both a wild and peridomestic species, meaning it is not domesticated but live in close proximity to humans. Adults take flight even during the day if disturbed; at dusk they are very active and canbe found in grass or mulch. They climb to the tips of grass and take flight, and are capable of sustained flight for up to 150 feet. They are attracted to light-colored or brightly lit surfaces, where they tend to land.

Asian cockroaches will invade any opening in a house or building, such as a lighted doorway or window. Once inside, they will crawl on an illuminated television or computer screen and on walls while the lights are on during the evening. When the lights are turned off they will move to the next lighted room. They feed on starchy and sugary foods, as well as chese, meats, pastries, flour and breads.

Habitat:
The primary habitat of the Asian cockroach is outdoors in shaded mulched or composted areas, such as landscaping and gardens, where fresh plant litter accumulates. Populations of 30,000 to 250,000 cockroaches per acre have been reported. They can also be found in patches of thick grass and in the ground cover of abandoned citrus groves. The adults have been found feeding on the honeydew of aphids on citrus trees, and on flowers of other plants during the night.

Medical/Economic Significance:
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 species of cockroaches. Their ability to produce large populations coupled with their likelihood of entering homes, pathogens associated with animal droppings and soil microorganisms can be transmitted by this cockroach when it enters the home. People sensitive to allergens of German cockroaches are also sensitive to allergens of Asian cockroaches.

Control:
Control of Asian cockroaches is difficult due to their mobility and abundance of population sites. Adults enter homes through windows and doorways, avoiding areas typically treated for control of German cockroaches. Sodium vapor lamps for security lighting and yellow incandescent bulbs for porch lighting are both less attractive to adults and would thereby reduce attraction of adult insects to lighting near buildings.

You should also disperse any grass, leaf piles, mulched areas, compost piles or other such vegetation where these roaches are most likely to crawl, feed or hide to discourage nesting.

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