DESCRIPTION

SIZE: 1 & 1/4 inches long (31mm)

COLOR: Dark reddish brown to black

When disturbed, may run rapidly and adults may fly. Females are wingless, and males have wings. Unlike other pest cockroaches, oriental cockroaches cannot climb up smooth surfaces (they lack sticky pads on their feet). Immature cockroaches resemble adults except that they are wingless

HABITAT

Oriental cockroaches generally live in moist areas, but can survive in dry areas if they have access to water. They prefer cooler temperatures around 75 degrees Fahrenheit and can overwinter in protected areas outdoors where temperatures average 40 to 45 degrees Fahrenheit. These cockroaches are common in basements, crawl spaces, cracks and crevices of porches, foundations, and walkways adjacent to buildings. They feed on a wide variety of plant and animal material.

LIFE CYCLE

Females produce egg cases and carry them protruding from the tip of the abdomen for about two days. Egg cases are then generally glued to a surface in a hidden location. Egg cases are 3/8 inch long, brown, and purse shaped. Immature cockroaches emerge from egg cases in 6 to 8 weeks and require 6 to 12 months to mature. Adult cockroaches can live up to one year, during which females produce an average of 150 young.

TYPE OF DAMAGE

Not common in the home

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