It’s the beauty of evolution that we see different types of species around us. Cockroaches also have followed the same pattern of evolution among their class. Few types like the Japanese cockroach have managed to appear quite different from their peers.
Japanese cockroach or the Yamoto cockroach is a dark brown to pure black shiny roach with light brown feet. It measures 0.98 to 1.3 inches in length and 0.4 inches in width. The male Japanese cockroach has long wings covering the whole body, whereas the female Japanese roach has tiny wings.
Japanese cockroaches are native to Northern Japan but have spread to China and Russia. Recently In 2013, the Japanese roaches were discovered for the first time in the US by an exterminator.
There are 3500 different species of cockroaches worldwide, with new types of cockroaches being discovered every few years. Recently, a jumping cockroach, also known as the leaproach, fascinated many scientists worldwide. Similarly, a few cockroaches, such as the Asian cockroach and Japanese cockroaches native to Japan, were recently discovered in the US.
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Appearance, and Identification Points of Japanese Cockroach
Japanese cockroaches appear quite different from other roaches because of their unique color. However, the structure of Japanese cockroaches closely resembles other roaches, such as the wood roaches.
Appearance
Japanese cockroach is a dark brown to shiny black roach with a smooth flat body. Interestingly Japanese roach has light brown feet and appendages near the mouth. In addition, they have long, dark black antennas that are bigger than the length of the body.
Size
Japanese cockroach measures 0.98-1.3 inches (25-35 mm) in length and 0.4 inches (10.16 mm) in width.
Wings
Japanese cockroaches have two pairs of wings that cover the abdomen. The Male Japanese roach has long wings covering the whole body, whereas the Female Japanese roach has tiny wings.
Both the Male and Female Japanese cockroaches are flight capable.
Bite
Japanese cockroaches do not bite. However, they have a unique defense system to prevent attacks from predators by splashing a viscous fluid from their bodies.
Interestingly, this fluid is harmless to humans but can render small insects immobile because of its viscosity.
Identification Points
The following points differentiate Japanese cockroaches from other roaches,
- Japanese cockroach is considerably large than other small roaches that measures only half of an inch.
- Japanese cockroach have a light brown feets with black body and legs. Other cockroaches have the same color legs as the rest of body.
- Japanese cockroaches have excellent cold tolerence capability compared to other roaches because of cis-9-nonacosene in the body (Reference).
Distribution and Habitat of Japanese Roaches
Japanese cockroach is native to northern and central Japan but has spread to other countries like Russia, China, Hongkong, and Thailand. In 2013 Japanese cockroach was found by an exterminator in the US in Manhatten park under plants.
Japanese roach is a species of outdoor and lives in damp soil with many rotting leaves and plants. However, they also infest homes, apartments, and high-rise buildings and can be a problem for landlords.
Japanese cockroaches are attracted to decaying garbage, the smell of food, and bathroom drains.
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Are Japanese Cockroaches Harmful?
Cockroaches look filthy and smell bad and carry a lot of risks. This is because cockroaches are decomposers; they feed on filth and feces, visit sewerage very often and live in disgusting places.
Like any other cockroach, Japanese cockroaches carry disease-causing bacteria such as Salmonella typhi. Moreover, the Japanese baby cockroach sheds its exoskeleton similar to other roaches that trigger allergies in some people.
Japanese cockroaches are dangerous because they can also trigger asthma episodes in individuals sensitive to cockroach products, including their poop.
Preventing and Getting Rid of Japanese Cockroaches
Japanese roaches live in the outdoors and feed on decaying organic matter. However, they can infest indoors when conditions are suitable.
Japanese cockroaches, like other roaches, are attracted to the smell of food and high humidity. As a result, they infest homes via windows, door gaps, and rarely electric switchboards.
To prevent Japanese cockroaches from infesting your houses, follow these guidelines,
- Pick up clutter, spilled food and garbage both inside and outside the house.
- Use Natural Repellents inside the house to keep Japanese roaches at bay.
- Cover crevices and gaps in doors and windows with masking tape.
- Use mesh screens to prevent Japanese roaches from flying inside.
- Use IGR spray to keep baby Japanese roaches from maturing into adult bugs.
- Inspect green plantation before bringing it inside the house.
It is easy to get rid of Japanese roaches because, unlike other roaches, they do not hide. To kill them, use any of the following methods,
Method 1: Using Cockroach Gel
This is the most effective method to kill Japanese cockroaches. All you have to do is apply gel around different house locations, especially around entry points, cracks, and crevices.
Method 2: Using Cockroach Trap
Cockroach traps are a bit slow and less effective than gel, but they are easy to maintain and are mess-free. You need to buy a cockroach trap, place it around multiple locations, and wait for the results.
Method 3: Using Insecticide Spray
This is probably the fastest method to get rid of Japanese cockroach, but the results are not long-lasting. Failure lies in the roach hiding capability and failure to destroy eggs. However, immediate relief can be obtained using insecticide spray.
All you need to do is spray it in a closed room around different corners and wait for 45 minutes. After that, ventilate the room.
You can also prepare your own bait using boric acid and mix them with consumable ingredients. However, it Is a bit messy and slow method.
