Cockroaches have co-inhabited with humans in many areas such as homes, ships, food production and storage facilities for many years. In Australia, the most commonly encountered household cockroaches were introduced over the last 200 years and are now a major pest problem.

In this guide, we've compiled various cockroach types that you should be aware of.

1) Australian Cockroach

The Australian cockroach is often confused with the American cockroach. Both are reddish brown in colour, grow to about 25 mm in length and are able to fly.

The most common way to tell if you have an infestation of Australian cockroaches is to look for signs of nymphs, adults, or egg cases in your home. These cockroaches can spread bacteria (such as salmonella and e.coli) around your home, and their debris and faeces can trigger allergies and asthma.

2) Brown-Banded Cockroach

Brown-banded cockroaches are smaller than American cockroaches and grow to about 11 to 14.5 mm. They are brown with two distinctive light brown bands that run across their wings.

Brown-banded cockroaches are known to infest electrical appliances, and their faeces can trigger allergies and asthma. These roaches are dangerous because they can spread harmful bacteria everywhere they go. This bacteria can cause people to get very sick, including diarrhea, vomiting, and even asthma. If these cockroaches get into your food, it could make you very sick as well.

3) German Cockroach

German cockroaches are small, brown cockroaches with two dark brown lines running along the edge of their bodies. They are smaller than other cockroaches, only growing to between 13-16 mm in length. German cockroaches are also much faster and harder to detect than other cockroaches.

German cockroaches are not only gross and smelly, but they can also spread disease and contaminate food through discharge.

4) Oriental Cockroach

Oriental cockroaches are brown or black, shiny, and grow to be between 20-25 mm in length. They are much larger than other cockroaches and are attracted to damp, dark places.

Cockroaches are attracted to garbage and other decaying organic matter, which means they can carry bacteria and diseases around with them. They can transmit these diseases and pathogens onto food and clean surfaces around your home, which can make you sick.

5) Smoky Brown Cockroach

Smoky brown cockroaches are dark brown or black in colour and can grow to be between 35-38 mm in length. They are attracted to damp, dark places and prefer to live outdoors.

Cockroaches are attracted to garbage and other decaying organic matter, which means they can carry bacteria and diseases around with them. They can transmit these diseases and pathogens onto food and clean surfaces around your home, which can make you sick. Smoky brown cockroaches are known to spread bacteria that can cause serious illness. They often leave behind the fecal matter, which can contaminate surfaces and lead to disease.

Conclusion

Cockroaches are a nuisance and can be difficult to get rid of. If you think you have a cockroach infestation, it is important to contact professionals. They should be able to identify the type of cockroach you have and provide you with the most effective treatment options.

Roach Busters can help you get rid of any cockroach infestation you might be facing. We are a pest control company that will make your spaces safer and healthier. Get in touch with us today to get started.