPro Accredited, Green Pro |
619 |
Score 5/5. 619 official branch records; official website branch evidence; verified industry directory membership; third-party certifications: QualityPro Accredited, Green Pro; operating since 1927; 9 service categories; core vendor profile fields complete. |
|
| The Bug Master | 5 / 5 | United States | 5 / 5 | (512) 714-2341 |
Austin, TX, Belton, TX, Buda, TX, Cameron, TX, Cedar Park, TX, Copperas Cove, TX, Cypress, TX, Driftwood, TX, Georgetown, TX, Gruene, TX |
Ants, Cockroaches, General pest, Mosquitoes, Organic, Rodents, Termites, Wildlife |
QualityPro Accredited, Green Pro |
10 |
Score 5/5. 10 official branch records; official website branch evidence; verified industry directory membership; third-party certifications: QualityPro Accredited, Green Pro; 8 service categories. |
|
| Thrasher Termite & Pest Control of So Cal | 5 / 5 | United States | 5 / 5 | (619) 349-8969 |
San Diego, CA |
Ants, Residential, Rodents |
QualityPro Accredited, Public Health, Green Pro |
9 |
Score 5/5. 9 official branch records; official website branch evidence; verified industry directory membership; third-party certifications: QualityPro Accredited, Public Health, Green Pro. |
|
| Triangle Pest Control | 5 / 5 | United States | 5 / 5 | (919) 283-3205 |
Angier, NC, Apex, NC, Carrboro, NC, Cary, NC, Chapel Hill, NC, Clayton, NC, Durham, NC, Garner, NC |
Ants, General pest, Organic, Residential, Rodents, Termites |
QualityPro Accredited, Green Pro |
9 |
Score 5/5. 9 official branch records; official website branch evidence; verified industry directory membership; third-party certifications: QualityPro Accredited, Green Pro; 6 service categories. |
|
| Creature Control | 4 / 5 | United States | 4 / 5 | (800) 441-1519 |
Ann Arbor, MI, Auburn Hills, MI, Brighton, MI, Farmington Hills, MI, Gregory, MI, Jackson, MI, Lansing, MI, Livingston County, MI, Oakland County, MI, Washtenaw County, MI |
Wildlife, Rodents, Residential, General pest |
- |
10 |
Score 4/5. 10 official branch records; official website branch evidence; core vendor profile fields complete. |
|
| Ehrlich Pest Control | 4 / 5 | United States | 4 / 5 | (855) 963-6202 |
New York, NY |
Commercial, Residential |
QualityPro Accredited |
1 |
Score 4/5. official website branch evidence; verified industry directory membership; third-party certifications: QualityPro Accredited. |
|
| Jackson Pest Management | 4 / 5 | United States | 4 / 5 | (260) 747-9772 |
Archive.Html, Index.Html |
Residential |
QualityPro Accredited |
3 |
Score 4/5. official website branch evidence; verified industry directory membership; third-party certifications: QualityPro Accredited. |
|
| Knockout Pest Control | 4 / 5 | United States | 4 / 5 | (800) 244-7378 |
Uniondale, NY |
Commercial, Organic, Residential |
QualityPro Accredited, Green Pro |
3 |
Score 4/5. official website branch evidence; verified industry directory membership; third-party certifications: QualityPro Accredited, Green Pro. |
|
| Mares Exterminating | 4 / 5 | United States | 4 / 5 | (757) 485-5005 |
Suffolk, Williamsburg |
General pest, Residential |
QualityPro Accredited |
2 |
Score 4/5. official website branch evidence; verified industry directory membership; third-party certifications: QualityPro Accredited. |
|
| Moxie Pest Control | 4 / 5 | United States | 4 / 5 | (469) 545-2160 |
United States |
Residential, Ants, Cockroaches, Mosquitoes, Rodents |
QualityPro Accredited |
0 |
Score 4/5. verified industry directory membership; third-party certifications: QualityPro Accredited; 5 service categories. |
|
| Nozzle Nolen | 4 / 5 | United States | 4 / 5 | (800) 226-6536 |
Boca Raton, FL, Lake Worth, FL, Port St Lucie, FL, West Palm Beach, FL |
Commercial, Organic, Residential |
QualityPro Accredited, Green Pro |
4 |
Score 4/5. official website branch evidence; verified industry directory membership; third-party certifications: QualityPro Accredited, Green Pro. |
|
| ProSource Pest Solutions | 4 / 5 | United States | 4 / 5 | (203) 405-9856 |
Waterbury, CT |
Residential, Wildlife |
QualityPro Accredited |
4 |
Score 4/5. official website branch evidence; verified industry directory membership; third-party certifications: QualityPro Accredited. |
|
| Springer Professional Home Services | 4 / 5 | United States | 4 / 5 | (515) 262-9229 |
Des Moines, IA |
Residential |
QualityPro Accredited |
1 |
Score 4/5. official website branch evidence; verified industry directory membership; third-party certifications: QualityPro Accredited. |
|
| Varment Guard Wildlife Services | 4 / 5 | United States | 4 / 5 | (800) 793-8169 |
Lima, Mankato, MN, Rochester, MN |
Residential, Wildlife |
QualityPro Accredited |
3 |
Score 4/5. official website branch evidence; verified industry directory membership; third-party certifications: QualityPro Accredited. |
|
| Viking Pest Control | 4 / 5 | United States | 4 / 5 | (732) 356-3100 |
United States |
Commercial, Residential, Termites, Rodents, Mosquitoes |
QualityPro Accredited, Green Pro |
0 |
Score 4/5. verified industry directory membership; third-party certifications: QualityPro Accredited, Green Pro; 5 service categories. |
|
| Presto-X Pest Control (Rentokil) | 3 / 5 | United States | 3 / 5 | (985) 626-7378 |
United States |
Commercial, Residential, Rodents, Cockroaches |
QualityPro Accredited |
0 |
Score 3/5. verified industry directory membership; third-party certifications: QualityPro Accredited. |
|
| Solidified Pest Control | 3 / 5 | United States | 3 / 5 | (866) 614-6762 |
Ann Arbor, MI, Livonia, MI |
Residential, Ants, Rodents, General pest |
- |
2 |
Score 3/5. official website branch evidence; core vendor profile fields complete. |
|
| Aptive Environmental | 2 / 5 | United States | 2 / 5 | - |
United States |
Residential, Ants, Cockroaches, Mosquitoes, Rodents, Ticks |
- |
0 |
Score 2/5. 6 service categories. |
|
| CJB Pest & Mosquito Control | 1 / 5 | United States | 1 / 5 | - |
United States |
Residential, Mosquitoes, Termites |
- |
0 |
Score 1/5. |
|
| Green Guard Pest Solutions | 1 / 5 | United States | 1 / 5 | - |
United States |
Residential, Organic, Ants, Rodents |
- |
0 |
Score 1/5. |
|
| Guardian Pest Control | 1 / 5 | United States | 1 / 5 | - |
United States |
Residential, Commercial, Rodents |
- |
0 |
Score 1/5. |
|
| Pest EZ | 1 / 5 | United States | 1 / 5 | - |
United States |
Residential, Ants, Cockroaches |
- |
0 |
Score 1/5. |
|
| Precision Pest Control | 1 / 5 | United States | 1 / 5 | - |
United States |
Residential, Commercial, Termites |
- |
0 |
Score 1/5. |
|
| Superior Pest Control | 1 / 5 | United States | 1 / 5 | - |
United States |
Residential, Commercial, Rodents |
- |
0 |
Score 1/5. |
|
| Wingman Pest Control | 1 / 5 | United States | 1 / 5 | - |
United States |
Residential, Ants, Mosquitoes |
- |
0 |
Score 1/5. |