Oriental Cockroach
Blatta orientalis
The large dark cockroach that comes up out of drains, wells and manholes on summer nights. In Malta it is overwhelmingly a drainage and basement problem rather than a hygiene one.
Where it lives in Maltese properties
Drains, sewers, soakaways, cisterns, basements, garage sumps and shaded external courtyards. Prefers cool, damp conditions and is a poor climber, so it is usually found at floor level.
Signs of an infestation
You will usually notice the evidence long before you see the pest itself. Look for:
- Large dark cockroaches in bathrooms, garages and yards after dark
- Insects emerging from floor gullies, shower drains and manhole covers
- Dead specimens found in sinks, baths and swimming pool skimmers
- A strong musty odour near drain runs
Why it matters
The risks associated with Oriental cockroach in Malta:
- Moves directly from sewage to living space, carrying enteric bacteria
- Contaminates surfaces, pet bowls and stored items in garages
- Blocks and fouls drainage traps
- Distressing and highly visible, particularly in rented and hospitality property
How to prevent it
Prevention is always cheaper than treatment, and for this species it is genuinely effective:
- Keep every floor gully and shower trap filled with water. A dry trap is an open door
- Fit drain guards to unused gullies and yard drains
- Repair damaged manhole covers and seal gaps around soil pipes
- Clear leaf litter, rubble and stored materials from shaded external areas
- Ventilate basements and reduce standing water
How we treat Oriental cockroach
We treat the source rather than the room: residual insecticide and dust applied to drain runs, manholes, wall bases and harbourage, with bait stations in basements and proofing of entry gullies. External perimeter treatment during the summer prevents seasonal migration indoors.
Cockroach Treatment — from €110 per property
Gel bait programme for German cockroaches or source-and-drain treatment for Oriental cockroaches, with monitoring and a follow-up visit included.
- Full survey and species identification
- Non-repellent gel bait at harbourage points
- Insect growth regulator to break the breeding cycle
- Sticky monitors installed and reviewed
- Follow-up visit after 14 days
- 90-day guarantee
Often confused with, or found alongside
German Cockroach
Blattella germanicaThe most serious cockroach pest in Malta, and the hardest to get rid of.
American Cockroach
Periplaneta americanaThe largest cockroach found in Malta, and one of the few that flies readily on warm nights.
Brown Rat
Rattus norvegicusAlso called the sewer or Norway rat, and the most common rat in Maltese towns.
House Mouse
Mus musculusSmall, curious and prolific.
Dealing with Oriental cockroach?
Book a treatment online at a fixed price, or request an inspection if you would rather have it confirmed first. Either way you will know the cost before anyone starts work.