Bug Identifier
Oriental cockroach (likely)
Community identification

Oriental cockroach (likely)

Blatta orientalis

Order & Family
Blattodea; Blattidae
Size
About 18–30 mm (0.7–1.2 in) long.
See this bug in the Encyclopedia

Natural Habitat

Damp, cool, dark places such as basements, drains, sewers, mulch, and sheltered outdoor areas; common around buildings.

Diet & Feeding

Omnivorous scavenger feeding on decaying organic matter, food scraps, starches, and other household debris.

Behavior Patterns

Mostly nocturnal, secretive, and relatively poor at climbing smooth surfaces. Females produce egg cases, and nymphs develop through several molts over months.

Risks & Benefits

Can contaminate food and surfaces and mechanically spread bacteria, allergens, and asthma-triggering particles. It also contributes to decomposition outdoors, though it is generally considered a pest indoors.