How to Get Rid of Oriental Cockroaches
A shiny, dark brown to black cockroach that prefers cool, damp places such as basements, drains and crawl spaces. Females have tiny wing pads, and neither sex can fly. If you are seeing them in basements and garages and in the bathroom, the steps below will help you clear them out and keep them from coming back.
Quick answer
- Fix leaks and dehumidify basements
- Seal gaps under doors and around pipes
- Place bait stations near drains and damp corners
Oriental cockroaches feed on garbage and sewage and can spread bacteria to surfaces.
Confirm you have Oriental cockroaches
Start by confirming the bug. Oriental Cockroaches have a few features that set them apart. Adults measure 25–30 mm (up to about 1.2 in) and are usually black and brown. Look for these features:
- Glossy black or very dark brown body
- Short wings in males and wing stubs in females
- Slow-moving, found in damp, cool areas
They are most often confused with American cockroach, ground beetle and smokybrown cockroach. See the full Oriental cockroach profile for side-by-side details.
Why you have Oriental cockroaches
Oriental Cockroaches come indoors looking for food, water, warmth or shelter. Gaps around doors, windows, pipes and utility lines give them easy ways in. Clutter, leaks and food left out let a small problem grow into an infestation. They are most active in spring and summer, so expect to see more of them then.
When you'll see Oriental cockroaches
Oriental Cockroaches are most active in spring and summer. In spring, overwintering adults become active and many species lay their first eggs. Summer heat speeds up development, so populations can grow quickly.
Typical places to check: basement or garage and bathroom.
Step-by-step: getting rid of Oriental cockroaches
Step 1: Fix leaks
Fix leaks and dehumidify basements. This is the step most people skip, and it is the one that makes the biggest difference.
Step 2: Seal gaps under doors
Seal gaps under doors and around pipes. Keep notes on where you still see activity so you can focus your effort.
Step 3: Place bait stations near drains
Place bait stations near drains and damp corners. Keep notes on where you still see activity so you can focus your effort.
Natural and low-toxicity options
These methods work well alongside the steps above and keep chemical use to a minimum:
- Vacuum insects and egg cases, then empty the canister outdoors right away.
- Wipe surfaces with soapy water to remove scent trails and residue.
- Place sticky traps to find out where activity is highest.
- Run a dehumidifier where damp areas attract them.
If you do use a pesticide, choose one labeled for this pest and the place you're treating, and follow the label exactly. The label is the law.
When to call a professional
Call a licensed pest control company if you still see Oriental cockroaches after three to four weeks of steady effort, if they are spreading to several rooms, or if you share walls with neighbors who have the same problem.
How to keep Oriental cockroaches from coming back
- Seal cracks and gaps with caulk and install door sweeps.
- Store food in sealed containers and take out trash often.
- Fix leaky pipes and faucets and keep basements dry.
- Trim shrubs and branches so they don't touch the house.
- Keep firewood, mulch and debris away from the foundation.
Safety notes
Oriental cockroaches feed on garbage and sewage and can spread bacteria to surfaces.
Keep children and pets away from any traps, baits or treated areas.
About cockroaches
The Oriental cockroach is one of the cockroaches. Cockroaches are ancient, flat-bodied insects that hide in narrow cracks during the day and forage at night. Females produce egg cases called oothecae, each holding a dozen to about 40 eggs depending on the species. Nymphs look like small, wingless adults.
Seeing a cockroach during the day can be a sign of a large population, because crowded hiding spots push some roaches out into the open.
Frequently asked questions
What is the fastest way to get rid of Oriental cockroaches?
Fix leaks and dehumidify basements. Most people see a clear drop in activity within one to three weeks when they combine this with sealing entry points and removing whatever attracts them.
Are Oriental cockroaches dangerous?
Oriental cockroaches feed on garbage and sewage and can spread bacteria to surfaces.
When are Oriental cockroaches most active?
Oriental Cockroaches are most active in spring and summer.
What do Oriental cockroaches look like?
Glossy black or very dark brown body. Adults measure 25–30 mm (up to about 1.2 in).