What Attracts Oriental Cockroaches?

Oriental cockroaches, also usually known as water bugs, are a common pest visitor in many homes and outdoor areas. The immense deposits of moist, dark places where these pests thrive do not only make them ugly creatures but also may pose health dangers because they can harbor bacteria.

If ever you happened to deal with them, you’ll certainly wonder what could have attracted them to your house.

If you are curious to know how to get rid of them, how they look and what things attract them to attack your house, this blog is perfect for you.

What Are Oriental Cockroaches?

Oriental cockroaches are a species of roach that particularly thrives in damp unsanitary conditions. Being originated from Asia, this roach has spread to many parts of the world, including the United States.

Also known as water bugs, they are preferably seen in moist areas like basements, crawl spaces, and drains. These pests might contaminate food and spread dangerous bacteria throughout your home, hence offering potential health risks, such as food poisoning.

Oriental roaches, unlike other cockroaches, are slow and these pests would not be moving around as much during the daylight hours. They would be more inclined to a darker, more obscure location.

Even though they do not move fast, this pest can cause many problems if it is not regulated because they reproduce quickly, and the infestation will spread across the whole area.

How to Identify Oriental Cockroaches?

The main basis of efficient and effective pest control is knowing how to identify Oriental cockroaches. Sometimes, people get confused about differentiating between oriental cockroaches with American or black beetle cockroaches, which may exhibit a bit different similarity.

It’s evident that the Oriental roaches have unique features which help distinguish them. So here is how you can identify them:

Another significant characteristic in their identification is the egg cases. Female oriental cockroaches produce egg cases which are dark brown in color and hold up to 16 eggs each. Generally, the egg capsules are often laid in secluded areas such as cracks, crevices, and crawl spaces.

Things That Attract Oriental Cockroaches the Most

1.   Water Sources

Moisture will be required for the oriental cockroach’s survival, and it will need continuous access to sources of water. They have a special preference for areas like storm drains, basements, and other areas with leaking pipes.  Even a dripping faucet can be used as a suitable entry point to their nest.

Oriental roaches thrive in areas where moisture might likely collect like along sinks, floor drains, and bathtubs. Keeping your home dry is one of the best ways of making sure the chances of attracting these pests are low.

2.   Food Sources

All roaches like the oriental cockroaches are opportunistic feeders and they consume almost everything they can get. The favorite of these pests is organic matter, including decaying food. Leftover food, crumbs, as well as garbage, is most likely going to attract oriental roaches. Even something as insignificant as spilled cereal or crumbs under appliances will serve as a food source.

They prefer starchy food such as bread, pasta, or cereals. If these are not kept in an airtight container, they would invite cockroaches into your pantry. To avoid that, one has to store the food items in an airtight container and has to never leave their place dirty after having every meal.

3.   Shelter in Dark Spaces

These roaches prefer cool, dark areas where they can hide out during the day. They are nocturnal, which means they come out only at night when it gets dark, and they feed and roam around during those hours. For this reason, you are more likely to see them in dark areas like crawl spaces under appliances or in basements.

They can squeeze them into the smallest crack or gap in your home and thus find it almost impossible to keep them from entering your property. Normally, they gain entry through poorly sealed windows, door frames, and pipes. Once inside your home, they start to look for such hidden spaces where they spend their days, especially in basements and crawl spaces, since no human can bother them.

How You Can Deal with Oriental Cockroaches

1.   Seal Entry Points

It would be better for you to check the house for possible entry points of the oriental cockroaches. These entry points include cracks around windows, doors and gaps near pipes and utility openings. The entrance of these pests can be stopped by sealing crevices with caulk or weather stripping. Make sure that there are no cracks in the foundation of your home’s floor drains.

2.   Regular Cleaning

Pay attention to garbage areas, since oriental roaches consider this as a perfect place to stay. Taking out the trash often would also help a lot because this is one aspect that is such a big source of attraction for cockroaches. Cleaning home appliances timely may also be a good decision since particles from food can also attract cockroaches into your home.

3.   Use of Pest Control Methods

You have to take more aggressive steps, especially if the oriental cockroach infestation already occurred. Simple cleaning may not be enough to eradicate infestations caused by oriental cockroaches. Insecticides or a pest control agency may have to be used. Professional pest control can apply boric acid, insect growth regulators, or baits specifically prepared for large infestations.

Conclusion

Oriental cockroaches are not just pests as they can seriously endanger health by contaminating your food and spreading hostile bacteria.  By knowing what they’re attracted to such as water sources, organic matter, or dark shelter, can assist you in preventing them from infesting your house.

If leaks are fixed, cleaning is done regularly, all cracks and crevices are sealed, and using effective pest control practices, the possibility of an oriental cockroach infestation happening is reduced drastically.

FAQs

Q1. What conditions do oriental cockroaches prefer?

Oriental cockroaches prefer cool, dark, and damp conditions such as basements, storm drains, and other moist areas.

Q2. Are oriental cockroaches harmful?

Yes, oriental cockroaches can spread dangerous bacteria and cause food poisoning. They can also trigger allergic reactions in sensitive individuals.

Q3. How can I prevent oriental cockroaches from entering my home?

To prevent cockroaches, eliminate excess moisture, seal entry points, clean regularly, and consider using professional pest control methods if necessary.

Need Help from Professionals?

If you want your house safe from pests, doing DIY remedies is not enough. You are going to need expert professionals. So let’s get connected with us today!