Oriental Roaches
Oriental roaches, also known as "water bugs", are a common occurrence in homes and businesses across the United States—and especially in North Carolina. These pests are more than just an eyesore, they can pose significant health risks thanks to their tendency to spread bacteria and allergens.
At A-1 Pest Control, we specialize in removing Oriental cockroaches from North Carolina properties, and we have the pest control solutions you need to prevent future infestations.
Where Do Oriental Roaches Come From?
Originally believed to have come from the Middle East and Asia, Oriental roaches are now found in many regions around the world, including North America.
They have adapted well to various climates but are especially common in areas with high moisture, frequently sighted in homes and businesses. Roaches find their way inside when they are drawn to homes with overgrown weeds and standing water in addition to the sheer smell of trash.
How to Identify Oriental Roaches
Oriental roaches are dark brown or black, and they are often glossy in appearance. Adult males typically grow up to 1 inch long, while adult females are slightly larger at around 1.25 inches. Despite their wings, Oriental roaches are incapable of flight.
Oriental cockroaches are known for their slower movements compared to other cockroach species like the German or American cockroach. As nocturnal creatures, they are most active during the night, emerging from their hiding spots in search of food and water. During the day, they typically stay hidden in cool, damp environments such as basements, crawl spaces, or beneath sinks, where moisture is abundant.
This preference for dark, moist areas also makes them more likely to be found outdoors in gardens, sewers, or mulch piles, often migrating into homes during warmer months.
Where Are Oriental Roaches Most Commonly Found?
Oriental roaches are commonly found in temperate regions around the world, particularly in areas with high moisture levels. They are widespread across Europe, especially in the United Kingdom and Northern European countries, where cool, damp conditions prevail.
Native to the Middle East and parts of Asia, including India and China, Oriental cockroaches thrive in both urban and rural environments.
In the United States, Oriental cockroaches are most prevalent in northern and midwestern states like Ohio, Illinois, and Michigan, as well as in the northeastern U.S., including New York, Pennsylvania, and New Jersey.
Although they favor cooler climates, Oriental roaches are also found in the southeastern U.S., including states like Georgia and North Carolina, particularly in areas with poor drainage or high moisture. During warmer months, they often migrate indoors to escape the heat, seeking refuge in the cool, damp spaces of homes.
Where Do You Find Oriental Roaches In the House?
Oriental cockroaches are typically found in areas that provide high levels of moisture and limited human activity.
Basements and Crawl Spaces
These areas are often damp and dark, creating the ideal environment for Oriental cockroaches to thrive.
Bathrooms and Kitchens
You may find these roaches under sinks, in drains, or around water pipes where moisture tends to accumulate.
Laundry Rooms and Floor Drains
Oriental cockroaches are drawn to any location with water and humidity, so floor drains, washing machines, and utility rooms are frequent targets.
Sewers and Septic Systems
These areas are known breeding grounds for Oriental cockroaches. From there, they can enter homes through cracks in the foundation or gaps around pipes.
Yards and Gardens
They may hide under piles of leaves, mulch, or compost, especially in areas with poor drainage.
What Attracts Oriental Cockroaches?
Oriental cockroaches are drawn to environments that have at least one of the following:
Moisture
These pests have a high reliance on water and are typically found in areas with consistent moisture, such as basements, leaky pipes, or damp floors.
Food Sources
Like other cockroach species, Oriental cockroaches are scavengers. They feed on decaying organic matter, such as garbage, rotting food, and even pet waste. Outdoors, they are attracted to compost heaps, mulch, and decaying plant matter.
Clutter
Any accumulation of debris, whether indoors or outdoors, can provide shelter for Oriental cockroaches. This includes stacks of newspapers, cardboard (roaches love cardboard boxes), and leaf piles.
How to Get Rid of Oriental Cockroaches
Oriental cockroaches can be difficult to eliminate without a comprehensive pest control strategy. Because they often come from outdoor environments or unsanitary areas like sewers, a multi-pronged approach works best to address both the infestation and the conditions that attract these pests.
Professional Pest Control Treatments
A professional pest control expert, like those at A-1 Pest Control, can use the latest technology and strategy to stop an infestation.
- Residual Insecticide Sprays: At A-1 Pest Control, we use residual insecticides that are effective in killing cockroaches on contact. These sprays are applied in areas where Oriental cockroaches are known to hide, such as cracks, crevices, and entry points around doors and windows.
- Baiting Systems: We place baits that attract Oriental cockroaches to specific areas. Once the roaches consume the bait, they carry the insecticide back to their nests, where it eliminates other members of the colony.
- Exclusion Methods: We help homeowners seal off potential entry points for Oriental cockroaches by identifying gaps in windows, doors, and plumbing fixtures that allow these pests to enter from outside.
Homeowner Prevention Tips
Of course, our professionals also offer expert advice on the best ways homeowners and property managers can best avoid future infestations with a few simple steps:
- Reduce Moisture: Address any water leaks and ensure proper drainage around the home to limit moisture buildup. Use dehumidifiers in basements and crawl spaces to reduce humidity.
- Seal Entry Points: Repair cracks in the foundation, seal gaps around doors and windows, and ensure that plumbing and utility lines are properly sealed.
- Clean and Declutter: Regularly clean and declutter areas where cockroaches might hide, such as basements, garages, and storage areas. Keep food sealed, clean up spills immediately, and take out garbage frequently.
Get Rid of Roaches with A-1 Pest Control
At A-1 Pest Control, we understand the frustration and threat to sanitation posed by Oriental roaches. For just $35/month, we can eliminate and prevent the return of roaches in your home or business. We serve Lenoir, Blowing Rock, Mooresville, West Jefferson, Hickory, and Hendersonville. Contact us today to schedule your free inspection!
Oriental Roach FAQ
Are Oriental cockroaches dangerous?
Yes, Oriental cockroaches can pose health risks because they carry diseases. They are known to spread bacteria and pathogens, including Salmonella, E. coli, and other harmful microorganisms that they pick up in unsanitary environments. Their droppings and shed skin can also trigger allergies and make asthma symptoms worse.
Can I get rid of Oriental cockroaches without professional help?
While some DIY methods may temporarily reduce their numbers, Oriental cockroaches are often challenging to eliminate once there is an infestation because they tend to live in hard-to-reach, damp areas like sewers and crawl spaces. Professional pest control treatments are the most effective long-term solution that will prevent roaches from coming back. That’s because we kill roaches, and their eggs, and spray around the inside and outside of your home.
Do Oriental cockroaches bite?
Oriental cockroaches are not known to bite humans. However, their presence can lead to contamination of food and surfaces with bacteria, which poses a health risk.
