Oriental cockroach identification and information in Albuquerque NM - Pest Defense Solutions

Oriental Cockroach

Category:

Actual Size: 1 ¼”

Characteristics: Shiny; dark reddish-brown to black.

Legs: 6

Antennae: Yes

Habitat: Primarily outdoors in sewers, under porches, and under debris, leaves, and stones. Inside, they inhabit basements and crawl spaces.

Habits:

  • Tend to be found on the lower floors of homes and buildings
  • Usually travel through sewer pipes and drains
  • Feed on decaying matter and starchy foods

Oriental Cockroaches in Albuquerque NM

Oriental cockroaches are often called water bugs because of their preference for dark, damp, and cool areas such as those under sinks and washing machines, and in damp basements. While some may be dark, reddish-brown in color, most oriental cockroaches are black with a glossy sheen. The oriental cockroach diet largely consists of decaying organic matter like the remnants of starchy foods. Trash receptacles and discarded tin cans serve as ideal places for the pests to find a suitable meal. Without food, oriental cockroaches can survive for a month (or more!) as long as they have access to water. When they do not have access to water, the insects typically cannot live longer than two weeks. This makes it important to know where water is building up in or near your Albuquerque home.

Oriental Cockroach Environment

Oriental cockroaches thrive in cool, damp areas such as basements, drains, and openings beneath porches, often traveling through sewer pipes and living on filth. Known for their preference for feeding on garbage and decay, these insects are commonly found in sinks, garbage disposals, landfills, and leaf litters. Unlike many other cockroach species, the oriental cockroach can withstand freezing temperatures and is often encountered in homes year-round as a result. These roaches move slower than others and are often confused for black beetles.

Oriental Cockroach Habits and Threats

Oriental cockroaches do not bite and do not damage homes. The main concern with their activities is the filth and potential bacteria that they spread. 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. If you have noticed these roaches in your yard or home, contact your local cockroach exterminators as soon as possible.

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