Oriental cockroaches are usually black to dark brown, and are smaller than the American cockroach at about 1-¼ inches in body length. They can become numerous in damp, secluded areas such as crawl spaces, basements, and drains, and are occasionally called “water bugs” by mistake.

The oriental cockroach is often found in a bathtub because it lacks sticky pads on its feet and cannot climb the smooth sides.

The female produces about eight egg capsules in a lifetime with each containing 16 eggs. She deposits this capsule within 30 hours after its produced. The nymphs emerge and go through 10 molts before becoming adults. There is usually only about one generation per year, which takes more than 480 days to complete.

Oriental cockroaches seldom enter houses, but are mainly found outside near water sources or in the garage. They are also quite common in the sewers.