The Turkestan cockroach (Shelfordella lateralis), also known as the red runner cockroach, is a species of cockroach native to the arid regions of Central Asia, particularly in areas such as Turkestan and Afghanistan. It has since been introduced to various parts of the world and is recognized as a common household pest in some regions. The Turkestan cockroach is known for its ability to thrive in hot and dry climates and its resilience in urban environments.
Taxonomy and Classification
The Turkestan cockroach belongs to the order Blattodea, which encompasses other cockroach species. It is classified under the family Blattellidae and the genus Shelfordella. The species name “lateralis” refers to the prominent lateral stripes on the pronotum of adult males.
Physical Description
Adult Turkestan cockroaches are relatively small, with body lengths ranging from 0.5 to 0.7 inches (12 to 17 mm). They have a light to dark brown coloration, with the pronotum featuring distinct dark stripes or bands along the sides. Males have fully developed wings that cover the abdomen, while females have shorter wings that do not fully cover the abdomen.
Distribution and Habitat
The Turkestan cockroach is native to the arid regions of Central Asia, including areas such as Turkestan, Afghanistan, and neighboring countries. It has been introduced to various regions worldwide, including parts of North America, Europe, and the Middle East. In the United States, it is commonly found in the southwestern states.
This cockroach species is well adapted to hot and dry environments. It can withstand extreme temperatures and arid conditions better than other common cockroach species. Turkestan cockroaches are frequently found in outdoor habitats such as gardens, flower beds, and compost piles. They can also infest indoor areas, particularly in basements, garages, and storage areas.
Behavior and Diet
Turkestan cockroaches are primarily active during the warm months of the year and tend to be more active at night. They are fast runners and are known for their agility and quick movements when disturbed. Unlike some other cockroach species, Turkestan cockroaches are not strong fliers and rely on their running abilities to escape from threats.
These cockroaches are omnivorous, feeding on a wide variety of organic matter. Their diet includes plant material, decaying matter, as well as other insects and small invertebrates. They can also scavenge for food scraps in human habitats.
Reproduction and Life Cycle
The reproductive process of Turkestan cockroaches involves the male engaging in courtship behaviors to attract a mate. Mating occurs through physical contact, and females subsequently produce egg cases, known as oothecae. Each ootheca contains multiple eggs. The female carries the ootheca until the eggs are ready to hatch, at which point she deposits it in a protected location.
The eggs hatch after several weeks, and the nymphs go through multiple molting stages as they grow and develop. The time it takes for nymphs to reach adulthood can vary depending on environmental conditions and availability of resources.
The Role of Outdoor Trash Storage
Outdoor trash storage plays a significant role in attracting Turkestan cockroaches to both residential and commercial areas. Because these cockroaches are scavengers, any exposed garbage or food scraps provide an easy food source, encouraging their presence. When trash is stored in containers without secure lids, or when bins are rarely cleaned, food odors and residues become strong attractants.
In addition, clutter around outdoor trash storage—such as piles of lumber, firewood, or unused items—offers ideal hiding spots for cockroaches seeking shelter during the day. These conditions create a perfect combination of food, moisture, and protection, all of which support cockroach populations.
To minimize infestations, it’s important to:
- Store trash in containers with tight-fitting lids,
- Regularly clean bins to remove food residues,
- Avoid leaving pet food or organic waste outdoors overnight,
- Eliminate clutter and debris near trash storage areas.
Taking these preventive steps makes your property less inviting to Turkestan cockroaches, helping to reduce the risk of both outdoor and indoor infestations.
Interaction with Humans
Turkestan cockroaches are considered household pests when they infest indoor areas. They can contaminate food, surfaces, and utensils with their feces, shed skin, and regurgitated matter, potentially posing health risks and triggering allergic reactions in some individuals.
Effective control of Turkestan cockroach infestations involves maintaining cleanliness and sanitation in indoor and outdoor areas, eliminating potential food sources and harborage sites, and using targeted insecticides when necessary. Sealing entry points and implementing exclusion measures can also help prevent their entry into structures.
Use of Cockroach Baits
When managing outdoor populations of Turkestan cockroaches, targeted baiting is an effective approach. Both granular and gel baits can be placed in tamper-resistant bait stations, which should be situated near cockroach harborage sites to maximize effectiveness. Typical locations for these bait stations include areas around irrigation control boxes, water meter enclosures, crevices in masonry or concrete, and beneath slabs or landscape edging.
It’s important to be patient—results may take a week or more to become noticeable as the cockroaches discover and consume the bait. Regularly check and replenish the bait stations as needed, and combine baiting with good sanitation and exclusion measures to maintain long-term control of outdoor infestations.
Conservation Status
The Turkestan cockroach is not a species of conservation concern as it is widely distributed and adaptable to various environments. Conservation efforts primarily focus on managing their populations to prevent infestations and minimize their impact on human health and hygiene.