
Community identification
Oriental Cockroach
Blatta orientalis
- Order & Family
- Order Blattodea, Family Blattidae
- Size
- 25 to 32 mm (approx. 1 to 1.25 inches) in length.
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.