The Oriental cockroach is found in all parts of the United States and is also referred to as the black beetle or shad roach. They measure approximately 1 ¼” in length for females and 1″ for males. In addition to being longer than the males, females are broader. Females have small wing pads while males have wings that cover ¾ of their body. Neither sex can fly. Their color ranges from dark brown to black and they have a greasy appearance. In some parts of the world, such as Great Britain, the Oriental cockroach is the most widespread cockroach; however, in the U.S., they are not nearly as prevalent as German roaches.
After becoming impregnated, the female carries an egg capsule for about 30 hours before depositing and attaching it near a food source or protected surface. In room-temperature conditions, the eggs will hatch an average of 16 nymphs after 60 days. After that, the nymphs molt 7-10 times. The nymphal stage usually takes several months to a year to complete. The warmer the temperature in which the nymphs live, the shorter the amount of time it takes for them to mature. Unlike other cockroach species, the Oriental cockroach generally has a seasonal development cycle. This means that the peak number of adults appears in the late spring or early summer and that the adult population decreases greatly by late summer or early fall. Oriental cockroaches usually have a life span of a half year.
It is also interesting to note that Oriental cockroaches possess an abundance of “cockroach odor,” the odor that is associated with cockroaches and much despised.

Unlike German cockroaches, Oriental cockroaches are usually found at ground level or below. Oriental cockroaches are sluggish and lack the cushion-like pads between their claws to climb smooth, vertical surfaces. For this reason, you do not often see them above ground level. They are found near decaying matter, both indoors and out. Outside, they can be found in yards, dumps, crawl spaces, flowerbed mulch, and beneath leaves. Indoors, they are common in sewers, drains, and basements. They are seldom found in walls, upper floors of buildings, or in cupboards.
In many areas, Oriental cockroaches are found outdoors when it is warm. If a drought or cold weather occurs, they will move into buildings seeking shelter.