Oriental Cockroaches in Cleveland
The oriental cockroach is a major household pest in the northwest, mid-west, and southern regions of the nation. They are often referred to as the “black beetle” or “water bug” and live in spaces indoors and outdoors. They prefer dark and damp places and are often found in crawl spaces, cellars, and basements. They are known to scale garbage chutes and water pipes to reach the upper levels of apartment buildings. They will consume a variety of filth, debris, and decaying organic matter. Oriental cockroaches are attracted to garbage and the leftovers of discarded cans.
Oriental Cockroach Habitat
Oriental cockroaches can be found outdoors in humid, shady areas close to the ground. They can usually be found gathered near or under trash cans and may seek shelter indoors when the temperatures get cooler. Common ways they enter the home are through packages of food from the grocery store but they also enter through garage doors, under exterior doors, through ventilators, and air ducts. Once indoors, they move more slowly than other species and will likely remain on the lower floors of the structure. The most common places to find oriental cockroaches include bathtubs, sinks, toilets, radiators, and pipes. They are a seasonal cockroach and the adults will appear from May through July.
Oriental Cockroach Behaviors, Threats, or Dangers
While oriental cockroaches are not known to damage homes, they pose a significant threat to the health of inhabitants. Cockroaches are vectors of disease and they have been discovered to carry 33 different types of bacteria, including Salmonella and E. Coli. When cockroaches forage for food, they will contaminate food and food preparation areas with the bacteria they leave behind. Their shed skin and feces can also prompt allergic reactions in certain individuals and even result in asthma.
If you are dealing with an oriental cockroach infestation, it’s important to contact your local cockroach exterminator for help.
