What makes the Aussie cockroach different
The Australian Museum emphasises that almost all the cockroaches you can find outside your house are native species. The Australian cockroach is no exception and is described as bigger and scarier than other cockroaches.
Another website dedicated to cockroaches described the Australian cockroach as having a more colourful look compared to others. However, this does not mean you can be complacent when you have cockroaches at home.
Cockroaches are generally not considered a serious pest, but keeping them out of your house is still best. Keep reading to learn more, especially on how to keep them out of your home.
What does an Australian cockroach look like?
As mentioned earlier, they are relatively bigger than other cockroach species in the world. They are between 2.5 cm to almost 4cm in length.
You may easily mistake them for American cockroaches because of their brown colour and size. However, their yellow accents distinguish them from their American cousins. You may notice these yellow accents, particularly on the front edges of their wings.
Where does an Australian cockroach live, and what does it eat?
This type of cockroach mostly spends its life outdoors and as part of a colony. They only go indoors when it is too cold to stay outside. Apart from houses, bigger properties like shopping malls and apartment buildings are also prone to infestations.
You can usually find them in highly humid places like inside tree barks and even on a pile of wood or leaves. Once they manage to come inside your house, you may find them near food and water.
They can stay beside your sink, bathtub, inside cabinets, and even on drains and pipes. Of course, the kitchen is one of their favourite places because that’s where your food is located.
They also usually eat pollen as well as bark and leaf material from trees. Some have even adapted to eating rotting wood. These cockroaches mainly eat plant materials, but they also favour starchy materials and will feed on them.
How long do they live?
An adult Australian cockroach can live from 4 to 6 months on average. Their entire life cycle – from an egg to an adult – will take about a year.
The females can lay egg cases which house about 24 eggs per case. You can usually find these in sheltered areas or materials like moist wood. Therefore, it is crucial to have your timber inspected regularly and check if pests are colonising your home.
The female cockroaches are pretty protective of their eggs, and you will not usually find them anywhere. They make sure that the egg cases are securely hidden and out of reach.
After the eggs hatch, they become nymphs or the small baby cockroaches that you may find in your house. During this stage, they shed multiple times until they begin developing their wings. This is also the stage when they start developing the yellow spots found on their backs.
It takes around 6 to 12 months for a nymph to become a full-grown adult cockroach. By the time they reach adulthood, they can already begin producing their own eggs.
Where can I find these cockroaches on my property?
As mentioned earlier, cockroaches are primarily outdoor insects. However, once the temperature drops, they would start to find refuge in warmer areas like your house.
The most common places to find them inside your property are in your bathroom and kitchen. These are highly moist places where food can be found. Therefore, these are the places where they will thrive.
You may also find them in your garden because they are an outdoor species. However, they also stay in trees and shrubs; therefore, if you have these around your house, best to check these areas too.
They like humid places, so you may also want to check around your hot tub. If you have a pool deck, you may want to check under it too.
Finally, make sure to check your drains and water pipes. Once you find one in your drain, this could mean they are travelling along your water pipes. Seal off any leaky sink pipes, as these areas can also attract cockroaches.
How can I prevent Australian cockroaches from infesting my house?
You can avoid getting cockroaches inside your home by checking your own habits.
Are you constantly leaving food out overnight? When was the last time you vacuumed your house? Maintaining a clean house is one of the best ways to avoid getting a cockroach infestation.
If you have pets, ensure that their food is secured correctly. Secure your pantry items and store them in sealed glass or plastic containers.
It is also essential to keep your house dry and well-ventilated. This is another way of protecting it from infestation because cockroaches are attracted to moist and humid areas.
Check your house for cracks or holes that could serve as an entryway for cockroaches. Include your garage and shed in the inspection, as pests can hide in boxes and other containers. You may also be bringing them into your house accidentally whenever you come from outside.
In the unfortunate event that, Aussie cockroaches are already inside your house, the first thing you should do is to identify their hiding place. Look in areas where food can be easily accessed as well as in moist or damp places.
You may use pesticides and baits once you’ve identified where they are staying. It is also advisable to get a professional to get rid of these pests.
Check your house for Australian cockroaches with a professional timber pest inspection.
Whether you are a homeowner or a home buyer, you would not want any pests in your home, right? This is why it is critical to get a timber pest inspection report.
Consider Vital Building Inspections Sydney for your peace of mind against pests. We provide a detailed report to ensure you are properly informed about the status of your property.
If you hire us, your report will be fully independent and will not be affected by anyone’s interest. Call us today at 0401 012 074, so you can finally achieve your peace of mind.
