Cockroaches are one of the most common pests across the country and they are found throughout the world. With so many different species and the number of cockroaches roaming around, it is very likely for you to run into a roach or two from time to time. Throughout California, there are a handful of species of cockroaches and today, we at Animal Pest Management would like to share the fundamentals of Turkestan Cockroaches.
Male & Female Turkestan Cockroach Identification
The males and females have slightly different physical characteristics. Female Turkestan cockroaches average about an inch long, range from dark brown to black in color and feature cream-colored markings behind their head and along the edges of their bodies. These adult females also have short, rounded wings that have light colored stripes on the edges. The males are typically orange or red and have wings that extend beyond the tip of their abdomen and share the same colored markings on the margins as the females. The adult males are a little smaller than the adult females.
Where Are Turkestan Cockroaches Found in California?
Turkestan roaches are found domestically and internationally, having populations in northeastern Africa, Middle East, Central Asia, and India. In the United States, they can be found throughout California and other urban cities along the Southwest, Southeast, and recent reports have found a number of them in the Northeast as well. These cockroaches were likely introduced to the United States by way of military shipments from the Middle East. Additionally, this species is readily available for purchase to animal breeders, particularly reptile breeders, as it the source of food for these pets. Because of the distribution, this species will likely spread throughout the country. During the peak summer time when population and the weather is at the highest, the Turkestan roaches will come inside, but thankfully they typically stay outdoors. Males are most likely to be the ones inside homes as they are attracted to lights and wander into homes and businesses. When the Turkestan roaches are found outside, they generally prefer areas around the electrical meter boxes, cracks in concrete, fallen leaves, compost piles, potted plants, and water. Like most cockroaches, Turkestan roaches are most active after dark.
Turkestan Cockroach Life Cycle
There are three developmental stages of the Turkestan cockroach; egg, nymph and adult. Turkestan cockroaches have a shorter developmental period in comparison to Oriental cockroaches and the females produce considerably more eggs than the Oriental cockroach females as well. In many locations the Turkestan roach has been able to out-compete and replace the Oriental roach population given their biological characteristic differences.
Cockroach Inspection, Control & Removal in San Bernardino, Orange, Los Angeles, Riverside & San Diego Counties, California
Generally, homeowners know they have an infestation because these roaches are not shy, and fly around at night time, especially being drawn in by lights. Because of their shorter developmental time and the increased number of eggs produced, Turkestan cockroaches can be very difficult to control once they have entered in or around your home. Professional expertise is your most effective option to remove this infestation. If you are over encumbered by Turkestan or other types of cockroaches or pests, call in the experts of Animal Pest Management today and let our professionals wipe the pest infestation from your home.
