Oriental Cockroach

Profile

Scientific name

Blatta orientalis

Identification

Very dark brown to black with a greasy sheen. Wings are short and do not cover the abdomen on either sex; it cannot fly.

Appearance

Broad, heavy-bodied and noticeably darker than other structural roaches.

Typical size

Adults about 1 inch (25 mm).

Behavior

Ground-dwelling, slow-moving, nocturnal and dependent on constant moisture.

Habitat

Floor drains, sump areas, crawl spaces, mulch, water meter boxes and damp voids.

Diet

Decaying organic matter, garbage and starchy residue.

Lifecycle

Egg cases are dropped in damp harborage; development takes several months to a year, with adults most visible in warm, wet weather.

Why it matters

Contamination pest associated with decaying material and garbage. It does not bite.

DIY considerations

This is a moisture problem first. Products applied indoors will not offset a wet crawl space or a chronically damp perimeter.

Professional considerations

Service pairs perimeter and crawl-space treatment with moisture and drainage findings the property owner can correct.

Signs of activity

• Dark roaches on floors at ground level, often in garages or utility rooms
• Activity around floor drains and sump pits
• Dead roaches accumulating in dry areas they cannot survive in
• Sightings surging after heavy rain

Prevention

• Correct drainage so water is not sitting against the foundation
• Keep drain traps filled and screened
• Repair leaks in crawl spaces and utility rooms
• Remove wet leaf litter and organic debris near entries

Sources

• University of Florida IFAS — Featured Creatures (entomology profiles)
• US EPA — Safe pest control in and around the home