5 Facts About Asian cockroach, Life Cycle Of Asian Roaches
The Asian cockroach (Blattella asahinai) is a species of cockroach commonly found in Southeast Asia. It is often confused with the German cockroach (Blattella germanica) due to their similar appearance and behavior. Here is some information about the Asian cockroach:
5 Facts About Asian cockroach
Habitat and Behavior
- Outdoor Preference: The Asian cockroach (Blattella asahinai) is primarily an outdoor insect, preferring natural habitats such as gardens, fields, and areas with vegetation.
- Nocturnal Activity: These cockroaches are predominantly active during the evening and night, seeking shelter and resting during the daytime.
Flying Ability
- Strong Fliers: Asian cockroaches possess fully developed wings that are longer than their bodies, enabling them to fly swiftly and efficiently.
- Flying Behavior: They are known for their strong attraction to light sources, often swarming around outdoor lights and being drawn towards illuminated areas.
Physical Characteristics
- Size and Coloration: Adult Asian cockroaches typically measure between 12 to 15 millimeters in length. They have a light brown to tan color, sometimes with a darker brown stripe along their thorax.
Diet and Feeding Habits
- Omnivorous Feeders: Asean cockroaches have a diverse diet and are considered omnivores. They feed on various organic matter, including plant materials, decaying matter, and small insects.
Geographic Distribution
- Southeast Asian Origins: The Asian cockroach is native to Southeast Asia, with a distribution that includes countries such as Thailand, Vietnam, Malaysia, and Indonesia.
- Global Spread: Due to human activities and international trade, Asian cockroaches have been introduced to other parts of the world, including the United States and other regions with similar climates.
Life Cycle Of Asian Roaches
Egg Stage
- Egg Deposits: Female Asian cockraches lay eggs in protective cases called oothecae, which contain multiple eggs.
- Location: Oothecae are typically deposited in sheltered areas such as crevices, cracks, or soil near food sources.
Nymph Stage
- Hatching: After an incubation period of a few weeks, nymphs emerge from the eggs.
- Nymph Characteristics: Nymphs are smaller and lack wings compared to adult cockroaches.
- Molting: Nymphs undergo a series of molts, shedding their exoskeletons as they grow.
Development and Growth
- Nymphal Instars: Asian cockroaches pass through multiple nymphal instars, typically five to seven stages, before reaching adulthood.
- Growth Factors: Adequate food, temperature, and humidity levels contribute to their development and growth rate.
Adult Stage
- Sexual Maturity: Asian cockroaches reach sexual maturity as adults, typically within a few months.
- Reproductive Behavior: Males attract females through various pheromones and mating rituals.
- Lifespan: The adult stage of Asan cockroaches lasts for several months to a year, during which they reproduce and contribute to the next generation.
Asian Roaches in your House
Identification: Make sure you correctly identify the cockroaches in your house as Asian cockroaches (Blattella asahinai). This will help you understand their behavior and choose appropriate control methods.
Outdoor Source: Asian ceckroaches are primarily outdoor insects, so it’s important to determine how they are entering your house. They may be attracted to outdoor lights and find their way inside through cracks, open doors, or windows.

Prevention: Take measures to prevent Asian cockroaches from entering your house. Seal any cracks or gaps in doors, windows, and walls. Install screens on windows and doors to prevent their entry. Minimize outdoor lighting, especially near entry points, as it attracts these cockroaches.
FAQs
Conclusion
Asian cockroahes (Blattella asahinai) are primarily outdoor insects that are commonly found in Southeast Asia. They are known for their strong flying ability and attraction to light sources. While they can enter homes, they prefer outdoor habitats and are not considered as persistent indoor pests like other species such as German cockroaches.Prevention plays a key role in managing Asian cockraches in your house. Sealing cracks, gaps, and installing screens on windows and doors can help prevent their entry.