Oriental Cockroach 101: What Every Indianapolis Property Owner Needs To Know

There are close to 4,000 living species of roaches in the world, 70 which call the United States home. These insects can be identified based on several traits, including size, color, location, and habits. The Oriental cockroach is often called a water bug or black beetle as a result of these indicators. At about one inch in length, Oriental cockroaches are one of the larger species. These insects are shiny black to dark reddish-brown with oval bodies and spiny legs.

There are close to 4,000 living species of roaches in the world, 70 which call the United States home. These insects can be identified based on several traits, including size, color, location, and habits. The Oriental cockroach is often called a water bug or black beetle as a result of these indicators. At about one inch in length, Oriental cockroaches are one of the larger species. These insects are shiny black to dark reddish-brown with oval bodies and spiny legs.

Tenacious Pests Transmit Surprising Number Of Diseases

Oriental cockroaches aren’t simply unattractive house guests, they pose serious health concerns. These roaches are drawn to moist areas and often crawl across sewage, garbage, and other decaying matter. They can then transfer these germs onto food surfaces in your home. All told, cockroaches are known to spread 33 kinds of bacteria. This includes E. coli and salmonella as well as six types of parasitic worms. While cockroaches harbor and transmit dangerous diseases, they themselves are impervious to many dangers. Cockroaches have survived many thousands of years as a result of many capabilities. They can survive for up to a month without food and two weeks without water, or even a week without a head. Cockroaches can survive being submerged under water for thirty minutes. They can run up to three miles per hour and withstand temperatures as low as 32 degrees Fahrenheit. Even young cockroaches display traits that aid in their survival. One-day-old cockroaches are known to scurry almost as fast as full grown adults. Cockroaches are some of the most adaptable creatures on earth, this makes efforts to control and eliminate infestations a momentous task.

Ways To Reduce Likelihood Of Oriental Cockroach Infestations

Oriental cockroaches prefer to live in moist areas with easy access to food. The first step in deterring them from your home is keeping it clean of crumbs and debris. While we all enjoy living in a tidy home, maintaining a well kept home is vital in stopping cockroaches in their tracks.

• Make sure to vacuum often, paying special attention to small spaces you might otherwise overlook.
• Use disinfectants to wipe down counters and other surfaces after meal prep and make sure to dispose of any crumbs or leftover food.
• Resist the urge to let dirty dishes pile up, they provide the moisture and meals cockroaches crave.
• Take trash out regularly and ensure that outdoor trash cans have sealed lids. Oriental cockroaches often live outdoors but will enter buildings when the conditions are right. Accessible trash near your home is likely to attract them to your property and possibly into your home.

Reducing moisture is another great way to prevent Oriental cockroaches from making your Indianapolis house a home.

• Make sure to repair any leaks under sinks or other appliances.
• Consider installing dehumidifiers and/or ventilation in damp crawl spaces or basements.
• Use silicone-based caulk to seal any entry points to your home.
• Eliminate any other sources of standing water in or around your property.

Action Pest Control Can Help

Oriental cockroaches can be one of the most difficult species to eradicate. If these pests have gotten a foothold in your property, call Action Pest Control for help. We can assess the situation, confirm the species, and recommend a treatment plan for a proactive management response. Our mission is to provide timely service and effective solutions from professionals you can trust. We provide free estimates, online scheduling, and 24-hour emergency service response from certified and trained home pest control technicians. Call today to schedule an appointment.