How to Identify Australian Cockroaches

Australian cockroaches are one of the larger cockroach species found in Australian homes. While they are not as infamous as their German or American relatives, these pests can still create significant problems, particularly when they invade your living spaces. Whether you’re seeing one scurrying across your kitchen floor or noticing signs of an infestation, it’s essential to know how to identify Australian cockroaches and act swiftly to prevent them from spreading.

In this guide, we’ll explain how to identify Australian cockroaches, their behaviour, and what you can do to keep your home pest-free.

What do Australian cockroaches look like?

Understanding the physical characteristics of Australian cockroaches is the first step to identifying them in your home.

Size and colour

• Size: Australian cockroaches are large, measuring between 30 and 35mm in length, which makes them noticeable compared to smaller species like German cockroaches.
  
• Colour: They are reddish-brown with a shiny, glossy appearance. The wings are a darker brown, while the thorax (the upper body) features prominent yellowish markings at the edges, particularly near the head shield (pronotum). These yellow markings are one of the key identifiers.
  

Wings and legs

• Wings: Unlike some cockroach species that can only crawl, Australian cockroaches have fully developed wings that extend past their abdomen. While they aren’t strong fliers, they can glide short distances if startled.
  
• Legs: Their legs are long and adapted for running. Australian cockroaches are fast movers, and you’ll often notice them darting away when exposed to light.

Antennae

• Antennae: They have long, thin antennae that are sensitive and constantly moving. These help them navigate in the dark, as they are nocturnal creatures.

Behaviour and habits of Australian cockroaches

Understanding the behaviour of Australian cockroaches will help you spot signs of an infestation and take the necessary actions to prevent it.

Where do they live?

While Australian cockroaches can live outdoors, they often find their way into homes in search of food, moisture, and warmth. Their common hiding spots indoors include:

• Kitchens: They are particularly attracted to food scraps, especially sugary or starchy substances.
  
• Bathrooms and Laundry Rooms: The high humidity levels make these rooms ideal hiding spots.
  
• Basements and Roof Voids: Dark, undisturbed areas provide shelter during the day.
  
• Behind Appliances: If food and water are available, cockroaches may nest behind fridges, dishwashers, and stoves.

Activity patterns

Australian cockroaches are nocturnal, meaning they are most active at night when it’s dark. During the day, they prefer to stay hidden in cool, moist places. If you spot one in the daylight, it may be an indication that you’re dealing with a larger infestation.

Common signs of an Australian cockroach infestation

Even if you don’t always see the cockroaches themselves, there are other tell-tale signs of their presence.

Droppings

• Small, dark specks resembling ground pepper are often found near food sources, appliances, and in hidden areas like cupboards. The presence of droppings is one of the first signs of a cockroach infestation.

Shed skins

• Cockroaches shed their exoskeletons as they grow. These shed skins, also known as exuviae, can be found around areas where the cockroaches are living.

Egg cases (Oothecae)

• Cockroaches lay their eggs in cases called oothecae, which are typically brown or black, hard, and oval in shape. An ootheca contains up to 24 eggs, and they are often hidden in cracks, crevices, or behind furniture. Finding these egg cases is a strong indicator of an infestation.

Unpleasant odour

• A musty, unpleasant smell can develop in areas with heavy cockroach infestations. The cockroaches’ pheromones produce this odour and can be a clear sign that you have a larger problem on your hands.

Why are Australian cockroaches a problem?

While Australian cockroaches are not as dangerous as other pests, they still pose certain health risks and can cause damage to your property.

Health risks

• Bacteria Spread: Cockroaches are known to carry bacteria like Salmonella and E. coli. As they scurry around your kitchen and other surfaces, they can transfer these pathogens, contaminating food and utensils.
  
• Allergies: Cockroach droppings, saliva, and body parts can trigger asthma and allergic reactions, particularly in young children and people with respiratory conditions.

Property damage

• Australian cockroaches feed on organic matter, including paper, cardboard, and food packaging. They can damage your furniture, books, and even electrical wires, causing long-term damage to your property.

How to prevent and control Australian cockroaches

Now that you know how to identify Australian cockroaches and understand their behaviour, it’s time to learn how to prevent and control them.

Eliminate food sources

• Keep food sealed in airtight containers. Clean up spills, crumbs, and food wrappers immediately, especially in the kitchen and dining areas.

Remove moisture

• Fix leaky pipes and eliminate standing water in sinks, tubs, or pet dishes. Cockroaches are attracted to moisture, so keeping your home dry reduces the likelihood of an infestation.

Seal entry points

• Close gaps in doors, windows, and walls. Ensure that screens on windows and vents are intact and don’t have holes. Cockroaches can squeeze through surprisingly small spaces.

Professional pest control

• If you suspect a cockroach infestation, it’s often best to call in the professionals. A licensed cockroach control technician can conduct a thorough inspection, identify breeding sites, and apply treatments that are safe for your home and family.

Conclusion

Australian cockroaches are significant, fast-moving pests that can quickly become a substantial problem if not addressed early. Identifying them is the first step in managing an infestation. By understanding their appearance, behaviour, and the signs they leave behind, you can take the necessary actions to protect your home.

If you’ve noticed any of the signs of a cockroach infestation, don’t hesitate to contact Pest-Ex to deal with the problem effectively. With the proper measures in place, you can eliminate Australian cockroaches and enjoy a cleaner, safer home.