Cockroaches
Oriental Cockroaches: identification, signs & control
Why do I see big black cockroaches in my basement?
Big, shiny black cockroaches in a basement are usually Oriental cockroaches. They live outdoors under mulch, stones and leaf litter and in drains, then crawl in through gaps at ground level, especially when it's damp. Rehoboth treats the perimeter, drains and entry points, and Oriental roaches are typically covered by the general plan.
How do you identify oriental cockroaches?
- About 1 inch, dark brown to shiny black
- Females have tiny wing pads; males have short wings; neither flies
- Slow-moving compared to other roaches
What are the signs of oriental cockroaches?
- Roaches in basements, crawl spaces, garages and near floor drains
- Sightings around door thresholds in spring
- Strong, musty odor
Are oriental cockroaches dangerous?
- Travel through drains and decaying matter, then onto surfaces
- Allergen source
How can you prevent oriental cockroaches?
- Pull mulch back a few inches from the foundation
- Fix grading and gutters that leave the foundation wet
- Install door sweeps and seal ground-level gaps
- Keep floor drains covered
How does Rehoboth treat oriental cockroaches?
Perimeter barrier, granular treatment in damp beds and targeted crack-and-crevice work inside. Typically covered by our general pest plan; larger infestations may need additional treatment.
More questions
Do Oriental cockroaches mean I have a moisture problem?
Often, yes. They need damp conditions, so fixing gutters, grading and basement humidity makes treatment last much longer.
Get rid of oriental cockroaches
Tell us what you're seeing. We'll inspect, explain what we find and recommend the lightest plan that will actually work.