Everything You Ought To Know About Oriental Cockroaches Around San Jose

When Oriental cockroaches start becoming a problem around San Jose homes, they can be mistaken for some kind of black beetle. This is because female Oriental cockroaches don't have wings. But it is important that you recognize these insects as soon as you see them. Oriental cockroaches are dirty insects that are drawn to rotting organic matter and feces. Here are seven things you may not know about Oriental cockroaches, but should.

1. Oriental Cockroaches Are Waterbugs

Often called waterbugs, these insects are attracted to damp environments. The greater the dampness, the more attracted they will be. Their desire to be where it is damp often keeps this cockroach species from infesting homes and businesses. If they do infest a man-made structure, they will search for areas that are humid and cool. You can expect to find Oriental cockroaches running around in culverts, sewers systems, and near water sources.

2. Oriental Cockroaches Love Trash

This may be disgusting to hear, but the ideal environment for an Oriental cockroach is the bottom of a garbage dumpster that has had the cover left open. They prefer to breed in rotting, organic goo. If you have a dirty trash receptacle, don't be surprised when these cockroaches move in.

3. Oriental Cockroaches Spread Diseases

These pest roaches are linked to the spread of more than 33 bacterial illnesses. They are mechanical vectors for parasitic worms. They are known to spread at least 7 human pathogens. If they infest your home, their presence is likely to lead to respiratory illness and hospital visits for anyone who suffers with asthma.

4. Oriental Cockroaches Are Drawn To Tight Spaces

This fact is not specific to this cockroach species. All roaches are drawn to tight spaces. It is still important to mention because you should know that Oriental cockroaches don't accidentally get into your home. Gaps, cracks, holes, and other tight spaces invite these roaches in. Cockroaches are thigmotactic. The desire to be squeezed between a rock and a hard place. They'll get underneath gravel. They'll squeeze into rock walls or rock piles. They'll squeeze in foundation walls. They'll squeeze under doors or through gaps in weatherstripping. When you seal entry points, you don't just make it harder for Oriental cockroaches to get in, you get rid of the welcome mat.

5. Oriental Cockroaches Are Flightless

Male Oriental cockroaches have fully developed wings, but they don't fly. But this inability to fly does not impede male or female Oriental cockroaches from getting into Bay Area homes. They are able to scale vertical surfaces and run across ceilings at top speed. They can also compress their bodies to get through gaps half their height.

6. Oriental Cockroaches Can Be Deterred By Moisture Control

This is perhaps the most important fact you can know about Oriental cockroaches. If you maintain a dry perimeter, you can resist these roaches and make it less likely that they'll explore your exterior. Use these tips to reduce moisture around your home:

• Remove weeds and other unnecessary vegetation from your landscaping.
• Remove tall grass near your home.
• Trim bushes and shrubs.
• Put space between your plants to prevent moist spaces where the air is unable to dry the topsoil after you water your plants.
• Water your plants in the early morning so the sun can dry the topsoil long before nightfall.
• Have your gutters cleaned out and repaired.
• Fix any leaking spigots.
• Fix any leaking hoses.
• Remove objects that collect water.
• Loosen ground where rainwater is collecting, or create a gradient to allow rainwater to flow away from your foundation wall.

7. Oriental Cockroaches Can Be Controlled.

It can seem like Oriental cockroaches are impossible to control because they are so resilient and resourceful, but the licensed pest professionals here at Bay Pest know how to arrest Oriental cockroach infestations and prevent these roaches from getting into homes and businesses.

Are you having trouble with Oriental cockroaches or some other cockroach pest? Reach out to Bay Pest today and request a pest control inspection. We take a look at your cockroach problem and guide you in selecting the right pest control solution. You don't have to battle those roaches alone.