Oriental Cockroach

Natural Habitat

Damp, dark, and cool areas such as basements, crawl spaces, sewers, floor drains, and under mulch/leaf litter outdoors.

Diet & Feeding

Omnivorous scavengers that feed on decaying organic matter, starchy foods, and garbage; they are particularly dependent on available water sources.

Behavior Patterns

Nocturnal and relatively slow-moving compared to other roaches. They are unable to fly and rarely climb smooth surfaces. They typically enter buildings through gaps under doors or via plumbing.

Risks & Benefits

They are considered a major pest as they can carry pathogens such as E. coli and Salmonella on their bodies, contaminating food and surfaces. They may also trigger allergies or asthma in sensitive individuals.

Identified on: 2/26/2026