Asian Cockroach Blattella asahinai
Identification
Description
These roaches are similar in size, shape and color to German cockroaches. Adults are brown to tan, 5/8 inch long and 3/16 inch wide. Two dark bands run lengthwise on the head shield (pronotum). Female Asian cockroaches have wings that extend to cover the entire length of the ootheca. Female German cockroaches have wings that extend to cover only half the length of the ootheca. There are 15-20 eggs on each side. They are good fliers and live outdoors but can enter structures.
Life Cycle
Egg, nymph and adult
Where To Look
Outdoors, they are found in grassy areas, mulch and leaf litter and in shady areas of gardens, pastures, dense ground cover, mulched ornamentals, etc. They become active at dusk. Adults are very active in the grass and mulch, climbing to the tips of grass and leaves to take flight. They are attracted to lights in structures and can become established indoors if there is an opening near a light source in the early evening hours.
Chemical
Control of Asian cockroaches is difficult due to their mobility and adaptability to various habitats.
Traditional treatments using residual sprays inside and around the perimeter of a structure are ineffective due to infestations in mulched and wooded areas. Adults can enter homes through windows and doorways, avoiding areas typically treated for control of German cockroaches.
Sodium vapor lamps or LED for security lighting and yellow incandescent bulbs for porch lighting are both less attractive to adults and reduce attraction of adult insects to lighting near buildings.
Asian cockroaches are susceptible to all pesticides, toxic pelletized baits scattered outdoors have provided the most reliable control.
Baits and granules that have worked for some are Niban FG or Intice Bait. Other Effective Cockroach baits include Maxforce FC Roach Bait Gel, Avert Dry Flowable Cockroach Bait, and Advion Roach Bait Gel.