
Community identification
Oriental Cockroach
Blatta orientalis
- Order & Family
- Order: Blattodea; Family: Blattidae
- Size
- 25 to 32 mm (approximately 1 to 1.25 inches) long.
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.