Lobster Cockroach Facts & Information
Protect your home or business from lobster cockroaches by learning techniques for identification and control.
Treatment
How do I get rid of lobster cockroaches?
Your local Orkin Pro is trained to help manage lobster cockroaches and similar pests. Since every building or home is different, your Orkin Pro will design a unique cockroach treatment program for your situation.
Orkin can provide the right solution to keep lobster cockroaches in their place…out of your home, or business.
Frequently Asked Questions
Behavior, Diet & Habits
Understanding Lobster Cockroaches
Appearance
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Size: They are about 1 1/2 inches long as adults.
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Color: Cinereous cockroaches are ashy gray in color.
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Body: They have wings, but are unable to fly. These wings do not completely cover their abdomen. They have a lobster-like design on their shield that covers their head.
Habitat
These roaches are also are called lobster roaches, speckled roaches, or Tampa roaches (the species was first spotted and identified in Tampa, FL). Cinereous cockroaches are nocturnal species and are mainly active at night. When disturbed during the day, they are more likely to retreat to hidden areas. Periodomestic cockroaches are more likely found in outdoor structures, but can also infest homes and other dwellings.
Geographic Range
Cinereous cockroaches, originally a native of northeastern Africa, was accidentally introduced into the U.S. and many other places around the world. In the U.S., these pest infestations are uncommon.
Life Cycle
Adult female lobster cockroaches can reproduce asexually in the absence of males and will produce eggs when conditions are favorable. While this can occur, few females actually reproduce asexually.
Lifespan
Populations can grow rapidly as long as they have access to food. These cockroaches live about one year, mate about six days after becoming adults, and produce six broods of about 33 eggs per year.