Asian Cockroach
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Asian Cockroach

   

Asian Cockroach1

P. G. Koehler and C. L. Tucker2

The Asian cockroach ( Figure 1 ) has been widely publicized and is considered a significant pest by the residents in infested areas.

CREDITS: Paul M. Choate, University of Florida

Figure 1. Asian male cockroach (identical in appearance to the German cockroach and is about 5/8 inch long).

History

The Asian cockroach was identified as a newly introduced species in 1986, when a heavy infestation was found in Lakeland, Florida (Polk County). A second, more heavily infested area was identified in 1987 near Brandon and Tampa (Hillsborough County). Today, the Asian cockroach has spread to infest the southeastern United States.

The Asian cockroach is a rural and suburban pest that mainly infests single-family, suburban houses and yards. It is abundant outdoors, where populations of 30,000 to 250,000 per acre have been found. The adults are strong fliers and readily enter the houses.

Identification

The Asian cockroach is almost identical in appearance to the German cockroach. In fact, entomologists believed it was an outdoor strain of the German cockroach in Asia. The main morphological differences between the Asian and German cockroaches are the shape of a groove in one segment (eighth) of the abdomen and a small gland in the males. The wings of the Asian cockroach are usually longer and narrower than those of the German cockroach. They extend beyond the tip of the abdomen and cover the egg capsule in the females. Asian cockroaches are lighter in color than most German cockroaches.

The Asian cockroach can be identified by gas chromotography of the waxes found in the exoskeleton. Any part or any stage of the cockroach can be identified with this procedure. They should not be preserved in alcohol. Dry, dead specimens should be sent for analysis.

Habits

The Asian cockroach is a strong flier, and is both a feral (wild) and peridomestic species. Adults take flight even during the day if disturbed; they are readily seen in an infested lawn, because their flight is similar to that of moths and leafhoppers. At dusk there is a frenzy of activity; adults are very active in the grass and mulch. They climb to the tips of grass and leaves and take flight. They are attracted to light-colored surfaces or brightly lit surfaces, where they alight. Numerous adults have been seen at all heights on single- and two-story homes.

Asian cockroaches will invade any opening in a house, such as a lighted doorway or window. Once inside, they will crawl on an illuminated television screen and on walls while the lights are on during the evening. Because the peak activity period of Asian roaches coincides with our leisure time, the presence of the cockroach is obvious.

Habitat

Asian cockroaches are abundant in shaded areas with leaf litter or where there is ground cover. In feral habitats, the Asian cockroach is found in shaded areas of pastures, along shaded road sides in leaf mulch, in shaded areas of thick grass, and in ground cover of abandoned citrus groves. The adults have been found feeding on the honeydew of aphids on citrus trees, and on the flowers of other plants during the night.

Biology

The female Asian cockroach produces an egg capsule that has about 40 eggs. It is carried by the female until the young are ready to hatch. The nymphs mature to adults in about 6 to 7 weeks. From late May through early August, nymphs predominate and adults are rarely encountered. However, adults are abundant during the early spring months (February through May) and again in mid-August to October.

The feeding behavior of the Asian cockroach appears to be similar to other cockroaches, in that they are omnivorous. Thus, they may be capable of carrying the same pathogenic organisms as the other peridomestic and domestic species of cockroaches. Considering their ability to produce large populations and their likelihood of entering homes, pathogens associated with animal droppings and soil microorganisms will be carried by this cockroach when it enters the home. People sensitive to allergens of German cockroaches are also sensitive to allergens of Asian cockroaches.

Control

The Asian cockroach is very susceptible to all pesticides. However, acceptable control of the Asian cockroach is difficult. Toxic baits applied to infested areas outdoors have provided the most reliable control. Cockroach baits have been registered for use outdoors. Because the Asian cockroach can fly 120 feet or more in a single flight, large areas around a home require treatment. Even so, cockroaches in surrounding untreated areas may result in reinfestation.

Residual sprays around the perimeter of structures are usually ineffective because there are numerous infested areas in lawns, mulch, and wooded areas. Adults enter homes through windows and doorways, and immediately fly to walls, avoiding baseboards and typical German cockroach harborages which are normally treated with pesticides.

Tables

Table 1. Insecticides labeled for Homeowner Use.

Formulation

Common Name

Trade Name (Manufacturer)

Signal Word

Bait, Crack and Crevice (see label)

Combination Product
Fipronil, Hydramethylnon
Combat Plus (quick kill formula roach baits and roach killing gel)
Caution

Bait Station

Bait
Fipronil
Combat Quick Kill Formula, Roach
Caution
Bait
Hydramethylnon
Combat Source Kill 1, Roaches
Caution

Crack and Crevice

Aerosol
Prallethrin (0.03%), Esfenvalerate (0.05%), MGK-264 synergist (0.3%)
Ortho Roach, Ant & Spider Killer
Warning
Aerosol
Pyrethrins, MGK-264, Permethrin
Ortho Ant-B-Gon
Caution
Aerosol
Tetramethrin (0.2%), Phenothrin (0.2%)
Ortho Flying Insect Killer 1
Caution
Emulsifiable Concentrate
Beta Cyfluthrin
Bayer Power force Carpenter Ant & Termite Killer Plus
Caution
Ready-To-Use
Bifenthrin
Ortho Home Defense Perimeter & Indoor Insect Killer
Caution
Ready-To-Use
Cyfluthrin
Bayer Advanced Home, Home Pest Control Indoor & Outdoor Insect Killer
Caution

Indoor Space Treatment

Ready-To-Use
Pyrethrins (0.05%), Permethrin (0.4%)
Ortho Indoor Insect Fogger
Caution

Indoor Surface Treatment

Aerosol
Prallethrin (0.03%), Esfenvalerate (0.05%), MGK-264 synergist (0.3%)
Ortho Roach, Ant & Spider Killer
Warning
Aerosol
Pyrethrins, MGK-264, Permethrin
Ortho Ant-B-Gon
Caution
Ready-To-Use
Cyfluthrin
Bayer Advanced Home, Home Pest Control Indoor & Outdoor Insect Killer
Caution

Insect Growth Regulator (IGR)

Combination Product
Abamectrin B1, Hydroprene
Raid Max (Roach Bait plus Egg Stoppers)
Caution

Outdoor Barrier

Aerosol
Prallethrin (0.03%). Esfenvalerate (0.05%), MGK-264 synergist (0.3%)
Prallethrin (0.03%), Esfenvalerate (0.05%), MGK-264 synergist (0.3%)
Warning
Emulsifiable Concentrate
Beta-Cyfluthrin
Bayer Power Force Carpenter Ant & Termite Killer Plus
Caution
Emulsifiable Concentrate
Bifenthrin
Ortho Termite & Carpenter Ant Killer
Caution
Emulsifiable Concentrate
Esfenvalerate
Ortho Bug-B-Gon Multipurpose Insect Killer
Warning
Emulsifiable Concentrate
Malathion
Ortho Malathion 50 Plus Insect Spray
Warning
Granule
Cyfluthrin
Bayer Advanced Lawn & Garden Multi-Insect Killer
Caution
Granule
Cyfluthrin
Bayer Power Force Ant Killer Ready-to-Use Granules
Caution
Granule
Cyfluthrin
Bayer Power Force Multi-Insect Killer Ready-to-Spread Granules
Caution
Ready-To-Use
Bifenthrin
Ortho Home Defense Perimeter 7 Indoor Insect Killer
Caution
Ready-To-Use
Cyfluthrin
Bayer Advanced Home, Home Pest Control Indoor & Outdoor Insect Killer
Caution
Ready-To-Use
Cyfluthrin
Bayer Power Force Multi-Insect Killer Ready-to-Spray
Caution
Ready-To-Use
Cyfluthrin
Bayer Power Force Multi-Insect Killer Ready-to-Use
Caution
Ready-To-Use
Esfenvalerate
Ortho Bug-B-Gon Multipurpose Insect Killer Ready-to-Use
Caution

Outdoor Broadcast

Emulsifiable Concentrate
Beta-Cyfluthrin
Bayer Power Force Carpenter Ant & Termite Killer Plus
Caution
Emulsifiable Concentrate
Esfenvalerate
Ortho Bug-B-Gon Multipurpose Insect Killer
Warning
Emulsifiable Concentrate
Malathion
Ortho Malathion 50 Plus Insect Spray
Warning
Ready-To-Use
Cyfluthrin
Bayer Advanced Home, Home Pest Control Indoor & Outdoor Insect Killer
Caution

Table 2. Insecticides labeled for Commercial Use.

Formulation

Common Name

Trade Name (Manfacturer)

Signal Word

Bait Station

Bait
Abamectin
PT Avert Cockroach Gel Bait Formula 2 (Whitmire Micro-gen)
Caution
Bait
Disodium Octaborate Tetrahydrate
Gourmet Ant Bait


Caution
Bait
Disodium Octaborate Tetrahydrate


Gourmet Ant Bait Gel


Caution
Bait
Orthoboric Acid
Dr. Moss's Liquid Bait Systen (JT Eaton)
Caution

Crack and Crevice

Aerosol
Acephate
PT Orthene Crack & Crevice Pressurized Residual (Whitmire Micro-gen)
Caution
Aerosol


Cyfluthrin
PT Cy-Kick CS Pressurized Crack & Crevice Residual (Whitmire Micro-gen)


Caution
Aerosol
Cyfluthrin
PT Cy-Kick Crack & Crevice Pressurized Residual (Whitmire Micro-gen)
Caution
Aerosol
Hydroprene
Gentrol Aerosol (Zoecon)
Caution
Aerosol
Lambda Cyhalothrin
PT 221L (Whitmire Micro-gen)


Caution


Aerosol
Pyrethrins (0.5%), PBO (4.0%)
PT P. I. Contact Insecticide

(Whitmire Micro-gen)


Caution
Aerosol
Pyrethrins and Others
PT 565 Plus XLO (Whitmire Micro-gen)


Caution
Aerosol
Pyrethrins and Others
PT Microcare Pressurized Pyrethrum Capsule Suspension (Whitmire Micro-gen)


Caution
Bait
Abamectin B1
PT Avert Cockroach Gel Bait Formula 2 (Whitmire Micro-gen)


Caution


Bait
Abamectin B1
PT Avert Cockroach Gel Bait Formula 3 (Whitmire Micro-gen)


Caution


Bait
Abamectin B1
PT Avert Dry Flowable Coackroach Bait Formula 1 (Whitmire Micro-gen)


Caution


Bait
Fipronil
MaxForce FC Roach Killer Bait Gel (3-Pack) (Bayer)
Caution


Bait
Hydramethylnon
MaxForce Fine Granule Insect Bait (Bayer)
Caution


Bait
Hydramethylnon
MaxForce Granular Insect Bait (25 lb) (Bayer)
Caution


Bait
Hydramethylnon
MasForce Granular Insect Bait (6 lb) (Bayer)
Caution


Bait
Hydramethylnon
MaxForce Roach Killer Bait Gel (Triple) (Bayer)
Caution


Bait
Hydramethylnon
Siege Gel Insecticide
Caution


Bait
Hydramethylnon
Siege PBS Gel Insecticide
Caution


Bait
Imidacloprid
Pre-Empt (Bayer)
Caution


Bait
Orthoboric Acid


Attrax Carbohydrates Roach Bait
Caution


Bait
Orthoboric Acid


Niban FG
Caution


Bait
Orthoboric Acid


Niban Granular Bait (Nisus)
Caution


Bait
Orthoboric Acid


Snuffer (Nisus)
Caution


Dust


Boric Acid
PT Perma Dust Pressurized Boric Acid Dust (Whitmire Micro-gen)


Caution


Dust


Deltamethrin
DeltaDust
Caution


Dust


Pyrethrins
PT Tri-Die Silica & Pyrethrin Dust (Whitmire Micro-gen)


Caution
Dust


Pyrethrins and Others
PT Tri-Die Pressurized Silica & Pyrethrin Dust (Whitmire Micro-gen)


Warning
Dust


Pyrethrins, PBO, Silica Gel
Drione (Bayer)
Caution
Emulsifiable Concentrate
Bifenthrin
Talstar F Insecticide/Miticide (FMC)
Caution
Emulsifiable Concentrate
Bifenthrin
Talstar Termiticide/Insecticide (FMC)
Caution
Emulsifiable Concentrate
Chlorfenapyr
Phantom (BASF)
Caution


Emulsifiable Concentrate
Cyfluthrin
PT Cy-Kick CS Controlled Release Cyfluthrin
Caution


Emulsifiable Concentrate
Cyfluthrin
Tempo SC Ultra (Bayer)
Danger
Emulsifiable Concentrate
Cypermethrin


Cynoff EC (FMC)
Caution


Emulsifiable Concentrate
Cypermethrin


Cynoff Power Spray Insecticide (FMC)
Warning


Emulsifiable Concentrate
Cypermethrin


Cynoff WP (FMC)
Warning


Emulsifiable Concentrate


Cypermethrin


Cynoff WSB (FMC)
Warning


Emulsifiable Concentrate


Cypermethrin


Prevail FT Termiticide (FMC)
Caution
Emulsifiable Concentrate


Deltamethrin
Suspend SC Insecticide (Bayer)
Caution


Emulsifiable Concentrate


Hydroprene
Gentrol IGR Concentrate (Zoecon)
Caution


Emulsifiable Concentrate


Permethrin
Dragnet SFR Termiticide/Insecticide (FMC)
Caution


Emulsifiable Concentrate


Prallethrin
PT ULD SPy-300 (Whitmire Micro-gen)


Caution


Emulsifiable Concentrate


Propetamphos
Catalyst
Warning
Emulsifiable Concentrate


Pyrethrins
Kicker (Bayer)
Caution


Emulsifiable Concentrate


Pyrethrins (0.5%), PBO (5.0%)
Pyrenone 50
Caution


Emulsifiable Concentrate


Pyrethrins and Others
PT Microcare CS Controlled Release Pyrethrum (Whitmire Micro-gen)


Caution


Emulsifiable Concentrate


Pyrethrins and Others
PT ULD BP-100 (Whitmire Micro-gen)


Caution
Emulsifiable Concentrate


Cyfluthrin
Tempo 20 WP (Bayer)
Caution
Emulsifiable Concentrate


Tralomethrin
Saga WP Insecticide
Warning

Fumigation

Fumigant
Sulfuryl fluoride
Vikane (Dow AgroSciences)
Danger

Indoor Space Treatment

Aerosol
Pyrethrins and Others


PT 565 Plus XLO (Whitmire Micro-gen)


Caution
Aerosol
Pyrethrins and Others


PT Pro-Control (Whitmire Micro-gen)


Caution
Aerosol
Pyrethrins and Others


PT Pro-Control Plus (Whitmire Micro-gen)


Caution
Emulsifiable Concentrate


Hydroprene


Gentrol IGR Concentrate
Caution
Emulsifiable Concentrate


Prallethrin
PT ULD SPy-300 (Whitmire Micro-gen)


Caution
Emulsifiable Concentrate


Pyrethrins
Kicker
Caution
Emulsifiable Concentrate


Pyrethrins (0.5%), PBO (5.0%)
PT ULD BP-50 (Whitmire Micro-gen)


Caution
Emulsifiable Concentrate


Pyrethrins (0.5%), PBO (5.0%)
Pyrenone 50
Caution
Emulsifiable Concentrate


Pyrethrins (0.5%), PBO (5.0%)
Pyrenone 100
Caution
Emulsifiable Concentrate


Pyrethrins and Others
PT ULD BP-100 (Whitmire Micro-gen)


Caution

Indoor Surface Treatment

Aerosol


Acephate
PT Orthene Crack & Crevice Pressurized Residual (Whitmire Micro-gen)


Caution
Aerosol


Cyfluthrin
PT Cy-Kick CS Pressurized Crack & Crevice Residual (Whitmire Micro-gen)


Caution
Aerosol


Hydroprene
Gentrol Aerosol
Caution
Aerosol


Pyrethrins and Others
PT Microcare Pressurized Pyrethrum Capsule Suspension (Whitmire Micro-gen)


Caution
Dust
Pyrethrins
PT Tri-Die Silica & Pyrethrin Dust (Whitmire Micro-gen)


Caution
Emulsifiable Concentrate


Bifenthrin
Talstar F Insecticide/Miticide (FMC)
Caution
Emulsifiable Concentrate


Bifenthrin
Talstar Termiticide/Insecticide (FMC)
Caution
Emulsifiable Concentrate


Cyfluthrin
PT Cy-Kick CS Controlled Release Cyfluthrin (Whitmire Micro-gen)
Caution
Emulsifiable Concentrate


Cyfluthrin
Tempo SC Ultra (Bayer)
Danger
Emulsifiable Concentrate


Cypermethrin


Cynoff EC (FMC)
Caution
Emulsifiable Concentrate


Cypermethrin


Cynoff Power Spray Insecticide (FMC)
Warning
Emulsifiable Concentrate


Cypermethrin


Cynoff WP (FMC)
Warning
Emulsifiable Concentrate


Cypermethrin


Prevail FT Termiticide (FMC)


Caution
Emulsifiable Concentrate


Deltamethrin
Suspend SC Insecticide (Bayer)
Caution
Emulsifiable Concentrate


Hydroprene
Gentrol IGR Concentrate
Caution
Emulsifiable Concentrate


Permethrin
Dragnet SFR Termiticide/Insecticide (FMC)
Caution
Emulsifiable Concentrate


Prallethrin
PT ULD SPy-300 (Whitmire Micro-gen)


Caution
Emulsifiable Concentrate


Pyrethrins
Kicker (Bayer)
Caution


Emulsifiable Concentrate


Pyrethrins (0.5%), PBO (5.0%)
Pyrenone 50
Caution


Emulsifiable Concentrate


Pyrethrins (0.5%), PBO (5.0%)
Pyrenone 100
Caution


Emulsifiable Concentrate


Pyrethrins and Others
PT Microcare CS Controlled Release Pyrethrum (Whitmire Micro-gen)


Caution


Wettable/Soluble Powder
Cyfluthrin
Tempo 20 WP (Bayer)
Caution

Outdoor Barrier

Aerosol
Acephate
PT Orthene Crack & Crevice Pressurized Residual

(Whitmire Micro-gen)


Caution
Aerosol
Cyfluthrin
PT Cy-Kick CS Pressurized Crack & Crevice Residual (Whitmire Micro-gen)
Caution
Aerosol
Cyfluthrin
PT-Cy-Kick Crack & Crevice Pressurized Residual (Whitmire Micro-gen)
Caution
Aerosol
Lambda Cyhalothrin
PT 221L (Whitmire Micro-gen)
Caution
Aerosol
Pyrethrins and Others
PT MicrocarePressurized Pyrethrum Capsule Suspension (Whitmire Micro-gen)
Caution
Bait
Orthoboric Acid
Niban FG (Nisus)
Caution
Bait
Orthoboric Acid
Niban Granular Bait (Nisus)
Caution
Dust
Deltamethrin
DeltaDust (Bayer)


Caution
Dust
Pyrethrins
PT Tri-Die Silica & Pyrethrin Dust (Whitmire Micro-gen)
Caution
Dust
Pyrethrins and Others
PT-Tri-Die Pressurized Silica & Pyrethrin Dust (Whitmire Micro-gen)
Warning
Emulsifiable Concentrate
Bifenthrin
Talstr F Insecticide/Miticide (FMC)
Caution
Emulsifiable Concentrate
Cyfluthrin
PT Cy-Kick CS Controlled Release Cyfluthrin (Whitmire Micro-gen)
Caution
Emulsifiable Concentrate
Cypermethrin
Cynoff EC (FMC)
Caution
Emulsifiable

Concentrate


Cypermethrin
Cynoff Power Spray Insecticide (FMC)
Warning
Emulsifiable

Concentrate


Cypermethrin
Cynoff WP (FMC)
Warning
Emulsifiable

Concentrate


Cypermethrin
Cynoff WSB (FMC)
Warning
Emulsifiable

Concentrate


Cypermethrin
Prevail FT Termiticide (FMC)
Caution
Emulsifiable

Concentrate


Deltamethrin
Suspend SC Insecticide (Bayer)


Caution
Emulsifiable

Concentrate


Permethrin
Astro Insecticide (FMC)
Caution
Emulsifiable

Concentrate


Permethrin
Dragnet SFR Termiticide/Insecticide (FMC)
Caution
Emulsifiable

Concentrate


Pyrethrins
Kicker (Bayer)


Caution
Emulsifiable

Concentrate


Pyrethrins and Others
PT Microcare CS Controlled Release Pyrethrum (Whitmire Micro-gen)
Caution
Granule
Deltamethrin
DeltaGard G (Bayer)


Caution
Wettable/Soluble Powder
Cyfluthrin
Tempo 20 WP (Bayer)
Caution

Outdoor Broadcast

Bait
Hydramethylnon
MaxForce Fine Granule Insect Bait (Bayer)


Caution
Bait
Hydramethylnon
MaxForce Granule Insect Bait (25 lb) (Bayer)


Caution
Bait
Hydramethylnon
MaxForce Granule Insect Bait (6 lb) (Bayer)


Caution
Bait
Orthoboric Acid
Niban Granular Bait (Nisus)
Caution
Emulsifiable

Concentrate


Bifenthrin
Talstar F Insecticide/Miticide (FMC)
Caution
Emulsifiable Concentrate
Permethrin
Dragnet SFR Termiticide/Insecticide (FMC)
Caution
Granule
Deltamethrin
DeltaGard G (Bayer)


Caution
Wettable/Soluble Powder
Cyfluthrin
Tempo 20 WP (Bayer)
Caution

Voids/Attics

Aerosol
Acephate
PT Orthene Crack & Crevice Pressurized Residual (Whitmire Micro-gen)
Caution
Aerosol
Pyrethrins (0.5%, PBO (4.0%)
PT P.I. Contact Insecticide (Whitmire Micro-gen)
Caution
Aerosol
Pyrethrins and Others
PT 565 Plux XLO (Whitmire Micro-gen)
Caution
Bait
Hydramethylnon
MaxForce Fine Granule Insect Bait (Bayer)


Caution
Bait
Hydramethylnon
MaxForce Granular Insect Bait (25 lb) (Bayer)


Caution
Bait
Hydramethylnon
MaxForce Granular Insect Bait (6 lb) (Bayer)


Caution
Bait
Imidacloprid
Pre-Empt (Bayer)
Caution
Bait
Orthoboric Acid
Niban FL (Nisus)
Caution
Bait
Orthoboric Acid
Nivan Granular Bait (Nisus)
Caution
Bait
Orthoboric Acid
Snuffer (Nisus)
Caution
Dust
Boric Acid
PT Perma Dust Pressurized Boric Acid Dust (Whitmire Micro-gen)
Caution
Dust
Deltamethrin
DeltaDust (Bayer)


Caution
Dust
Pyrethrins
PT Tri-Die Silica & Pyrethrin Dust (Whitmire Micro-gen)
Caution
Dust
Pyrethrins and Others
PT Tri-Die Pressurized Silica & Pyrethrin Dust (Whitmire Micro-gen)
Warning
Dust
Pyrethrins, PBO, Silica Gel
Drione (Bayer)


Caution
Emulsifiable Concentrate
Deltamethrin
Suspend SC Insecticide (Bayer)


Caution


Footnotes

1. This document is ENY-202, one of a series of the Entomology and Nematology Department, Florida Cooperative Extension Service, Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences, University of Florida. Revised: June 2005. Please visit the EDIS Website at http://edis.ifas.ufl.edu.

2. P. G. Koehler, professor, and C. L. Tucker, graduate assistant, Department of Entomology and Nematology, Cooperative Extension Service, Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences, University of Florida, Gainesville, 32611.


The Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences (IFAS) is an Equal Opportunity Institution authorized to provide research, educational information and other services only to individuals and institutions that function with non-discrimination with respect to race, creed, color, religion, age, disability, sex, sexual orientation, marital status, national origin, political opinions or affiliations. For more information on obtaining other extension publications, contact your county Cooperative Extension service.

U.S. Department of Agriculture, Cooperative Extension Service, University of Florida, IFAS, Florida A. & M. University Cooperative Extension Program, and Boards of County Commissioners Cooperating. Larry Arrington, Dean.



Copyright Information

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