Oriental Cockroaches in Puerto Rico
The oriental cockroach is often referred to as the “black beetle” or “water bug” and is a major household pest in areas throughout the nation. This species is attracted to wet and shady perimeter areas and prefers the dark and dampness of basements, cellars, and crawl spaces. Oriental cockroaches are known to climb water pipes and garbage chutes to access the upper floors of apartment buildings. They feed on all kinds of filth, debris, and other decaying organic matter and seem especially fond of garbage and the contents of discarded tin cans.
Oriental cockroaches are seasonal. The adults usually are most active in the San Juan and Ponce area between May and July.
Oriental Cockroach Habitat
Oriental cockroaches prefer to live outdoors and live in warm, damp shady areas near the ground. Outside the house, these cockroaches will gather near or under trash cans. When temperatures drop, they may seek shelter indoors but can tolerate cooler weather. Oriental cockroaches may enter homes in food packages from grocery stores or gain access under exterior doors, garage doors, through air ducts and ventilators. Inside, they tend to remain on lower floors and move more slowly than other species. The most common areas to find oriental cockroaches in homes are toilets, bathtubs, sinks, radiators, and pipes.
Oriental Cockroach Behaviors, Threats or Dangers
Oriental cockroaches are not aggressive and will rarely bite humans. They also are not likely to damage homes. The main danger with these pests in Puerto Rico is that they do present a serious threat to your health and the health of your family. Cockroaches are known for spreading disease and have been discovered to carry 33 different kinds of bacteria, including E. Coli and Salmonella. Cockroaches contaminate food items and the surfaces in our homes with harmful bacteria as they forage for food. They also pose a major threat to people with allergies or asthma as their shed skins and feces can cause serious reactions in these individuals.
If you are dealing with an oriental cockroach infestation, it’s important to contact your local cockroach exterminator for help.
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