‘Exotic’ pest taking over habitats in California. What are Turkestan cockroaches?

A newer pest to California is taking over some habitats in the Golden State.

Turkestan cockroaches are an invasive species found outdoors in residential areas, University of California Integrated Pest Management said.

“With access to good habitat and food sources, they can quickly develop very high populations,” the program said.

Like other cockroaches, Turkestan cockroaches can spread disease and trigger allergies, Clark Pest Control said.

Here’s what to know about Turkestan cockroaches:

Where did Turkestan cockroaches originate?

As their name suggests, Turkestan cockroaches are originally from an area stretching from North Africa to Central Asia, including Libya, Iraq, Afghanistan, Uzbekistan and Pakistan, the Oxford Academic Journal of Economic Entomology said.

The cockroaches were first reported in the United States in 1978 with infestations at military bases in Lathrop, California, and El Paso, Texas, the journal said.

“Transport of military goods and equipment from the Middle East is probably responsible for its initial introduction,” the journal reported.

Where are Turkestan cockroaches found in the US?

The invasive cockroaches are now widely distributed across California and southwest U.S. urban centers, the Oxford Academic Journal of Economic Entomology said.

Where are Turkestan cockroaches found?

“Common habitats around homes are wood and debris piles, irrigation and water meter boxes, crevices in pavement or rock walls, and outdoor drainage pipes,” University of California Integrated Pest Management said.

The program said Turkestan cockroaches also are common in storm drains and sanitary sewers, where it’s dark and moist.

They also “love mulch beds, leaf litter, and irrigation boxes,” Clark Pest Control said.

Turkestan cockroaches prefer not to live inside your home, but may enter at night in search of food or water.

“You may find them upside-down and dead in indoor spaces such as garages or near entryways, but as much as you find them disgusting and startling when encountered, rest assured Turkestan cockroaches will not establish and thrive in indoor environments,” University of California Integrated Pest Management said.

How are Turkestan cockroaches different from other cockroaches?

Along with their preferred habitat, Turkestan cockroaches are larger and darker than the German cockroaches more commonly seen in U.S. homes, Clark Pest Control said.

They reach sizes of up to 1 inch long with a rusty red to black coloring “and have a shiny, polished look,” the company said.

Why are Turkestan cockroaches dangerous?

“They pick up pathogens like Salmonella and E. coli from sewers and garbage and track them right onto food preparation surfaces,” Clark Pest Control said.

Their droppings and shed skins also can be potent allergens, the company said.

“Like all outdoor pest cockroaches, the Turkestan cockroach is seen as both a serious nuisance pest and potentially a public health pest since it can carry disease-causing organisms,” University of California Integrated Pest Management said.

How can you prevent Turkestan cockroaches?

Clark Pest Control said securing the perimeter of your home by installing door sweeps to block openings is the most effective way to keep the cockroaches out of your home.

Good sanitation, especially around outdoor trash storage areas, is also important, University of California Integrated Pest Management said.

Keep trash bins securely closed and clean up outside garbage.

Fix leaks immediately to reduce water availability, both organizations said.

“Keep mulch and vegetation trimmed back at least 2 feet from your building’s foundation,” Clark Pest Control advised.

Bait stations are more effective than insecticide sprays.

This story was originally published June 29, 2026 at 9:59 AM.