Mortein

Cockroaches vary in appearance and habits, but in general they are all rather large, flattened insects, brownish or dark in colour and fast moving. They thrive when they can get warmth, food, moisture and places where to hide.

Cockroaches are quite indiscriminate in their habits - feeding on garbage and sewage and then crawling over food meant for human consumption, cooking utensils, plates, etc. In apartments and other large buildings, they readily migrate from one place to another along water pipes, sewage lines, and outdoor species fly or crawl toward light at night. Because of their tropical origins, cockroaches prefer the warmer areas often found in and around the kitchen, hot water systems, sinks, stoves and refrigerators.

At night they emerge to search for food and water. They feed on virtually anything - from starchy materials and sweet substances to meat and dairy products. Cockroaches can not detect food from large distances and eventually run into it; this is why it is important to place cockroach baits near their habitat and to set multiple bait stations.

Contamination can occur from the large number of germs carried on their bodies, and by their droppings and regurgitation. Cockroaches are known to harbour a wide variety of pathogenic micro-organisms, and although they have never been directly linked to a disease incidence, they certainly transfer these micro-organisms from places of filth to foodstuff. They can therefore cause allergic reactions such as asthma, bronchitis, rhinitis and skin conditions such as dermatitis. Other diseases associated with cockroaches include gastroenteritis, food poisoning and dysentery.

The three species of cockroach commonly found in Australian homes are the German, the American and the Australian cockroaches.

The German cockroach is a very common species and the one usually found inside – mainly in kitchens. The adults are comparatively small (about 1.5cm long), tan in colour and often occur in large numbers and tend to aggregate in “nests”. The immature (nymphs) have dark markings which make them appear dark brown to black. The German cockroach does not fly and they can live up to 1 year.

The American cockroach is reddish-brown and is the largest of the common roaches (about 4.0cm in length at maturity) and can fly. They live mostly outdoors in drains and sewers and they are found more often in commercial establishments, although houses and apartments frequently become infested. Females can lay up to 50 egg cases – each case containing 16 eggs in average. American cockroaches can live up to 3 years.

The Australian cockroach is very similar to the American cockroach – the only difference that distinguishes them from the American is a clear mark on their wings. They can also live up to 3 years.