There are thousands of different types of cockroaches but only a few common ones found on the Gold Coast. The larger cockroaches are usually Australian or American cockroaches. The smaller cockroaches found in and around kitchens are more than likely German cockroaches.
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Australian Cockroach
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American Cockroach
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German Cockroach
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*For more information on the German Cockroach see heading under Pest Profiles.
An in-depth look at cockroaches.
Cockroaches are supreme scavengers of the world; they will eat almost anything almost anywhere. Their flat bodies enable them to inhabit areas such as, in around kitchens, small cracks and crevices, kitchen appliances, around plumbing, pantries, bathrooms, laundries etc. They prefer dark, warm and sometimes damp areas close to food sources, but are not dependant on these conditions for survival. Cockroaches are mostly nocturnal creatures that hide during the day and become active soon after the onset of dark.
What do cockroaches eat?
They will eat virtually any human, animal food or beverage and any dead animal or vegetable materials. (The importance of scrupulous housekeeping in any cockroach management program cannot be overstated).
Where do cockroaches come from?
Cockroaches can enter the home/ building via gaps under doors, windows and around plumbing, they can also be introduced through egg cases in groceries and imported stock such as clothes and electrical goods. In warm, humid conditions some species can readily fly in through open doors and windows.
Why are cockroaches pests?
Cockroaches that infest in and around homes and buildings are widely regarded as pests. While their role in the transmission of diseases to humans is usually the main concern, there are many reasons for their pest status:
- Contamination: Cockroaches may contaminate food products, utensils and various areas with droppings, empty egg cases and skins, vomit marks and dead cockroaches.
- Odour: Where substantial cockroach infestation exists, an unpleasant odour may develop owing to secretions from their mouth and cuticle (skin).
- Allergic Reactions: Some people are allergic to cockroaches. Extracts of cockroaches can bring about positive skin reactions in sensitive people and may cause an asthma attack in asthmatics.
- Disease Transmission: Cockroaches often dwell in environments such as, sewers, grease traps and other sources of polluted water that may support the growth of disease causing organisms harmful to humans. The same cockroach may then contact various surfaces (including food) in kitchens and food processing or handling facilities. A variety of disease organisms may be carried and transmitted by cockroaches including Salmonella and other organisms causing gastroenteritis, dysentery, hepatitis, typhoid fever and more.
What can you do about cockroaches?
The health threat posed by cockroaches is considered to be very serious. It is likely that cockroaches are responsible for a great deal of human disease transmission, this reason alone justifies the need for cockroach management in premises. The following good hygiene and housekeeping practices are likely to make your home/premises less suited to supporting a cockroach infestation and prolong the life of chemical treatment.
- Clean up after food handling should be immediate and thorough. Dishes and utensils should not be left unwashed overnight. Pets feeding bowls should not be left unwashed for long periods.
- Water availability should be reduced where possible. Unnecessary containers with water and accumulations of water from cleaning activities should be eliminated. Leaky taps and plumbing should be checked.
- Foods should be stored in cockroach-proof containers and kept in the refrigerator or pantry. Rubbish and garbage should be kept in tightly sealed containers and disposed of regularly.
- Cracks and crevices that may harbour cockroaches should be filled in and sealed. Entry points (e.g. around plumbing) through floors and walls should be blocked off to lessen the possibility of re-infestation or harbourage.
- Regular clean up of ‘longer term’ build-up of waste foods (e.g. grease accumulation around stoves and vents or spilt food materials at backs of shelves) should be carried out. Vacuuming of shelves and cupboards will reduce the build-up of food particles in cracks and crevices.