Cockroaches

Cockroaches may contaminate food products, utensils and various areas with droppings, cast skins and vomit marks.

Australia has many species of cockroaches, some of which are native and cause no problems. Cockroach species that have established some type of cohabitation with humans are regarded as pests. Cockroaches have not yet been proven to be involved in the transmission of disease, but the potential definitely exists. A variety of disease organisms may be carried, including salmonella.

Depending on the conditions and type, a cockroach can live for up to 12 months. These insects are cold-blooded and thrive in warm, humid conditions. They prefer to live in kitchens and other food preparation areas, so they can feed off food spills.

The relatively small German cockroach is probably the most widespread and successful cockroach that coexist with humans in buildings.

The American cockroach is probably the largest cockroach that infests dwellings and utilities. Adults are red-brown in colour with a pale yellow border around the pronotum.

The Australian cockroach is relatively large, adults are similar to the American cockroach; but the body is a darker brown, the yellow markings on the pronotum are more clearly defined.

If you have cockroaches around the home or office, call Pesterminate on 0418 390 360.