Habitat and Behaviour

For most Oriental cockroaches, life begins outside, underneath logs, leaves, and mulch, or in sewers and storm drains. These locations provide the perfect combination of decaying organic matter and moisture needed for survival. Oriental cockroaches may find their way into homes through damage to exterior walls but are unlikely to venture much further without a readily available source of water. If these cockroaches have found their way inside a building, they are most likely to be found near drains, leaky water pipes, under refrigerators, sinks, washing machines, and floors. Although the adults are relatively easy to kill with residual pesticides, the egg cases (ootheca) which may be left behind are capable of hatching on their own. Furthermore, Oriental cockroaches have been known to survive cold temperatures, even as low as the freezing point. It is best to leave treatment in the hands of a professional pest control technician.

Why do I have Oriental cockroaches

Oriental cockroaches like warm, moist environments both indoors and outdoors. Outside, they like to hide under logs, leaves, and mulch, or in sewers and storm drains, full of the decaying organic matter and moisture they need to survive. When these pests enter homes through damage to exterior walls, they prefer to live in less frequented areas, like cellars, basements, and crawl spaces, as well as around drains and leaky water pipes, under refrigerators, sinks, and washing machines. If they enter a home and there is no available water source, they will likely leave. But since dark and damp corners of the home are often left unkempt, they usually find what they need.

How worried should I be about Oriental cockroaches

Oriental cockroaches have the potential to carry food-borne pathogens such as E. coli, salmonella species, and other diseases. Where there is a large infestation, they emit a musty odour, which is caused by the chemicals they use to communicate. Adult Oriental cockroaches are easy to kill with pesticides, but the egg cases which may be left behind are resistant to insecticides and can hatch on their own. These pests can also survive freezing temperatures. To eliminate them, you need a professional cockroach control service.

How can I prevent Oriental cockroaches invading

Vacuum all cracks and crevices, Clean up crumbs and spills promptly, Do not leave food or water out overnight, Sweep or vacuum up food and debris on floors, Clean counters, sinks, and tables with soapy water, Take out trash in closed plastic containers, Keep waste containers washed and clean, Wash dirty dishes and utensils immediately, Fix leaky faucets and water pipes, Increase ventilation to prevent condensation