The Oriental Roach: The Nastiest Type of Roach
The oriental roach is often considered the worst type, the type of cockroach that gives the entire species a bad name. The oriental cockroach is often called the waterbug cockroach, and that is because this type of roach is found in very damp, wet areas. These roaches usually range from about 1 inch to 1-¼ inches in length. Oriental cockroaches can be distinguished from others as they are shiny dark brown or black in color. One feature that this type of cockroach has that may distinguish it from others is wings, though they are not functional.
The females of this species have smaller wings than the male counterparts. The younger oriental cockroaches or nymphs are usually darker in color and do not have wings, so you may mistake them for another type of roach. The females will carry an egg case protruding from the abdomen for up to five days, and then it will hide the egg case in or near food or water. The egg case is about one inch long, is reddish in color, and often appears as though it has air in it. The baby cockroaches will emerge in about 60 days and will be fully developed in about a year. Once the oriental roach reaches adulthood, it will live for just one to six months.
The oriental roach will migrate in large numbers during cool weather, seemingly taking over structures. The reason that this type of cockroach is thought of as so filthy is that they feed on garbage and decaying plant and animal products. Usually the oriental roach will be found in basements, crawl spaces, in or around drains, under refrigerators, in sinks, washing machines, under floors, and even inside your walls! The oriental roach is known to cause food poisoning, diarrhea, asthma, as well as dysentery, so it should never be a welcome houseguest.
The problem with the oriental roach is that it does not need an invitation to move into your home. It will find its way in through cracks in the foundation, sewer pipes, and other entryways and will leave a scent trail for other roaches. Because one egg case can hold up to 18 baby cockroaches, you can see why infestation can occur fairly rapidly.
Infestation of the oriental roach can be avoided if you are sure to keep your home clean, and as free as possible of entry points for the roaches. The oriental roach can be found indoors and outdoors, so you have to be sure to secure the foundation of your home, keep trash away from the home, and keep the inside of your home as clean as possible to keep these insects out. Oriental cockroaches are very resourceful, so the homeowner must be one step ahead of them at all times!
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