The Oriental cockroach, Blatta orientalis, is a dark-colored, slow-moving pest often encountered in cooler, damp areas of homes and structures. Understanding the dietary habits of this species is the most effective starting point for controlling a population. Unlike some other household roaches, the Oriental cockroach’s survival strategy is heavily influenced by its preference for decaying matter and its intense need for moisture. This insect’s feeding behavior sustains it and makes it a vector for spreading bacteria as it forages in unsanitary environments.
Primary Food Sources
Oriental cockroaches are highly opportunistic scavengers, exhibiting a strong preference for items that are decaying or fermented. Their diet frequently includes garbage, sewage, and rotting organic matter found in drains and under leaf litter outdoors. This preference for filthier food sources sets them apart from species that might prefer fresh grease or protein.
The pests also seek out materials high in starch, extending their feeding beyond typical food scraps. They readily consume non-traditional items like the glue used in book bindings, the starch paste on wallpaper, and various paper products. While they can survive for up to a month without food, they will explore a wide range of materials, including fallen hair and bar soap, when better options are scarce.
The Critical Role of Water
The Oriental cockroach’s dependence on moisture is why it is commonly referred to as the “water bug.” This insect cannot regulate water loss efficiently and will die within two weeks if it loses access to a water source. This short survival window makes water control a more direct method of management than food removal alone.
This physiological need dictates their habitat, causing them to aggregate in cool, dark, and consistently damp locations near the ground level. Common indoor water sources include leaky plumbing fixtures, condensation buildup on pipes, and standing water in floor drains, sumps, or pet bowls. High humidity and damp concrete surfaces in basements and crawl spaces provide the necessary moisture for their survival.
Removing Their Food Supply
Controlling an Oriental cockroach population requires a two-pronged approach focused on eliminating both their preferred food and their requirement for water. Begin by ensuring all household garbage is contained in bins with tightly fitting lids and removed frequently from the premises. This prevents access to the decaying organic matter they seek.
Addressing moisture is equally important, starting with fixing all plumbing leaks and insulating pipes to reduce condensation. Utilizing dehumidifiers in damp areas can lower the humidity, making the environment inhospitable. Outside the home, remove piles of leaf litter, mulch, and other decaying debris near the foundation that serve as both shelter and food sources.
Sanitation efforts should extend to secondary food sources by cleaning up spilled starches, sweeping up fallen hair, and properly storing paper goods and cardboard boxes off the floor. Sealing all cracks and crevices in the foundation and around utility lines with caulk prevents their entry from sewers and outdoor habitats. Finally, ensure that drains, especially those infrequently used, are kept capped or have water added regularly to maintain the trap seal.