Cockroaches are a group of insects that belong to the paraphyletic order Blattodea. They are all Blattodea members except for termites, but only 30 of them are associated with human habitats. Of the 4,600 species in the cockroach family, 30 species are common pests. Contact us at 0433 655 563 for cockroach pest control.
Listed below are the five most common species:
- German cockroach
- Oriental cockroach
- Three-lined cockroach
- Mediterranean cockroach
- Brown-banded cockroach
German cockroach
Despite their name, the German cockroach is not social. The female German cockroach is not known to practice organized maternal care. Instead, she carries eggs, known as oothecae, in a pouch or sac that is about the size of a bean. The oothecae are protected from predators by the female’s body and shed skin. While the eggs are not hatched, the female carries the pod around until the time is right for hatching. During the egg hatching period, the female deposits the capsule at a place where the temperature is high enough to prevent the eggs from drying out. When the ootheca splits open, the nymphs emerge.
Proper food storage is another way to control the cockroach population. Keeping food containers tightly sealed and food waste away from doors and other accessible locations is one of the best ways to reduce the German cockroach population. Cleaning the sink regularly is one way to reduce the number of cockroach allergens. Also, proper food storage and cleanliness are necessary to keep the environment clean and free of cockroach harborages. Avoid leaving food out on the counters or on the floor. Similarly, it is best to clean the sink and remove any food scraps. Lastly, keep food in tight containers and dispose of food packaging properly.
When it comes to infestation, a German cockroach can easily enter a home through nearly any opening, including a crack. While many pest cockroaches require several months to complete their life cycle, the German cockroach requires just three months to complete its development. Their egg capsules contain more eggs than other cockroach species, so they can complete their growth in a shorter time. Female German cockroaches carry egg capsules for up to 28 days. The nymphs then mature into adults within 103 days.
Infestations caused by German cockroaches should be handled by pest control professionals. They will use different methods, such as physical removal, targeted applications of dust, and aerosol treatments. Some technicians will also use non-chemical methods, such as monitoring their populations with glue traps. However, homeowners who try to treat their infestations themselves may end up frustrated with a growing infestation. This is why professionals should be contacted in the first instance.
Oriental cockroach
Oriental cockroaches are black cockroaches with glossy bodies and dark colours. Their adult male and female bodies are 18 to 29 mm long. They can be found in both outdoor and indoor environments. Oriental cockroaches can also be called waterbugs and black cockroaches. They are often mistaken for the common black cockroach. The female oriental cockroach is slightly smaller and slightly lighter coloured than the male.
If you suspect that your house is infested with these pests, the first step is to identify the source of their infestation. Oriental cockroaches prefer dark, moist environments. They are often found in abandoned cisterns and garbage dumps. Cockroaches also tend to live at ground level. They are rarely found on upper floors or in cupboards. They also tend to live in crevices and cracks and are often found with dead animals or decaying organic matter.
The Oriental cockroach is found worldwide. They live in urban and rural areas. The Oriental cockroach is most common in parts of Asia and India. It is also known as the black beetle or water bug. It is often found in damp areas, including basements, water pipes, and leaky drains. They are omnivorous and are difficult to eradicate. They are a nuisance and can infest homes, businesses, and even private property.
The Oriental cockroach is about an inch long and dark brown. Males have wings covering about 3/4 of their bodies, while females have shorter wings. The male oriental cockroach is also slightly smaller than the female, which is about 2.5 to 3.25 centimetres long. Both male and female Blatta orientalis have a broad abdomen. Their wings are covered in pads that are similar in size to their body. They have a slender, shiny appearance.
Oriental cockroaches are small cockroaches that live in damp areas. They are black or dark reddish-brown in colour. The male oriental cockroach grows to about one-quarter inch in length. They have small, nonfunctional wings on their abdomens. The female Oriental cockroach is larger and has longer wings. The Oriental cockroach also emits a distinctive odour that is strongly reminiscent of dampness or rotting wood.
Three-lined cockroach
The common name for the three-lined cockroach is Luridiblatta trivittata. It is similar in appearance to the German cockroach but has three distinct stripes on the pronotum. These tiny cockroaches make their appearance in late summer. They are native to Europe and the Mediterranean region and were first introduced to North America in 2004. They are now widely distributed throughout the San Francisco Bay area and northern California.
This cockroach is striped on its back, with light and black-coloured bands. It is easy to spot, especially when it is small. It is generally found outside in areas with natural landscapes. It feeds on compost and leaf litter but occasionally migrates indoors through a poorly-sealed exterior door. It is usually not a dangerous pest, but if you see one in your home, you should be aware that it is not a good sign.
The American cockroach is the largest cockroach in the United States. It is more than half an inch long and is commonly found outdoors in California. They are usually found near garbage cans and gardens. While they are not as dangerous as the German cockroaches, they can become a nuisance if they multiply in large numbers. Therefore, you should take preventative measures to avoid the infestation of these bugs.
The Asian cockroach is another common pest in California. Their bodies are dark red with rusty undertones. These cockroaches live in large colonies, and often enter homes in search of food. Their wings are dark, and they can fly. It is best to seal the cracks around your home to prevent them from entering. If you live in a damp climate, you should treat your home with insecticides that are effective against oriental cockroaches.
If you find a roach in your home, don’t panic. The roach is likely an adult of a small species. However, the presence of nymphs may indicate a larger infestation. Professional pest exterminators are the best resource to identify a problem and provide the right treatment. If you can’t afford professional pest control, you can treat the problem yourself with a combination of cleaning products and pesticides.
Mediterranean cockroach
The Mediterranean cockroach is a common household pest in the United States. It was accidentally introduced from Europe to North America during the 1950s. It first appeared in Massachusetts in 1948 and has slowly spread throughout the northeast. In recent years, it has become widespread in New Jersey. It lives in many types of outdoor habitats and can take up to one year to complete its life cycle. It overwinters as an egg or intermediate nymph and lays two oothecae.
Female Mediterranean cockroaches lay up to 14 or 18 egg cases per year. The eggs hatch in about two months and the adult cockroaches live for ten months. The female cockroach lays one egg case every three to four weeks. The Mediterranean cockroach has a fast reproductive cycle and can produce as many as 600 cockroaches per year. The adult cockroach is golden tan in colour and has light-coloured stripes on its pronotum, abdomen, wings, and pronotum. It has two black stripes on the pronotum and one black stripe between its eyes.
This pest is often referred to as a wood ant. It lives in decayed plant material and is rarely found indoors. However, it can be a nuisance when it enters your home. While the Mediterranean cockroach is not harmful to humans, it is capable of inciting asthma attacks and salmonella poisoning in susceptible individuals. In addition, its exposure to the garbage and human waste makes them a potential hazard for your health, since it can carry harmful bacteria that can contaminate your food. In some cases, they can cause food poisoning, diarrhoea, and dysentery.
The Spotted Mediterranean cockroach is smaller and browner than the Oriental cockroach. Males have wings that extend past their abdomens, while females have wings that are shorter. Oriental cockroaches are less likely to be found indoors, but they are also found outdoors. Their diet is similar to American cockroaches. They usually live in sewers or older buildings in cities. The Oriental cockroach is hardier than the German cockroach and can survive in freezing temperatures.
Brown-banded cockroach
The brown-banded cockroach is a small species of cockroach. It is typically tan or light brown in color with two bands of light-coloured skin across its wings and abdomen. Brown-banded cockroaches are common in residential and business properties. These insects can be a serious nuisance, so be sure to get rid of them as quickly as possible. This species is a sign that you might need to do some insecticide application to get rid of it.
These cockroaches are primarily found in the Northeastern, Midwestern, and Southern U.S. They live on foods, household items, and discarded materials and can carry disease-causing bacteria throughout the house. These cockroaches prefer warm, dry environments such as basements, attics, walls, and large appliances. They feed on starch, and often leave feeding tracks on walls, carpets, furniture, and drapes.
