Oriental Cockroaches

Summary: Oriental cockroaches are slow movers, can barely climb and few are capable of flight. But, don't underestimate the Oriental cockroach for what it lacks in maneuverability it makes up in other places.

The Oriental Cockroach, aka the "waterbug", is one of the filthiest pests to invade your home. Hard to believe, I know, but, like most bugs, this nasty cockroach is a product of its environment, consisting of sewers, drains, crawl spaces, dark damp basements and floor drains. Indeed, this particular species of cockroach hangs out in all the wrong nightclubs. As a result of the squalor this bug inhabits and the filth it ingests, the Oriental cockroach is often less wary and more sluggish than others of its kind. Insects, not unlike us, also have negative effects of a poor diet. Who would a-thunk it?

The adult Oriental Cockroach is about one inch in length; both sexes are a putrid dark brown color, with a greasy gleam. Males and females are equipped with wings, however the lady's set is just for looks. Only the male Orientals

can fly and for less than 10 feet, at that. Moreover, these cockroaches are rather limited in their maneuverability. In fact, they cannot climb up smooth surfaces, because they lack sticky pads on their feet. They are slow, can barely climb and the few that are capable of flight are poor flyers. Not too impressive in the mobility department.

With all the problems it has moving around, one would think that the Oriental Cockroach is a rather easy pest to control and exterminate. Yes and no. It's true that adults can be killed rather easily with the application of residual insecticide, but don't underestimate the waterbug and its capabilities. What makes these cockroaches a formidable opponent is that they are not easily detected with a casual inspection.

In addition to their elusive nature, their reproduction proves to be rather efficient. Females carry around an egg case which can contain up to 16 eggs. Since the waterbug is such an efficient reproducer it is important to take out their offspring before they can hatch. Their common, "waterbug" name, should give you some clues as to where you might find them hiding. Floor drains are a favorite for these guys since it provides them with the damp environment and access into your home. It should also be noted that the waterbug can withstand colder temperatures than most other cockroaches. So, just because it is winter time, it doesn't mean they are not around. In fact, that's when the waterbug will usually make its migration into your house.

Oriental cockroach environment

Integrated pest management (IPM) is a control method that combines preventive measures, non-chemical procedures, as well pesticides. Integrating preventive methods is important in pest control, because reliance on pesticides alone will allow certain pests to develop a resistance, making them harder to control. Moreover, pesticides are not only harmful to insects and their environment, but potentially harmful to humans, as well. And, since humans and pests often share time in close proximity, applying pesticides in the cockroach environment means applying pesticides in your environment, too. So, here are some non-pesticide preventive measures you can take to mitigate you chances of an infestation.

Besides basic sanitation, caulk all penetrations through ground level walls. Screen weep holes in walls and caulk around pipes and wires coming into the house. Fix water leaks and make sure drain water moves away from foundations. Keep floor drain traps full or capped. Remove rotting leaves from window wells. This will also help keep pooled water away from your house where it might otherwise create cracks in the foundation. Ventilate moist crawlspaces.

Move water away from foundations

Move garbage cans away from the cockroach's preferred, moist habitat. Waterbugs prefer starchy foods and it is not uncommon for their populations to spring up around garbage cans. The planning and execution that goes into exterminating these guys would make any military general proud.

Using the IPM method, you can monitor waterbug populations and habitats by using sticky traps or glue boards. Place the traps along routes where the waterbugs traverse and near their harborages. This can give you an indication of how serious an infestation is and if pesticides are needed. If pesticides are required, you want to use materials that do well in moist areas. Dusts are great, but you need to buy Delta Dust, which does a better job surviving wet environments. Microencapsulated sprays can be used in cracks and crevices where waterbugs may be hiding. Insect Growth Regulators are liquid materials that disrupt molting cycles in fertile adults. They are low toxicity and can be quite effective, too.