Cockroaches

Types of Cockroaches and solutions:

Pest cockroaches are undesirable insects in our environment. Cockroaches move quickly, are often associated with dirty conditions, and when present in large numbers can even produce a mild ‘musty’ odour. Cockroaches carry bacteria on their bodies from sewers, drains, garbage containers and other unhygienic areas then transmit these bacteria to humans by visiting kitchen and bathroom areas. Feeding in such unhygienic areas brings cockroaches in contact with disease organisms including salmonella and other organisms associated with dysentery, typhoid, hepatitis and tuberculosis. People can become allergic to cockroaches and their faeces. There is a strong association between cockroach allergens and asthma but cockroaches can also cause rhinitis and dermatitis.

German cockroaches - Blatella germanica (pictured) prefer to live indoors, will seek harbourage, food and water sources - kitchens, bathrooms and laundries in residential properties. In commercial establishments, kitchen and food preparation areas. The German cockroach is the most common in Australia. Adults and nymphs congregate in very small spaces, including cracks, crevices, door hinges, dishwashers, microwaves and toasters. Nymphs are dark brown to black, with distinct dark parallel bands running the length of the pronotum (shoulders) and yellowish in the centre. Nymphs do not have wings. The adult cockroach is light tan to medium brown,Cockroaches have an aggregation pheromone in their droppings – that is why they cluster together – so sealing potential harbourages, such as the gap between stainless steel and tiles can assist in minimising infestations. Size: 10-15mm, Egg to adult: 100 days, adult life span approximately 6 months. 

  American cockroaches - Periplaneta americana and other large cockroaches tend to live outdoors in leaf litter and around drains/sewers. They generally enter buildings by accident but they can be found in moist areas indoors and in sub-floors. They can also thrive in roof voids, despite the heat, lack of water and can be found hiding in insulation. Size: 35-40mm, Egg to adult: 600 days, adult life span approximately 12 months. The American cockroach is the largest of the pest cockroach species. American cockroaches can coexist with German cockroaches with no negative effects on either cockroach population.   Australian cockroaches - Periplaneta australasiae . Australian cockroach nymphs are initially brown and wingless. The adult is similar in appearance to the American cockroach but slightly smaller, 30–35 mm in length. Its wings are fully developed and extend beyond the abdomen. It has a distinctive pale yellow ring on the pronotum and a pale yellow margin on the front edges of each forewing.

Tips to reduce Cockroaches:

  • De-clutter all shelves and keep all areas clean and tidy
  • Don't leave dirty dishes out overnight
  • Seal all food in air-tight containers
  • Make sure all grease and food scraps are cleaned/removed daily
  • Seal all gaps and cracks
  • Fix leaking pipes and dripping taps
  • Do not leave food out
  • Clean bins and sink/s daily
  • Remove all cardboard boxes and debris
  • Clean out gutters regularly
  • Install tight-fitting fly screens
  • Affix draft excluders on doors and seal up gaps
  • Ensure all garbage is regularly removed from the premises
  • Don't leave uneaten pet food out
  • Make sure cookers, work benches and areas under appliances are kept clean

German cockroach (Blatella germanica)

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