Physical Characteristics

The male Turkestan cockroach ranges from 1/2 to 7/8 inches long and is brownish yellow with a pale outer edge at the base, with a reddish brown pronotum that features two translucent lateral yellow bands; it’s often confused with the American cockroach. The female is slightly larger at 3/4 to 1 inch, and is dark brown to black, with short wings whose basal outer edge is pale; it’s often confused with the oriental cockroach. Both sexes have spines on the front and middle pair of legs. Nymphs are half black and half dark red.

Turkestan Cockroach

Behavior

The Turkestan cockroach is a relatively new visitor to California; it reportedly hitched a ride to the U.S. in the household goods of military personnel returning from this roach’s native habitat in the Middle East. The Turkestan cockroach can be found in water meter boxes, cracks between blocks of concrete, compost piles, leaf litter and potted plants. Occasionally it turns up in sewer systems, warehouses and steam tunnels.

Treatment

Sanitation measures outside involve removing debris and litter that provide harborage to these roaches. Inside, check drains. If you think you have a roach problem, your Clark technician will know the best course of action to remove Turkestan roaches from your home or property.

Latin name: Blatta lateralis