Cockroach Control

When you see one, there is generally more hiding in cracks and crevices.   There are over 4000 species of cockroaches worldwide and their high pest status is largely attributed to their close association with humans and potential to carry disease.    Cockroaches will eat almost any animal or vegetable material (including paper, leather, starches, grease and fabric) and favour conditions that provide lots of food, water and shelter.

COMMON COCKROACH SPECIES

German Cockroach – amber in colour, approx 12 – 15mm long with 2 dark stripes down each side.   These pests often infest kitchens  and are a prolific breeder, generally having 3 – 4 generations per year (with up to 40 offspring per generation).   They take as little as 40 days to develop from hatching to adult.   German cockroaches concregate in warm undistubed areas and are commonly found in kitchens under sinks, in cupboards and around appliances.   A few can quickly establish and breed into huge numbers.

Australian Cockroach –  these are darkish brown with yellow markings on the upper thorax.   Most commonly found outdoors, in and around trees, shrubs, gardens, under bark and leaf litter and in wood piles but can also enter the home and cause nuisance.  They prefer food of plant origin but have been known to eat holes in clothing and books.

American Cockroach – this is the largest common pest species of cockroach.  They are reddish brown in colour and can reach up to 35-40mm in length.   American cockroaches feed on organic matter (inc. paper and clothing) and are strongly attracted to fermented liquids such as beer.   They generally congregate in warm, dark, moist areas.