Bug Identifier
Oriental Cockroach
Community identification

Oriental Cockroach

Blatta orientalis

Order & Family
Order: Blattodea; Family: Blattidae
Size
25 to 32 mm (approximately 1 to 1.25 inches) long.
See this bug in the Encyclopedia

Natural Habitat

Damp, dark, and cool areas such as basements, crawl spaces, sewers, and mulch around foundations.

Diet & Feeding

Omnivorous scavengers that prefer decaying organic matter and starchy foods.

Behavior Patterns

Primarily nocturnal and move more slowly than other cockroach species. They are often called waterbugs because they frequent damp locations. They undergo incomplete metamorphosis.

Risks & Benefits

Risks: Can carry pathogens on their legs and bodies, potentially spreading diseases like E. coli and Salmonella. Their droppings and shed skins can trigger allergies and asthma. Benefits: In the wild, they help decompose organic material.