The Oriental cockroach is a large roach species that hails from Africa. It is also called a water bug or black beetle cockroach because it prefers damp areas and dark-coloured bodies.
Adult males can grow up to 29 mm while females can reach up to 27 mm in length. These roaches have a striking glossy body and are dark brown or black in colour.
These water bugs invade homes through door gaps and gaps beneath siding, also through pipes, sewers, and drains. So, it’s vital to stay vigilant and take preventative measures to keep these pesky critters out.
A female roach can lay up to eight egg capsules in her lifetime. These capsules, called an ootheca, contain about 16 eggs, each arranged in pairs within the egg case.
After carrying the egg capsule for up to five days, the female roach deposits it in a warm and accessible environment. This species takes 42 to 81 days to incubate before hatching into nymphs. The nymphs go through seven moults before reaching adulthood, which takes approximately a year.
Black beetle cockroaches thrive in warm, damp, and shaded outdoor areas. However, these resilient creatures prefer to reside close to the ground, attracted to natural debris.
Unfortunately, when the weather outside becomes cooler, these pesky critters often seek refuge indoors. It means that you may notice them lurking in your basement, sewer pipes, floor drains, and damp areas of your home. Although this species is more prevalent during the spring and summer, it can still make an appearance during the colder months.
Black beetle cockroaches prefer to feast on dirty things like decaying organic matter and garbage. Unfortunately, they habitually hide in damp and unsanitary areas. It means they can quickly spread germs and filth to your clean surfaces, utensils, and even food preparation areas.
These cockroaches can cause a stinky smell and carry harmful bacteria, protozoa, and viruses. As a result, they can contaminate your food and cause diseases like food poisoning, dysentery, and diarrhea. Additionally, their excrement and cast skins may trigger allergies in some people. Thus, protect your health and well-being by addressing the issue promptly.
Discover if you have an oriental cockroach problem with these three primary signs:
If you notice any of these signs, call a pest control professional near you for an pest inspection.
Removing oriental cockroaches from your property can be a challenging task. Due to their remarkable ability to conceal themselves and reproduce rapidly, it is advisable to seek professional assistance in tackling this issue.
At Tom’s Pest Control, we have a team of skilled professionals who can create a tailor-made treatment plan to remove cockroaches from your property. Our experts will assess the level of infestation and use the most effective methods to achieve the desired outcome. Trust us to eliminate any pest problems you might have.
If you are tired of unsuccessful attempts to remove pests from your living space, contact Tom’s Pest Control Adelaide at (08) 8876 5311 for a property that is entirely cockroach-free. We have the tools, experience, and expertise to ensure a comfortable and hygienic living environment for you.
Oriental roaches tend to flock towards dwellings that are damp and dark and have ample places to hide. They infiltrate homes by entering through pipes and drains that lead from sewers. Additionally, outdoor vegetation around a property serves as a breeding ground for these pests due to the moisture present. If your home has leaking pipes or other plumbing issues, it’s highly likely that water bugs will make it their abode.
Oriental roaches or water bugs can be found lurking in your sink drains, garbage disposals, and under cabinets with plumbing or bathroom fixtures. They scavenge around your home for food and can spread harmful bacteria onto your kitchen surfaces and food. It may put you and your loved one’s well-being at risk. Also, they emit foul odours that can impact your fresh environment. Thus, stay safe and protect your home by acting against these pesky pests.
Though these cockroaches can bite, it’s rare. However, during a significant infestation and a shortage of food and water, these critters may bite. They can survive for up to a month without food and less than two weeks without water. If they do bite, don’t worry, as their bites are small and painless.