Oriental Cockroach
Periplaneta americana (Linnaeus)
Class: Insecta
Order: Blattodea
Family: Blattellidae
Size & Characteristics: Oriental cockroach adult males are about 1 in (25 mm) long; females are about 1 1/4 in (32 mm) long. Males' wings cover 75% of abdomen, females' wings are much smaller.
Color: Usually shiny black, but varies somewhat, and can go to a dark reddish brown.
Geographic Range: In spite of common name, probably from north Africa; also known as a "shad roach", "black beetle", or "water bug"; found around the world.
Comparison with other species: Smoky brown cockroach: wings extend to tip of abdomen. American cockroach/Australian and brown cockroaches: wings extend to tip of abdomen, pale markings; American is also larger. Other roaches: smaller or larger, with fully developed wings, not uniformly black, and/or not found in buildings.
Habitat: Outdoors under stones, in leaf litter and other debris; indoors in spaces within walls, crawl spaces, basements, floor drains. This roach may sometimes crawl up along water pipes to the second floor.
Food: Oriental cockroaches feed on all kinds of food, especially starchy ones. They also eat organic matter that is in the process of decaying.
Biology: Female usually deposits her egg capsule within about a day (up to 5) after its formation. It may be dropped onto or glued to a surface that is warm and protected, and near a source of food. She will produce on average about 8 egg capsules (16 eggs each) during her life. Development from egg to adult varies depending on temperature; at room temperature it takes about 20 months. Adults live from about 1 to 6 months.
Invasion: Oriental cockroaches survive well outdoors in many areas, even after week of freezing weather. They enter around doors, along pipes and air ducts, through drains and unscreened ventilation openings.
Damage: Like other roaches, the Oriental cockroach is a nuisance to humans, and feeds on filth. This species also has a strong odor.
Environmental Policy
The employees of American Pest Management are committed to improving the quality of life for all of our customers by providing the safest and most effective treatment for the management of pests which pose a threat to their health, property, and food supply. History has shown that neglecting to control pests such as cockroaches, mosquitoes, rodents, and ticks, and the misapplication of pest control products are equally dangerous.
