Cockroaches are one of the most common pests in South Australian homes and businesses. They favour conditions similar to those that humans create, which is why effective cockroach control and cockroach management by professionals is so important.
Cockroaches can contaminate food, utensils and preparation areas with droppings, cast skins, egg sacs, regurgitation marks and foul odours.
The Most Common Cockroach Species Encountered in Australia
- American (Periplaneta Americana spp.)
- Australian (Periplaneta Australasiae spp.)
- German (Blattella Germanicaspp.)
- Oriental (Blatta Orientalis spp.)
- Smoky Brown (Periplaneta Fuliginosa spp.)
- Brown Banded (Supella Longipalpa spp.)
German cockroaches can be a major problem in commercial kitchens, restaurants, pubs, cafes and in our homes as they are prolific breeders, and can live in refrigerators and in ovens as well as the smallest cracks and crevices. They are a relatively small cockroach, ranging from nymphs (young insects) the size of a pinhead to adults up to 15–25 mm long.
Australian, American and to a lesser degree the smoky brown cockroaches can be found throughout buildings. They are much larger than the German cockroach, up to 30–55 mm, and they have the ability to fly at night.
Cockroaches typically are nocturnal, if you’ve seen one, you probably haven’t seen them all. The few cockroaches you see by day means they were likely forced out by overcrowding; a possible sign of severe infestation.
Cockroaches have been implicated in the spread of over 30 diseases such as Salmonella, which is a major cause of food poisoning.
How to Tell If You Have a Cockroach Infestation
Cockroaches are extremely hardy creatures and adapt well to residential or commercial properties.
- Faecal residue
- Foul odour especially in dark and damp areas
- Body parts usually limbs
- Carcasses
- Egg cases
They are often found in dark, warm places with good humidity which includes:
- Kitchen sinks
- Cracks and Crevices
- Toilets, showers and hot water systems
- Subflooring and roof voids
- Wall Cavities