As the third-largest city in California and the hub of Silicon Valley, thousands vie to live and work in San Jose, the land of opportunity. But San Jose properties attract more than dreamers, it attracts creepy bugs as well, one of which is the Oriental cockroach.

These cockroaches prefer to make their homes outside. But they often head indoors during dry and hot summers, putting your property in danger of damage and putting those who live and work inside at risk. Bay Pest is here to provide you with the ultimate control guide to identifying and preventing Oriental cockroaches in your San Jose residence or business.

The Oriental Cockroach

The Oriental cockroach is one of the thousands of species of cockroaches. Alongside the American and German cockroaches, Oriental cockroaches are one of the more common home-invading species of cockroaches. The Oriental cockroach ranges in size, averaging around 25-30mm in length. Its size makes it one of the larger species of cockroaches you might find inside your San Jose property.

Oriental cockroaches have a shiny black exterior and prefer moist, dark habitats. These insects are commonly known as “black beetles” or “water bugs” because of their appearance and their affinity for water. Like other roach species, Oriental cockroaches are dangerous.

The Oriental cockroach is nocturnal and prefers moist, quiet places to live, mate, and die. Areas such as basements, sewage pipes, bathrooms, and crawl spaces inside your San Jose property are perfect for Oriental cockroaches that retreat indoors during California summers. There, they feed on rotting matter inside garbage cans, rummage through cabinets, and eat human refuse, exposing those inside your property to harmful bacteria.

Outdoors, Oriental cockroaches congregate in dense piles of debris around woodpiles and underneath stones or siding. But when moisture dries up during the California summer, Oriental cockroaches seek out the water inside properties.

While cockroaches can survive for months without food, Oriental cockroaches desperately need water to survive. When they find moisture-rich areas inside your home, they will unpack their suitcases and get comfy.

Three Prevention Techniques For Oriental Cockroaches

Cockroaches are infamously difficult to get rid of once they have invaded a home. Prevention measures decrease the risk of an Oriental cockroach invasion by making your San Jose property a less attractive target for these cockroaches.

1. Address Moisture Issues:

The best way to dissuade cockroaches from invading your home is to make your home unattractive to them. Get as much moisture out of your home as possible, denying the Oriental cockroach access to the thing it needs most. Try the following suggestions:

Install dehumidifiers in moisture-retaining areas of your property like basements, bathrooms, and kitchens.
Ensure that your space is well-ventilated and that air circulates properly, keeping your home dry and airy.
Eliminate dense piles of debris, wood, stone, or foliage that might provide habitat for Oriental cockroaches outside your home.
Fix leaks in pipes or drains.

2. Seal up entry points:

Cockroaches invade homes through the tiniest cracks. They can infiltrate through sewers and even crawl up drainage pipes. Keeping these roaches out of your property is tough, but you can try a few simple techniques.

Seal gaps, holes, and cracks in the foundation and outer walls of your home.
Fill any holes in walls or cracks in floors with caulk, especially in garage areas.
Install door sweeps and fill gaps in between doors and windows.
Place caps on top of sink drains to prevent cockroaches from crawling up your water pipes.

3. Keep food and garbage sealed:

In addition to keeping your property as moisture-free as possible, seal any cockroach consumables.

Seal garbage.
Store food in containers with tight lids.

Keeping Oriental Cockroaches Out For Good

For every cockroach you see, there are many more hiding just out of sight. That is why if you see even one cockroach, it is time to get serious. At the first sign of Oriental cockroaches, contact the professionals at Bay Pest. We have been serving the Bay Area for over 40 years. Schedule your free inspection today.