The Turkestan cockroach roach species is one of the newest non-native cockroaches in Northern America, especially California and the southwest and southern states. This species is an invasive species found in the United States. Also known as the “red runner cockroach” or “rusty red cockroach,” the Turkestan roach is closely related to the oriental cockroach and is usually sold as food for pet reptiles.
However, they are prolific breeders and have also started invading homes. Moreover, like other roaches, this species carries bacteria and can affect your property’s value.
This article will discuss what Turkestan roaches look like, their habitat, and their lifecycle so you can identify them. You will also learn how to eliminate Turkestan cockroaches and prevent a future Turkestan cockroach infestation. Keep reading!
Identification
Turkestan roaches can be dark brown and sometimes black, with a cream-colored mark near their body edges and behind their heads. In addition, the males are smaller than the females and are orange or red in complexion with wings that extend past their abdomen tips.
Habitat
Like their closest relative, the oriental cockroach, this species is an outdoor species. They prefer warm and dry weather and rarely invade homes. You can find them in compost piles, electric boxes, rotting leaves, or potted plants.
The red runner cockroach is nocturnal and feeds on a wide range of food, including leftovers, crumbs, leaf litter, decaying insects, and garbage.
Life Cycle
Like most cockroach species, the speed of reproduction determines the survival of the invasive Turkestan cockroach. The female can hatch at least 14 baby roaches at a time and can live for up to 18 months or more. She also reaches the breeding stage quickly and can produce as many as 350 nymphs, which is more than the oriental cockroach females. This explains why the Turkestan roaches are replacing the oriental roach population in some areas.
Signs of Turkestan Cockroach Infestation
It is vital to know how to identify an infestation. The following are some signs you might have a cockroach infestation at hand.
Flying cockroaches: Seeing a male Turkestan cockroach flying in your house at night indicates that you have an infestation at hand.
Droppings: If you see roach droppings on your floor, pantry, and counters, you have an infestation. In addition, Turkestan roaches will leave their dropping in areas they gather, so if you see these dropping behind or under large appliances, it might be time to get help.
Foul smell: Turkestan cockroaches leave pheromones in their droppings to communicate with other colony members. The pheromone is a stinky chemical that can quickly add to the infestation. That said, if you detect an unusual smell in your house, you might be dealing with an infestation.
Smear marks: Turkestan roaches like to nest near warm and humid areas. They will leave distinctive brown marks on wall floor junctions and flat surfaces.
Shed skin: Baby Turkestan roaches molt several times to become adults. During this time, they shed their skins. Therefore, if you see shed skin in your house, the chances are that you have a serious Turkestan cockroach infestation.
How to Get Rid of Turkestan Roaches
Now that you know the signs of Turkestan roach infestations and their dangers, it is time to get rid of them. There are various ways to tackle Turkestan roaches; however, the most crucial thing to do is ensure you use the safest and most effective pest control strategies. In addition, you can use multiple tactics in order to give you the best chance of tackling your roach problem.
Cockroach Traps and Baits
Store-bought or homemade traps and baits can be an excellent way to eliminate Turkestan roaches, especially the annoying flying males. Baits and traps work by luring roaches and killing them immediately after they eat the bait. In addition, the roaches that eat the bait will take the poison back to their nest, contaminating their food and later dying.
Other roaches will feed on the dead roaches and die too. This will help break the breeding cycle and clear the Turkestan roach infestation. So place baits or traps in areas with high roach activities and entry points.
Spray Insecticides or Pesticides
To get rid of Turkestan roaches in your home, spray them with an insecticide. After spraying your space, close all doors and windows and don’t return inside for at least thirty minutes. After this time, go back inside, open all your windows and doors and ensure the house is well-ventilated to release the strong chemical smell and look for dead roaches afterward.
Natural Remedies
You can use various natural remedies to kill Turkestan roaches. For example, you can use diatomaceous earth, borax, baking soda and boric acid. Borax, boric acid and diatomaceous earth are all abrasive compounds that kill roaches on contact. To use them, sprinkle either product in areas with high Turkestan roach activity.
In addition, you can use baking soda to get rid of these roaches. Mix it with sugar and place it at entry points and areas where you have seen roaches.
Other alternatives include:
- Using liquid concentrates
- Setting up bait stations
- Hiring a professional pest control company
How to Prevent Future Turkestan Cockroach Infestations
There are various ways of killing a Turkestan cockroach; however, the best thing to do is to keep them from invading your property in the first place.
That said, you must learn what attracts Turkestan roaches to your home to keep them away.
Declutter your house: Make sure your home is organized and keep trash away from your walls until it is collected.
Keep your home clean: Food crumbs and spilled drinks can attract Turkestan roaches. So clean them immediately. Also, wash dishes and store leftover food and other foods in airtight containers.
Seal all entry points: Seal all gaps to prevent these roaches from squeezing themselves into your house.
Turn the heat down: Turkestan roaches prefer nesting in warm areas. So when the climate outside becomes unfavorable, they will enter your home for warmth.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can Turkestan Cockroaches Invade Homes?
Yes, Turkestan cockroaches can invade homes. These roaches are outdoor dwellers but can infest homes while foraging for food or escaping harsh weather conditions.
Are Turkestan Cockroaches Dangerous?
Yes, Turkestan cockroaches are dangerous.
These roaches carry bacteria and can spread illnesses like cholera, typhoid fever, dysentery, salmonellosis, and Giardiasis.
In addition, their dropping, shed skin, and saliva can trigger allergic reactions in sensitive individuals. Moreover, these cockroaches carry Herpomyces fungi that can cause diseases in plants.
Do Turkestan Cockroaches Bite?
Yes, Turkestan cockroaches bite occasionally.
What Eats Turkestan Cockroaches?
Almost all insectivores eat Turkestan cockroaches. For example, reptile breeders use them as food for pet reptiles.
Can the Turkestan Cockroach Fly?
Yes, the Turkestan cockroach can fly, especially the male adult Turkestan cockroach. The male Turkestan roach has yellowish wings extending past the tip of its abdomen and can fly.
