Cockroaches
Cockroaches are one of the oldest living creatures on earth, which just shows their ability to adapt to any situation and continue to breed. They are one of the most resilient and notorious pests, depending on the species, cockroaches feed on anything from fresh food and scraps to decaying matter, plants and faeces…yes they are disgusting!
There are over 3,000 species of cockroaches in the world, however only half a dozen have attained the status of ‘pest’ due to their ability to cohabit with us. Most cockroaches found in Australia are not native. The prominent species of cockroaches are the American, Australian and German cockroaches.
Cockroaches are not only nuisance but also spread diseases such as Salmonella, Dysentery & Gastro-enteritis, Eczema and childhood asthma. Bacteria can survive in a cockroach for months and is then passed on to us by vomiting or defecating on our food. You may have seen their vomit on cupboards or walls, their droppings are often inside kitchen cupboards and draws and on hinges.
German Cockroach
Appearance
This notorious species are known for their world-wide distribution, German cockroaches are easily recognisable by their 2 dark longitudinal stripes on their pronotum. Adult cockroaches grow to approximately 12 – 15mm in length.
Lifecycle
- Females carry 35 – 40 eggs in an egg case until they are ready to hatch
- Take 1 month to hatch
- Nymphs take around 6 weeks to 6 months to develop into adults.
- Generally 3-4 generations per year
Habits
- Most commonly found indoors.
- Prefers wet, humid conditions and are usually found in kitchens and bathrooms in homes and commercial properties.
American Cockroach
The American cockroach is one of the largest cockroaches to invade homes and commercial properties.
Appearance
- 35 – 40mm long
- Shiny red–brown in color
- Wings longer than the body in male cockroaches; only just overlap abdomen in female cockroaches.
- Adults may fly at very high temperatures
Lifecycle
- The egg case contains up to 16 eggs is carried by the female cockroach for several days before being deposited
- Need 1 – 2 months to hatch
- Nymphs usually develop in 6 -15 months
Habits
The American cockroach like dark, humid and undisturbed areas and can be found at different places including subfloors, basements, kitchens, roof voids and bathrooms.
Australian Cockroach
Life Cycle
- Females egg case contains up to 24 eggs and the are deposited a day after production
- After hatching, nymphs take 6-12 months to develop fully into adults
Habits
- Enter residential premises at night from gardens/debris.
- Generally found in areas where winters are relatively mild.
- Despite its name, it is not a native species.
I would like to thank the 2 gentlemen who came to sort our issue with the roaches. Both of you were so very respectful, calm, informative and so very helpful. You did a full on job looked everywhere found the nasties and sorted it. Thank you. I have to say highly recommended Thank you.
