Oriental Cockroach

Scientific Name: Blatta orientalis

Order & Family: Order Blattodea, Family Blattidae

Size: 25 to 32 mm (approx. 1 to 1.25 inches) in length.

Oriental Cockroach

Natural Habitat

Damp, dark, and cool areas like basements, sewers, drains, and crawl spaces.

Diet & Feeding

Omnivorous scavenger that feeds on decaying organic matter, garbage, and starchy foods.

Behavior Patterns

Primarily nocturnal and flightless; they move relatively slowly compared to other roaches and are often called 'water bugs' due to their preference for damp environments.

Risks & Benefits

Significant household pest; risks include the mechanical spread of pathogens like Salmonella and E. coli, and the potential to trigger asthma or allergies in humans.

Identified on: 5/5/2026