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Blatta orientalis

Oriental Cockroach

Blatta orientalis

What is that smell? It could be the horrible odor that the oriental cockroach emits. Like most roaches, they are a nuisance and feed on filth. Unlike many other cockroaches, the oriental roach can survive very well in freezing weather, so do not be surprised to see them at any time of the year.
RISK LEVEL:
LOW
MEDIUM
HIGH
Risk is defined as how much damage each pest can be to you, your family, or your home
Oriental Cockroach
  • Can be found in moist or damp areas, such as crawl spaces.
  • Often congregate around spilled or unsealed food.
  • Roaches can be found in cracks or crevices in buildings.
  • The Oriental roach can be found in winter, though most other roaches avoid extreme temperatures.
Class: Order: Family:
Insecta Blattodea Blattellidae
Size: Oriental cockroach adult males are about 1 in (25 mm) long; females are about 1 1/4 in (32 mm) long.
Color: Usually shiny black, but varies somewhat, and can go to a dark reddish brown.
Characteristics: Males' wings cover 75% of abdomen, females' wings are much smaller.
Geographic Range: In spite of common name, probably from north Africa; also known as a "shad roach," "black beetle," or "water bug"; found around the world.
Food: Oriental cockroaches feed on all kinds of food, especially starchy ones. They also eat organic matter that is in the process of decaying.
Biology: Female usually deposits her egg capsule within about a day (up to 5) after its formation. It may be dropped onto or glued to a surface that is warm and protected, and near a source of food. She will produce on average about 8 egg capsules (16 eggs each) during her life. Development from egg to adult varies depending on temperature; at room temperature it takes about 20 months. Adults live from about 1 to 6 months.
Blatta orientalis

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