Cockroach, also known as the Oriental Cockroach – appearance, habitat and health risks

What does the Oriental cockroach look like?

The Oriental cockroach (Blatta orientalis), commonly referred to as a cockroach, reaches a length of up to 3 cm. Its body has a flat, oval shape and a dark brown to almost black color, which often makes it appear completely black.

These insects are characterized by:

• long, mobile antennae,

• a hard, chitinous body shell,

• chewing-type mouthparts.

Their agile legs allow them to move quickly, however Oriental cockroaches are unable to climb smooth, vertical surfaces. This is due to the reduced adhesive pads on their legs.

Cockroaches are extremely sensitive to external stimuli. Thanks to numerous sensory receptors in the form of fine hairs and antennae, they react instantly to:

• air movement,

• vibrations,

• sounds,

which causes them to flee immediately when disturbed.

There is a clear sexual dimorphism:

• females are larger and lack wings,

• males possess wings, but they are only adapted for short jumps — cockroaches do not fly.

Reproduction of the Oriental cockroach

During mating, the male circles the female before copulation occurs. After fertilization, the female produces a thick-walled, damage-resistant egg case (ootheca), which she carries for some time while searching for a suitable place to deposit it.

Each ootheca contains approximately 16 eggs and measures around 12 mm in length. Over her lifetime, a female can produce between 5 and 10 egg cases.

White larvae hatch from the eggs, resembling miniature versions of adult cockroaches. With each molt, the larvae gradually darken. After the sixth and final molt, they reach full maturity.

Average lifespan:

• females – up to 190 days,

• males – up to 180 days.

Where do cockroaches come from and where are they found?

KThe Oriental cockroach is a synanthropic insect, meaning it lives in close association with humans. It thrives in warm and humid environments, with an optimal temperature of around 25°C.

It is most commonly found in:

• residential buildings,

• restaurants and food service facilities,

• bakeries and confectioneries,

• warehouses,

• basements,

• sewage systems,

• underground installations,

• waste disposal areas.

Cockroaches are nocturnal insects. During the day, they hide in cracks, behind appliances, under baseboards and in other hard-to-reach areas.

The most critical factor for their survival is water:

• they can survive without food for up to 40 days,

• without water, they survive no longer than 15 days.

What health risks do cockroaches pose?

Oriental cockroaches are not only unpleasant but also pose serious health risks. They cause:

• strong, unpleasant odors,

• contamination of food and household surfaces with droppings,

• allergic reactions, especially in cases of large infestations.

Because they feed in environments rich in pathogens (garbage, waste, decaying matter), they can transmit:

• bacteria,

• viruses,

• parasites (e.g. human roundworm eggs).

They are considered potential vectors of diseases such as:

• bacterial diarrhea,

• viral infections,

• tuberculosis,

• cholera.

Effective control of the Oriental cockroach

Cockroaches are extremely difficult to eliminate using home remedies. Store-bought products rarely destroy the entire population, especially eggs and larvae hidden deep in cracks and crevices.

In cases of infestation, the most effective solution is professional pest control, tailored to the scale of the problem and the specific conditions of the property.

If you are dealing with cockroaches, contact us — we provide effective Oriental cockroach extermination in Warsaw and surrounding areas.

ZAMÓW DEZYNSEKCJĘ