Turkestan cockroaches: History, invasion, and future threats

Turkestan cockroaches (Periplaneta lateralis Walker) have achieved a cosmopolitan distribution since the 1970s, rapidly spreading across the globe. Despite this rapid spread, there remains limited information on their biology, expansion, and the new threats they pose to society. Therefore, it is necessary to synthesize the information gathered thus far to obtain a complete view of the dangers posed by this invasive cockroach. Drawing on information synthesized across a century of research, we find that the Turkestan cockroach poses a substantial hazard to humans for several key reasons: (i) the cockroach has a recognized but understudied ability to transmit pathogens; (ii) these cockroaches are commonly traded in the pet industry with little to no regulation; and (iii) there is evidence suggesting that these cockroaches are moving into areas outside of their current habitat, necessitating new mitigation strategies for new environments. Therefore, this article seeks to broaden understanding of the basic biology, best pest management practices, and potential for disease transmission of the Turkestan cockroach, in order to more effectively address this emerging threat.