Turkestan cockroaches are relatively new to the United states and over the last few years the Sacramento area has seen a significant increase in population throughout the warm spring and summer months. They generally live outdoors but can be found inside garages and homes. Males and female have distinctly different looks. An adult male is smaller, thinner and much lighter in color than females. The female Turkestan cockroach is a dark reddish brown with two short white stripes along the side of the upper body. Both males and females have wings however, the females cannot fly and the males use their wings for gliding. Like other outdoor cockroach species (i.e. Oriental and American) the Turkestan cockroach feeds on organic matter and will thrive in sheltered areas around your yard. They are often found under shrubbery, potted plants, in water meter boxes, and crevices in concrete. They can find their way in to your home or garage looking for food or moisture if the conditions outside are not favorable. 

The Turkestan cockroach can breed extremely fast and live over a year. An adult female can produce as many as 350 eggs in her lifetime. Their populations have grown so rapidly that they are naturally forcing out the oriental cockroach by taking over their habitats and food sources.

While the Turkestan cockroach does not pose the same health risks of the German cockroach they still present health hazards to humans. Similar to the German cockroach they can trail bacteria and human pathogens across food and other well used surfaces in homes and businesses. They have also been known to carry a fungi known to disease plants. 

An integrated pest management approach is best when dealing with the Turkestan cockroach. This includes: sealing cracks and crevices around the home to prevent their entrance, decluttering inside and outside to limit harborage areas, and a professional pest control service.