COCKROACH REMOVAL PHILADELPHIA, PA
The scientific name for the oriental cockroach or the “waterbug” is Blatta Orientalis. They measure to an average of one inch when they reach full maturity. The color of this breed of roaches is dark brown and sometimes black with a glossy body. Female roaches vary in appearance as they look wingless at a glance. The females have two short wings just below their head. Yet due to the shortness of these wings, it renders them incapable of flying. The body of these roaches is generally smaller than that of a male roach. The males have long wings which covers the majority of their body. They are generally narrower than the female. Due to the long wings that the male have, they are capable of short flights which are around 3 meters at a maximum. The roaches look similar to the Florida Woods cockroach.
WHERE ORIENTAL COCKROACHES HIDE
Like other residential roaches, the oriental roaches prefer dark, damp and moist places. They prefer to stay in a warm environment. The usual places where they thrive are the cracks, creaks, sewers of residential buildings, restaurants and other facilities. They can also be found outside in areas such as under the bushes, mulch, leaves and other damp places in gardens and outdoor areas. The best temperature for them to thrive is around 20°C to 29°C. The oriental cockroach travels slower compared to other roaches. These cockroaches are the most common household pests in the southern, northwestern, and midwestern areas in the US.
The common feeding grounds of oriental cockroaches are on garbage, filthy areas and decaying organic matter. The most preferred food leftovers found in the garbage pits. They can survive on water only for a month and perish within two weeks if there is no food or water supply available.
LIFE CYCLE OF ORIENTAL COCKROACHES
Like all roaches, the oriental cockroaches have three developmental stages. The stages start from the egg to the nymph stage and finally the adult stage. The females lay eggs in capsules and can hold them for about thirty hours and then are drop them on surfaces which have food supply near them. This food is consumed by the newly hatched nymphs. Unlike other roaches, the eggs are not glued to the surface. An average of eight capsules is produced and carried by the female with each capsule holding up to sixteen eggs that hatch within two months with the conducive environment. Once they hatch the nymph stage begins and it is in this stage where molting occurs – around seven to ten times and usually takes from twenty four to one hundred and thirty weeks to complete. Once they reach full adulthood, the female roach has a lifespan of 5 to 26 weeks and can lay around two hundred offspring. Unlike what other roaches have, these roaches have a seasonal developmental cycle. The amount of adults peaks in late spring or early summer periods.
THE DANGERS OF ORIENTAL COCKROACHES
Oriental cockroaches usual hiding spots are found in sewers, garbage cans, kitchens, bathrooms, crack and holes of the building causing them to carry disease causing organisms with their bodies and legs and cause serious health hazards to humans. Like all roaches, the oriental cockroach produces an odorous secretion which may change food flavor and taste.
MANAGEMENT OF ORIENTAL COCKROACHES
There are several effective ways that can be used to treat the oriental roaches. Ventilating the infested areas, reducing humidity and increasing light go a long way to combating the roaches. Removing food leftovers, trashing garbage properly and debris will help reduce harborage in breeding areas. Drain lines and sewer lines should be capp
