Oriental Cockroaches

What do Oriental cockroaches look like?

Oriental cockroaches or “water bugs” as they are commonly called have smooth, shiny bodies and range in color from black to dark brown. Adult Oriental cockroaches grow to about 1 inch in length. The males have narrow bodies and long wings while the females have much wider bodies and shorter wings. Though they both have wings, neither the male or females are capable of flight. These cockroaches emit a strong and unpleasant musty odor that helps to identify their presence inside a home.

Are Oriental cockroaches dangerous?

Oriental cockroaches are considered a dangerous pest due to the large number of bacteria, diseases, human pathogens, and viruses that they carry on their bodies. Before invading a home or business, these cockroaches were most likely been living and traveling through unsanitary areas like sewers, dumpsters, bathrooms, and garbage disposals. Once inside a home or business, they will contaminate any surfaces and food items that they come into contact with pathogens and bacteria that can cause diarrhea and vomiting. In addition, Oriental cockroaches shed their skins and leave behind large amounts of excrement that can trigger allergies and in some cases even cause severe asthma attacks, especially in children, the elderly, and people with weakened immune systems.

Where do Oriental cockroaches nest?

Oriental roaches are referred to as “water bugs” because they prefer to live in damp, dark, areas. Outdoors, these roaches can be found living underneath piles of leaves and grass as well as under mulch and soil found around foundations and stone walls. Oriental cockroaches are also found living in garden areas and underneath porches and decks. Indoors, these roaches are often found living in drains, crawl spaces, and damp basements.

Why do I have an Oriental cockroach problem?

Oriental cockroaches are attracted to properties that offer them areas of damp, dark, decaying vegetation to live and hide in. When out foraging for food sources, cockroaches often find their way inside of homes and other structures through cracks in the foundation, spaces underneath doors and around windows, gaps found around utilities entering into your home, and through vents.

How do I get rid of Oriental cockroaches?

When dealing with an Oriental cockroach infestation, the best thing to do is to contact your local pest control company as soon as possible. At Pro Active Pest Control, our experts will come to your aid, perform a thorough inspection, and create a pest control program to help eliminate Oriental cockroaches and prevent future invasions. We use the most modern pest control methods and products possible to control roaches and other common pests found living in our area. To learn more about implementing our pest control services covered by our 100% service guarantee for your Roseville, El Dorado Hills, Rancho Cordova, Lincoln, Rocklin, or Sacramento home or business, contact us at Pro Active!

How can I prevent future problems with Oriental cockroaches?

Preventing problems with Oriental cockroaches can be a daunting task, but there are some steps you can take to help deter them and prevent them from finding their way inside. Seal any gaps found in your home’s foundation, exterior walls, and around utilities entering into your home. It is also important to eliminate easy access to water sources by repairing any leaky pipes and drains and by making sure your gutters are functioning properly. You can also help deter these roaches by creating a stone barrier between any mulch or soil and your home’s foundation. Since these pests are attracted to damp areas,  it is important to reduce the humidity levels inside of your home by running a dehumidifier in the basement and making sure that crawl spaces are well-ventilated. Inside your home, eliminate easy access to food sources by keeping all food items stored in the refrigerator or in containers with airtight lids. Also, make sure to vacuum and wipe down your counters on a regular basis.