The Oriental cockroach, B. Orientalis, is a cosmopolitan pest that damages food, paper, and clothing and spreads infectious diseases.

This is Alamogordo's most prevalent cockroach (Blatta Orientalis [Linnaeus]).

The Oriental Cockroach is also referred to as the water bugs. The total length for the female is 1 ¼" and 1" for the male. The females have small nonfunctional wings while the males have wings that cover about ¾ of the abdomen, nether the female or male can fly. Adults are very dark brown or black in color.

Female Oriental Cockroaches produce an average of 8 egg Capsules, containing 16 eggs in each. The female will carry the egg capsule for around 30 hours and then drops or attaches it in a protected area. The eggs hatch in about 60 days under warm conditions. At least 75% of the eggs must hatch to open the capsule.

So How Do You Kill'em?

You must know your pray.

Some things to think about when treating for roaches.

1. You must make a good inspection to find the environments and then change or modify them to make it difficult for their survival.

• Food, Water, Shelter. (environments)
• Food: Oriental Cockroaches feed on all kinds of filth, rubbish and other decaying organic matter such as garbage and decaying organic matter in mulch piles
• Shelter: Cracks and Crevices, under boards and other ground cover.

• The Desert is unique in that, you look around and there is no natural water sources, but if you place a board on the ground it will be moist underneath. The reason for this is that the sun beats on the ground and the heat brings up the moisture to evaperate, but the board soaks up the moisture and traps it underneath.
  • Water: Most of their water consumption is gotten through their food and the moisture around them

1. Out side treatment
   1. Treat all cracks in side walks and next to house where the ground has expanded from house, under slabs (where dirt has eroded from under side walks and foundations) and under planters. Dust or fog under crawl space. The crawl space must be closed well enough to hold the pesticides floating in the air (dust will last longer). (always follow the label).
   2. Baits are a lot easier to use, instead of you going to the cockroach they come to the bait if placed properly (always follow the label).
   • Baygon 2% bait has always been an excellent product for Oriental and American cockroaches. (always follow the label).
   • Combat bait stations work good, but you have to get the big stations because the roaches are attracted to the opening and of course they would have a tough time fitting in the smaller bait stations. (always follow the label).
   • Emulsifiable concentrates: I have gotten away from using these except in certain circumstances, they absorb into porous surfaces and so, don't leave much for insects to pick up. (always follow the label).
   • Wettable powders: these are good pesticide carriers. They handle condition well and have the least odor. (always follow the label).
   • Microencapsulation: these are the best for harsh conditions, but used inside stink worse when cleaning house than when first applied. (always follow the label).
   • Dusts: Boric Acid is good and should be limited to crack and crevice. Drione is good but you have to be careful not to repel insects to visible areas and make your work more cumbersome. (always follow the label).