Asian cockroach or Blattella asahinai are identical to German cockroaches in appearance and size. They are so similar to each other that even professionals have a hard time distinguishing between the too. Some experts believe that Asian roaches are a strain of German roaches that evolved outdoors in Asia. The difference, however, arises when one starts to observe their behavior.

Like German cockroaches, Asian cockroaches are a common sight in Florida. What makes them scarier, though, is their ability to fly! Yes, you heard it right! Unlike most cockroaches, Asian cockroaches make use of their wings. So, if you saw a German roach flying around, it might be an Asian roach.

These fliers can be hard to get rid of on your own. Calling Orlando Pest Control to provide a systematic solution is the best option to ensure the eradication of these tricksters from your home.

This article will help you identify Asian cockroaches and provide you with all the information you need about these pests.

If you have specific questions about Asian Cockroach, check out our FAQ section.

Asian Cockroach Quick Facts

Is It An Asian Cockroach? – Identifying Asian Cockroaches

Asian Cockroaches are light brown or tan. The color is often slightly lighter than that of German cockroaches.

They are   to   inches long.  Two horizontal black stripes are visible on top of their head. These stripes are parallel to each other. Oval in shape; these roaches have six legs and two antennas that protrude sideways

Wings of Asian roaches are narrower and longer as compared to German roaches — a difference that probably makes them a better flier than their cousin species.

Where do Asian cockroaches live? — Habitat of The Asian Roach

Asian cockroaches tend to live outdoors. They are often found in shaded compost, decaying wood, and flower beds. They may make a home in accumulated plant litter. Not fond of indoors, there is very little chance that they will infest your house.

Asian roaches get attracted to the lighter surface and are often seen following the light. Don’t be surprised to see them on your porch light or windows of a lighted room. They may even come to your house during the night time seeking light.

Once inside you can expect them to be up on the ceiling near the lights, on lamps and television screens. They may fly around between lighted rooms.

How Does Asian Cockroach Behave? — The Lifestyle of the Asian Cockroach

Asian Cockroaches are omnivores and can feed on anything with even a little nutritional value. Honeydew, seeds, flowers, and other plant matter are a part of their food pallet outdoors. Inside the house, you may find them feasting on pet bowls, sweets, grease, meat, and even toothpaste! They have a preference for starchy food.

Unlike German roaches, the Asian roaches use their strong wings quiet often. They are capable of making 150 feet long flights at a time. Though most active after dusk, these bugs can be seen flying during the day if there has been a disturbance in their habitat.

Asian roaches may be seen flying through open doors and windows into the house. This home invasion is done during the night time when they are seeking lighted areas.

Life Cycle of the Asian Cockroach

Seasonal pests, Adult Asian cockroaches can be seen during spring and in the late summer. Whereas the nymph population is abundant during the summertime.  February through May and then again August through December is the most fertile period for these roaches. These roaches follow a typical cockroach life cycle with three developmental stages: Eggs, nymphs, and adults.

Stage 1: Asian Cockroach Eggs

The female Asian roach lays 4 oothecae (egg sacs) on average, during her lifetime. Each egg capsule contains 35-40 eggs. The eggs are oviparous which means they don’t develop inside of their mother. Asian roach eggs take more time to hatch as compared to their German counterpart. An egg may take 19 days to hatch depending on environmental conditions.

Stage 2: Asian Cockroach Nymph

After hatching, initially, the Asian cockroach nymphs are white. The nymphs go through molting. Each molting stage is called an instar. At the end of each instar, nymphs shed their skin (molt), their color darkens as their skin hardens. Female Asian nymphs require a longer time to mature into adults as compared to males. They take 60-70 days to develop into adult females.

Stage 3: Adult Asian Cockroach

With the final molting emerges an adult Asian cockroach. The adults are sexually active and the female Asian cockroach can produce oothecae withing 13 days of becoming an adult. Females tend to outlive male Asian roaches. The life span of females ranges from 3 months to 6 months, whereas males survive roughly for one and a half months.

How to tell if I have Asian roaches? -– Asian Cockroach Infestation

Being an outside pest, Asian roaches mostly infest wooden areas around the house. In the house, they are often found near light sources and above appliances. Some of the sign that may confirm the infestation of your house are:

You see them flying around in your house at night time.

You see them flying around (in groups) in your yard during day time!

Threats of Asian Cockroach Infestation

Since Asians roaches eat everything and anything available to them, so they may feast on the garbage and other unpleasantries. This increases their chances of being a pathogen carrier. Contaminating our food and cooking utensils could lead to disease spread. The body oils of these roaches can change the taste of the food they have contaminated.

The most frightening aspect of Asian cockroaches, perhaps, is their ability to fly! These roaches do not bite so you can eliminate that threat of their list. In the past, they have been known to pose a threat to lettuce farmers in Florida.  Even though they don’t essentially feed on lettuce but their presence on the field forced the farmers to discard a lot of their crops.

Eradication of Asian Cockroach

Asian roaches are usually spread out, covering a larger surface area. This makes it difficult to control them. They move fast and fly around which makes it difficult to target them with insecticides and chemicals. Since there are no specific ways of their entry so it becomes nearly impossible to block their way into our houses.

Professional help from Orlando Pest Control is your best chance at getting rid of the Asian Cockroach.  All American Pest Control gives the best Pest Control packages in Orlando Florida! You can reach them at (321) 559-7378. 

FAQ

How can Asian cockroaches be differentiated from German Cockroaches?

They are almost identical appearance-wise. Even experts find it harder to distinguish between them. Minute physical differences are that Asian cockroaches have wings that are slightly longer and narrower than that of their German counterparts. When it comes to differentiating between the two one needs to look at their behavior rather than appearance!

Do Asian Cockroach Bite?

No! Asian cockroach does not bite.

How Long does Asian Cockroach Live?

1.5 – 6.0 months on average. Female Asian roaches outlive their male partners. A female has a life span of 3 -6 months whereas the males live only up to 50 days on average.

What does Asian Cockroach Eat?

Almost everything. Asian roaches are omnivores. They prefer starchy food, but can also feed on sugary food, pet food, meat, and grease. Outdoors, these pests survive on the honeydew, flower, and other organic material.