Asian Cockroach

The Asian cockroach is a relatively new pest species that is often mistaken for the German cockroach at first glance. What sets it apart is its behavior, which is very different from that of German cockroaches. The species was first recorded on the Japanese island of Okinawa and has since spread to other regions through travel and trade.

What Does an Asian Cockroach Look Like?

Asian cockroaches look almost identical to German cockroaches. They are about 13–16 mm long and light brown, with two dark parallel stripes behind the head. Compared with German cockroaches, adults have slightly longer, narrower wings, females produce smaller egg capsules and the nymphs are smaller.

Asian cockroaches can also fly, while German cockroaches almost never do.

Asian Cockroach Life Cycle

The life cycle is similar to that of the German cockroach. A female produces around four egg capsules in her lifetime, each holding about 37 eggs on average. Nymphs take about 67 days to reach adulthood. Adult females live around 104 days on average and males about 49 days. Females produce their first egg capsule about 13 days after reaching adulthood and can produce another roughly 20 days later.

Where Do Asian Cockroaches Live?

Asian cockroaches prefer to live outdoors in moist, shaded areas such as gardens, leaf litter and areas where plant debris builds up. Unlike German cockroaches, they do not usually infest buildings. They become active around sunset and are strongly attracted to light-colored surfaces and brightly lit areas. On the positive side, they feed on the eggs of some crop pests.

How Dangerous Are Asian Cockroaches?

Asian cockroaches carry disease-causing microorganisms on their bodies. When they walk over food, dishes, floors and kitchen utensils, they can spread these germs to people. They feed on any available food source and can breed in large numbers, with populations peaking in spring and summer.

3 Differences Between Asian and German Cockroaches

Because the two species look so similar, the best way to tell them apart is by their behavior:

• Flight: Asian cockroaches fly readily, while German cockroaches do not.
• Response to light: German cockroaches flee from light, but Asian cockroaches are attracted to it and often stay still when a light is switched on.
• Habitat: Asian cockroaches live mainly outdoors, while German cockroaches prefer homes, kitchens and food areas.

How Can I Protect My Home from Asian Cockroaches?

Asian cockroaches prefer the outdoors, but they may settle inside if they find a way in. Like most pests, they need food, water and shelter, and removing any one of these makes your home much less attractive to them:

• Get rid of old boxes and piles of paper where cockroaches hide.
• Use well-fitting lids on bins and trash cans.
• Keep garbage in sealed plastic bags overnight.
• Repair leaks and fix drains.
• Clean kitchen surfaces and utensils thoroughly.
• Empty pet food bowls at night or store food in sealed containers.
• Do not leave food uncovered for long periods.
• Seal gaps around doors, windows and water pipes.
• Fit mesh screens on windows, floor drains and vents.
• Keep windows and doors tightly closed, especially in the evening when lights are on.

Because Asian cockroaches fly, move quickly and adapt well to different conditions, controlling them on your own can be difficult, and do-it-yourself treatments often fail. If you are dealing with an infestation, Safeguard’s cockroach control experts can identify the species, locate where they are hiding and eliminate them safely and effectively.