Creature feature
Oriental Cockroach or Black Beetle - (Blatta orientalis)
Adult 17-30mm dark brown partial wings; flightless.

Life Cycle
Eggs - nymph - adult

Lifespan
1.5 years

Life Style
Omnivorous scavenging nocturnal pest found in warm environments, heated buildings, hotels, laundries and institutions. The adult lays 5 egg cases (ootheceae) taking 6 to 12 weeks to incubate. They cannot climb as well as the German cockroach but are more tolerant of cold conditions.

Pest Factor
They produce characteristic sour smell from there faecal deposits and are known to carry some pathogenic bacteria, which will contaminate human foodstuffs.

German Cockroach or Steam fly - (Blattella germanic)
Adult 12-15mm yellow brown-winged.

Life Cycle
Eggs - nymph - adult

Lifespan
9 months

Life Style
Omnivorous scavenging nocturnal pest found in warm humid environments, heated buildings, institutions and heating systems. Often found in the vicinity of taps sinks and drains. The adult lays 1 egg case (ootheceae) containing 30 eggs that are carried by the female for 2 to 4 weeks until just before hatching. Thought to be introduced to the UK at the time of the Crimean war. Known as the steam fly, it was frequently found in the galleys of Ocean-going ships. Very good climbers.

Pest Factor
They produce characteristic sour smell from there faecal deposits and are known to carry some pathogenic bacteria, which will contaminate human foodstuffs.