Oriental Cockroaches in Central Arkansas
The oriental cockroach is often referred to as the “black beetle” or “water bug” and is a major household pest in parts of the northwest, mid-west, and the southern United States. This species prefers dark and damp areas such as cellars, crawl spaces, and basements. Any shady or wet perimeter area is also a common home for oriental cockroaches. They are known to scale garbage chutes and water pipes to reach the top floors of buildings. They will feed on almost any type of debris, filth, or decaying organic matter.
Oriental Cockroach Habitat
Oriental cockroaches are common outdoors and live in warm, damp shady areas near the ground. When near houses, these cockroaches tend to gather under or near trash cans. As temperatures lower, they may come into the building in an attempt to escape the colder weather. Ways they can enter your home include via food packages from grocery stores, but they can also enter your home through garage doors, air ducts, and ventilators, and under an exterior door. This species moves much slower than other species and will stay at lower levels more often than other types of roaches. The most common places to find oriental cockroaches include bathtubs, sinks, toilets, radiators, and pipes. These cockroaches generally appear from May through July and will wain after this season.
Oriental Cockroach Behaviors, Threats, or Dangers
Oriental cockroaches are not a structural pest in that they do not damage homes, but they do present a serious threat to your health and the health of your family. Since they engage with decaying filth, cockroaches are known for spreading disease, with 33 different kinds of bacteria being documented, including Salmonella and E. Coli. As they forage for food, they will contaminate your food and food surfaces in your home. They also pose a major threat to people with allergies or asthma as their shed skin and feces can cause serious reactions in these individuals.
If you are dealing with an oriental cockroach infestation, it’s important to contact your local cockroach exterminator for help.
