Pest Control Brisbane - Cockroaches

Cockroaches

For over 300 million years cockroaches have been present on earth. They are the most common pest of houses and restaurants throughout Australia. Their wide distribution and close association with humans, coupled with high frequency with which they carry human diseases in and on their bodies, have given them a very high pest status.
Cockroaches inhabit sewer systems, drains and composts used for the garden. Some will come in contact with animal and human faeces as well as contaminated food and transfer these organisms on their bodies and in their faeces to food which is being prepared for human consumption.

Cockroaches can carry several million bacteria on and inside its body, such as disease organisms like salmonella and other organisms causing gastroenteritis, dysentery, tuberculosis, hepatitis, typhoid fever and many other human disorders.

Some humans are allergic to cockroaches, their extract, can bring about positive skin reactions and allergens. The dried faeces becomes part of household dust and when inhaled or ingested  where foods are contaminated may cause asthma attacks for asthmatics.

Cockroach Species

Australia has over 400 native species of cockroaches which are of no concern to the homeowner. Over the last 200 years 6 species have been introduced to Australia which is the most often encountered household pest.

German Cockroach (Blattella germanica)
This cockroach is the most prolific breeder of pest cockroaches having 3-4 generations a year and taking as little as 40 days to develop from egg to adult. This species seeks areas that provide warmth, moisture and food, generally in kitchens, bathrooms and laundries. When German cockroaches are seen in other parts of the house, its likely there is a dense infestation in the building.

American Cockroach (Periplaneta americana)
This type of cockroach lives both indoors and outside depending on conditions. They are probably the largest cockroach that infests dwellings usually living in wall cavities, roof voids, subfloors and around drains and sewers resulting in potential spreaders of disease organisms. The female may lay up to 50 egg cases which contain 10-25 eggs. From egg to adult takes 6-12 months depending on conditions and will live for at least 6 months.

Australian Cockroach (Periplaneta australasiae)
This species of cockroach is similar to the American cockroach in appearance but slightly smaller. This species favours warmer climates, mostly live outdoors but will infest wall cavities and roof voids. The female may produce 20 egg cases containing 20-24 eggs. They require 6-12 months for nymphal development and live for 4-8 months as adults.

Brown-Banded Cockroach (Supella longipalpa)
This species is a smaller sized cockroach with males having full wings but females only short wings. The egg cases may contain up to 18 eggs. The eggs have a short development period of 2-4 months usually living for about 6 months as adults. Their habitat is mainly in wardrobes and furniture. The Brown-Banded cockroach is very active and if distracted it will scatter itself throughout the building making it difficult to control.

Smokey brown Cockroach (Periplaneta fuliginosa)
This species of cockroach is often regarded as an outdoor cockroach they prefer to eat on plant material but still will be found in roof voids of houses, walls and sub floors. They will live for 6-12 months, during that time the female will lay about 20 egg cases each containing about 26 eggs. They are fully winged and capable of flight. This species is not often encountered in kitchens or other rooms of the house.

Oriental Cockroach (Blatla orientalis)
This type of cockroach is a major pest of buildings in reasonably cool conditions. It is relatively sluggish and usually located at or below ground level in buildings. Its prime food source comes from decaying organic matter as well as starches and sizing of wallpaper. Books may also be attacked. Adult lifespan is usually about 3-6 months. Females produce up to 14 egg cases containing up 16 eggs. Nymphal development may require 6-18 months.   

Detection and Prevention
Cockroaches need food and water and shelter to survive. Cockroach control can be achieved by two very important methods.

1. High level of hygiene
2. Application of insecticides