Turkish Cockroaches - Pestipedia

Overview

Turkish Cockroaches (Shelfordella lateralis), commonly known as Red Runner Cockroaches, are fast-moving cockroaches native to parts of the Middle East and Central Asia. Over the past several decades, they have spread into warmer regions around the world and are now established in parts of the southwestern United States. Unlike the highly invasive German Cockroach, Turkish cockroaches are primarily outdoor insects that thrive in landscaped areas, mulch beds, compost piles, and other sheltered environments.

These cockroaches have gained popularity in the reptile and amphibian pet trade because they reproduce rapidly, are highly nutritious as feeder insects, and are unable to climb smooth surfaces. Unfortunately, escaped populations from breeding facilities have contributed to their establishment in urban environments. Once established outdoors, they can reach extremely high numbers and become a persistent nuisance around homes and businesses.

The primary concern associated with Turkish cockroaches is their tendency to migrate indoors from outdoor breeding sites. Males are attracted to lights and frequently enter structures through open doors, windows, and gaps around foundations. Although they rarely become serious indoor infestations like German cockroaches, large outdoor populations can create ongoing nuisance problems and may contribute to contamination concerns around food preparation areas.

Quick Facts

Common Name: Turkish Cockroach
Other Names: Red Runner Cockroach, Rusty Red Cockroach
Scientific Name: Shelfordella lateralis
Order: Blattodea
Size: 1/2 to 1 inch long
Primary Habitat: Outdoor landscapes and mulch beds
Activity: Nocturnal
Status: Invasive nuisance pest

Taxonomy and Classification

Turkish cockroaches belong to the insect order Blattodea, the same group that contains all cockroaches and termites. They are closely related to several outdoor cockroach species commonly found throughout arid and semi-arid regions.

Kingdom: Animalia
Phylum: Arthropoda
Class: Insecta
Order: Blattodea
Family: Blattidae
Genus: Shelfordella
Species: Shelfordella lateralis

The species has become increasingly important in urban pest management due to its expanding range and ability to establish dense outdoor populations.

Identification

Turkish cockroaches are relatively easy to distinguish from many other cockroach species due to the significant differences between males and females.

Adult Males

Light reddish-brown coloration
Fully developed wings
Capable of short flights
Slender body shape
Approximately 1 inch long

Males are highly active and are often attracted to porch lights, security lights, and illuminated windows after dark.

Adult Females

Darker brown to black coloration
Wingless or with reduced wing pads
Broader body shape
Fast-running behavior
Remain close to breeding sites

The dramatic difference between males and females often causes homeowners to mistake them for different species.

Nymphs

Immature Turkish cockroaches are wingless and reddish-brown. They resemble miniature versions of the adult female and are commonly found hiding beneath debris, mulch, and landscape materials.

Distribution and Habitat

Originally native to regions of the Middle East and Central Asia, Turkish cockroaches have spread throughout many warm climates worldwide.

In the United States, they are particularly common in:

Arizona
Nevada
New Mexico
Southern California
Texas
Other warm southwestern regions

Preferred habitats include:

Mulch beds
Landscape rock
Compost piles
Wood piles
Irrigated gardens
Water meter boxes
Utility vaults
Leaf litter

Unlike German cockroaches, Turkish cockroaches generally prefer outdoor environments and rarely establish permanent indoor infestations.

Life Cycle

Turkish cockroaches undergo incomplete metamorphosis consisting of three stages:

Egg
Nymph
Adult

Egg Stage

Females produce egg capsules known as oothecae. These capsules contain multiple developing embryos and are deposited in protected locations near food and moisture sources.

Nymph Stage

Nymphs emerge from the egg case and pass through multiple molts before reaching adulthood. During this period, they remain hidden beneath debris and organic matter.

Adult Stage

Adults are highly active and capable of reproducing rapidly under favorable environmental conditions. In warm climates, multiple generations may occur annually.

Behavior and Ecology

Turkish cockroaches are primarily nocturnal and spend daylight hours hiding in sheltered locations.

Important behavioral characteristics include:

Rapid running speed
Strong attraction to lights
Preference for outdoor habitats
High reproductive potential
Dependence on moisture

Male Turkish cockroaches frequently fly toward illuminated structures at night. This behavior is one of the primary reasons homeowners encounter the species indoors.

Damage and Impact

Nuisance Problems

The primary issue associated with Turkish cockroaches is nuisance activity around homes and commercial properties.

Large populations can result in:

Frequent indoor invasions
Cockroaches around entryways
Increased sightings near outdoor lighting
Accumulations around patios and landscaping

Potential Contamination

Like other cockroach species, Turkish cockroaches may carry bacteria and other microorganisms acquired from their environment.

Although they are generally less problematic than German cockroaches, they may contaminate surfaces and food if they enter structures.

Pet Trade Escapes

The widespread use of Turkish cockroaches as feeder insects has contributed to accidental releases and establishment of outdoor populations in some regions.

Signs of Infestation

Large numbers of cockroaches around outdoor lights
Cockroaches emerging from mulch beds at night
Winged males flying near windows and doors
Nymphs hiding beneath landscape debris
Egg cases in sheltered outdoor locations

Nighttime inspections with a flashlight often reveal substantial populations hidden within landscaping materials.

Prevention and Control

Exclusion

Preventing entry into structures is one of the most effective management strategies.

Seal foundation cracks
Repair door sweeps
Install weather stripping
Screen vents and openings
Seal utility penetrations

Lighting Management

Because males are attracted to lights, reducing attractive lighting can significantly decrease indoor invasions.

Use yellow bug lights
Reduce unnecessary outdoor lighting
Position lights away from entry doors
Close curtains at night

Habitat Reduction

Eliminating outdoor breeding sites helps reduce populations.

Remove excess mulch
Reduce leaf litter
Store firewood away from structures
Improve drainage
Reduce excessive irrigation

Professional Treatment

Heavy infestations may require professional pest management services utilizing:

Perimeter insecticide applications
Granular treatments
Targeted baiting programs
Crack-and-crevice treatments

Interesting Facts

Turkish cockroaches are commonly sold as feeder insects for reptiles.
They are often called Red Runner Cockroaches.
Males can fly while females are largely flightless.
They are poor climbers on smooth surfaces.
Outdoor populations can number in the thousands.
They are more common in desert and semi-arid environments.

Conservation and Research

Turkish cockroaches are primarily studied as invasive urban pests and as commercially important feeder insects. Research continues to examine their spread throughout the southwestern United States, their interactions with native cockroach species, and strategies for managing large outdoor populations.

Although less problematic than German cockroaches, Turkish cockroaches remain an important nuisance pest in warm climates where outdoor infestations place constant pressure on nearby homes and businesses.