
Community identification
Oriental Cockroach
Blatta orientalis
- Order & Family
- Blattodea, Blattidae
- Size
- Approximately 18 mm to 29 mm in length.
Natural Habitat
Damp, dark, and cool places such as sewers, basements, crawl spaces, and under mulch or debris.
Diet & Feeding
Omnivorous scavenger; eats decaying organic matter, garbage, and starchy foods.
Behavior Patterns
Primarily nocturnal and flightless. They prefer cool environments and are often found near water sources; they move slower than many other cockroach species.
Risks & Benefits
Major domestic pest known for carrying pathogens and bacteria on their legs; they can contaminate food and surfaces, and their presence may trigger allergies or asthma.