Cockroaches are hearty pests that can be found successfully living in urban, suburban, and rural environments. Cockroaches are prolific breeders and can become a major problem in both homes and businesses. These common invaders have flattened, oval-shaped bodies and six legs covered in spines. Their long antennae are usually the same length as their bodies. Cockroach nymphs look very similar to their adult counterparts but are wingless and smaller in size.
Brown-banded cockroach
As their name suggests, brown-banded cockroaches have dark brown bodies with two lighter-coloured brown bands going across their body. Males have fully developed wings and can fly while the females have underdeveloped wings and cannot fly.
German cockroach
German cockroaches are light brown to tan in colour, have two identifying black stripes running horizontally down behind their head, and can fly, but rarely do.
Oriental cockroach
Oriental cockroaches are highly attracted to moist areas, and therefore, are also commonly referred to as water bugs. Adults grow up to 1 inch in length and are shiny and dark brown. While females have wide bodies and short wings, the males have narrow bodies and longer wings. Neither are capable of flight.
Wood cockroach
Wood cockroaches are dark brown in colour. Their thoraxes and the front portions of their wings are outlined in a whitish-yellow colour. Males have fully developed wings and can fly for short periods, while females have underdeveloped wings and cannot fly.
Are cockroaches dangerous?
Yes, cockroaches are dangerous pests. Cockroaches are not aggressive and rarely bite people but carry a large number of bacteria, parasites, and human pathogens on their bodies and legs that contaminate food, utensils, dishes, and the surfaces of your home. Dysentery, salmonellosis, gastroenteritis, and E. coli can all be spread by cockroaches. Also, the cockroach’s faeces, saliva, and shed skins trigger allergies and asthma attacks, especially in children or people with weakened immune systems.
Why do I have a cockroach problem?
Cockroaches find their way onto properties and then into homes and businesses while foraging for food, water, and suitable nesting sites. Roaches find their way into homes and other buildings through cracks and crevices in the foundation and exterior walls, spaces underneath doors, around windows, vents, open windows, doors, and holes in screens. Cockroaches can also accidentally be introduced into homes and businesses inside of deliveries, used furniture and appliances, cardboard boxes, or on potted plants.
