German Cockroach This is the most widespread type of cockroach that coexists with humans in the same building. They are relatively small in stature. These species seek warmth and food. They are most commonly found in kitchen areas.
The Australian cockroach (Periplaneta australasiae) is a lesser common species that has a dark brown body with yellow markings on the head and wings, growing up to 35 millimetres in length. Female Australian cockroaches can produce up to 20 egg cases in their lifetime, with each case containing an average of 24 eggs.
Certain species of cockroaches have co-inhabited with humans in many areas such as homes, ships, food production & storage facilities. These common household cockroaches were introduced into Australia over the last 200 years and are the most commonly encountered household pests in Australia.
German cockroaches (Blattella germanica) are one the most common species. They measure 13 to 16 mm long and are pale brown in color, with two dark-brown stripes behind the head.
Cockroach Poison – Are cockroaches in Australia dangerous? Cockroaches are not poisonous, however, they do carry and transmit disease. Cockroaches can emerge from places such as sewers and drains, compost and rubbish bins.
When it comes to roaches, there's usually more than what's visible hiding in your home. If you spot one of these pesky insects, it's best to call your local Terminix technician right away to get rid of the cockroaches. There are, however, some steps you can take to prevent a cockroach infestation.
The World Health Organization also advises against crushing them, for reasons of hygiene. According to the body, which classes cockroaches as “unhygienic scavengers in human settlements”, squashing them can spread bacteria into the environment that can lead to asthma, allergies and illnesses.
Vinegar is a natural household ingredient that can repel and kill cockroaches. Fill a spray bottle with equal parts vinegar and water, and then spray it directly onto the roaches when spotted. The strong odour and acidity of vinegar can be effective in eliminating them instantly.
There are many reasons to keep a pest-free home, especially when an infestation from these insectile instigators can lead to more and more pest problems over time. The German cockroach is considered to be the worst species of cockroach for many reasons.
What Are German Cockroaches? German cockroaches are small, but they are mighty. They are hard to get rid of without the help of a professional exterminator, and even then, their rapid reproductive cycle makes it a chore to evict every last egg, nymph and adult.
Although many adult cockroaches have wings, most species do not fly. Adult American and Australian cockroaches will fly, but only in warmer weather.
Size: The Australian cockroach looks similar to the American cockroach, but is smaller, measuring between 1.2 and 1.5 inches long. Color: The Australian cockroach is light-brown in color with a distinct, black spot or shape on its pronotum. There is a pale, banded, ivory-yellow circle around this black shape.
If it is between 10 to 25 roaches, it can be a moderate one. But if it exceeds 25, it can now be classified as a heavy infestation. You should know that the few roaches you see at home are not the only ones you have to deal with. There may be 40 to 50 roaches hiding within your place that you don't know.
The Australian Cockroach Life Cycle
Females lay egg cases, which contain about 24 eggs each, in sheltered areas and in material such as moist wood. When it's time for the eggs to hatch, the female will hide the tiny egg case out of reach.
Yes, killing a cockroach can attract more to the area! There is an acid released by cockroaches when they die that can be smelled from a distance and attracts more of them to the area.
Cockroaches are not truly social insects (like honey bees or termites). As such, they do not have a queen. However, they are considered 'gregarious' and tend to congregate during rest times (generally the daytime). Depending on the size of their refuge, groups can number in the millions.
Cockroach bite marks may be between 1–4 millimeters in diameter. Based on the physiology of their mouthparts, cockroach bites may appear as red, raised bumps on the skin—similar to bed bug bites or mosquito bites but slightly larger.
Citronella
Citronella not only works great for repelling mosquitos but also cockroaches. While the candles don't work well against roaches, you can use citronella oil as a deterrent. You can mix it with water and use it as a spray or simply wipe down areas with the diluted mixture.
To drive away roaches, fix any leaky pipes and replace leaky faucets. Repair any other places where outside water can enter your home, such as a leaky window or roof. If your basement is moist, try using a dehumidifer or sump pump. Hiding spots: During the day, cockroaches often hide in dark areas.
Hence, stepping on and crushing a cockroach using your foot is not a good idea, as it can cause its bacteria-carrying gut juices to splash around your floor.
Squashing a cockroach can spread disease
The World Health Organization recommends avoiding the crushing of cockroaches due to hygiene concerns. Cockroaches are classified as “unhygienic scavengers in human settlements” and squashing them can spread bacteria that may lead to asthma, allergies, and illnesses.
The World Health Organisation (WHO) has revealed that crushing a cockroach releases a harmful bacterium into the environment. The bacteria can cause asthma attacks, as well as allergies when inhaled. It may sound rare but it is actually more common that we realise.