The Cockroach

Oriental Cockroach - Blatta Orientalis

Key Features

The commonly smaller male cockroaches are approximately 25mm in length with the females growing to about 32mm. Both genders are a very dark shade of brown, almost black in appearance. However the nymphs emerge a reddish-brown colour.
The shape of the wings on the Oriental Cockroach is one of its noticeable features. In the males, the wings cover almost two thirds of the abdomen whereas on the females these are vestigial.

Biology

The female of the species carries the Oothecae for approximately 30 hours. After this period she drops or attaches them near a food source. The incubation period lasts for about six weeks, depending on changing climates. In cool conditions this period can be greatly extended, in this instance continued use of insecticides man be needed.

Significance

The original Cockroach is the most common Cockroach found in the United Kingdom. This species is found throughout the world although its status as a pest can be varied. In the USA the most common place to find the Oriental Cockroach would be in the gardens and from there it can wonder into property. The climbing skills of this species are very poor on smooth surfaces. This limits their distribution within a property. Cooler climates also suit the oriental cockroach in that they are also found outside buildings in drains and garden sewers. External brickwork is also a common place to find them and this should be noted when attempting to control them.