Bugs are scary enough when they are small. And they get more unnerving the larger they get. So naturally, when you start seeing inch-long jet black cockroaches skittering across your floors late at night, it can be difficult to keep composure. We are hoping to shine a light on these elusive and dangerous pests so that you can be informed and know how to fight back. Ready to learn more about the Oriental cockroach and what its presence could mean for you and your Modesto home? Let’s dive in.
What Are Oriental Cockroaches?
As you already know Oriental cockroaches are large (about an inch long), and shiny black in color. But did you know that male and female Oriental cockroaches differ in appearance? Females grow to be larger in size, up to 32mm in length compared to males which grow to around 25mm. Females are also wingless, unlike males who have shortened wings. But females have large wing pads that cover a good portion of their bodies.
Also called water bugs or black beetle cockroaches, Oriental cockroaches prefer to live in damp, warm, and secluded areas away from foot traffic. What you may not know is that Oriental cockroaches are not primarily indoor pests. Although often found inside homes, these pest roaches are typically found outside around sewers, under leaves, stones, debris, and firewood, and occasionally under porches. Once inside homes, Oriental roaches seek shelter in damp and secluded areas such as basements and crawl spaces. They can also be found beneath sinks and around toilets, pipes, and service ducts.
How You Can Prevent Oriental Cockroaches
Typically, Oriental cockroaches will get into homes through cracks and gaps in your home’s foundation, under doors, around service fixtures, and through plumbing. To stop them from getting inside, here are some prevention tips we recommend.
Buy a caulking gun and use it to seal cracks in your foundations and gaps around exterior service piping, fixtures, and window and door frames.
Replace broken weather stripping.
Repair or replace torn or ripped screens.
Clean up food messes as they happen in your home.
Try to limit where you eat your meals or at least clean up after you are done.
Pick up and clean out pet food and water bowls after they are done with them.
Make sure all of your trashcans have tight-fitting lids.
Store leftover food inside sealed plastic, glass, or metal containers.
Are Oriental Cockroaches Dangerous?
Just like other species of cockroaches, Oriental roaches have a large list of dangers associated with them. Because of where they live and what they eat, Oriental cockroaches are known hosts of several foodborne pathogens including salmonellosis and E. coli. Eating off surfaces cockroaches have traveled over, or consuming contaminated food products can put you in the hospital. On top of this, the skin they shed and the fecal matter they leave throughout homes can trigger asthma attacks and allergies in certain individuals. Long story short, you don’t want these pests living under your roof! It is not safe for anyone involved.
The Secret To Getting Rid Of Oriental Cockroaches
If you have spotted Oriental cockroaches skittering around in your home, we have a secret to getting them out fast. All you have to do is give the professionals here at Insect IQ, Inc a call. It’s that simple. One of our friendly service representatives will receive your call, answer any questions you might have, and schedule your home for immediate services at your request. Then we will have one of our qualified technicians come out for a visit with a tested and tried solution to your problem.
If you are ready to find out what top-of-the-line pest control service looks like for your Modesto home, we are ready to show you. Reach out to us today.
