Cockroaches are insects of the order Blattodea, consisting of about 4,600 different species, of which around 30 are commonly associated with the human habitat. Out of these 30 species, four are widely known and considered notorious pests. These four species of cockroaches are the ones that we are going to talk about in this article:
Cockroaches have broad, oval and flattened bodies with relatively tiny heads. They are generally larger than most house pests but vary in sizes according to their species. The same goes for their colour, varying from lighter, yellowish brown to black. They possess wings, but not all of them can fly, as the first layer of wings is tough, serving as a protective shield. They have big compound eyes and long antennae. Here are some cockroach facts about their appearance, according to species, to aid you in the cockroach identification process:German cockroaches (Blattella germanica) are species smaller in size, usually about 1.1 to 1.6 cm (0.43 to 0.63 in). In colour, they vary from tan to almost black. They have wings but are unable to fly, although they might attempt to glide when facing danger. They are the most usual domestic disturber and highly pursued by exterminators everywhere. American cockroaches (Periplaneta americana) are the largest species of common cockroach, which are also considered a pest. They grow up to an average of 4 cm (1.6 in) in length and about 7mm (0.28 in) tall. Reddish brown in colour with a yellowish margin behind their head. Young cockroaches look like adults with the lack of wings. Adults can fly short distances or mostly glide, but they don't have the habit of flying. Australian cockroaches (Periplaneta australasiae) are 23–35 millimetres (0.91–1.38 in) in length, brown in colour. They can easily be mistaken for the American cockroach, with the only differences of being slightly smaller and with a yellow margin on the thorax, plus yellow streaks on its sides near the base of the wings. Oriental cockroaches (Blatta orientalis) are another large species of cockroach pest. Adult males get as big as 18-29 mm (0.71 – 1.14 in) and adult females about 20-27 mm (0.79 – 1.06 in). They are dark brown to black in colour with a glossy body. The female looks different than the male. For instance, it appears to be wingless, but is really not - it has two very short wings just below her head – virtually useless wings. The male is capable of short flights of about 2 to 3 meters, because of its long brown wings, which cover most of his abdomen.
Get a Quote
Virtually anything. Cockroaches are omnivore scavengers, thus they consume any organic food source available. The scary part is that they don't really need big quantities to survive (if at all), it's been said that a cockroach can survive for months on a single kiblet of dog food. When there is lack of food, they turn cannibalistic and chew on each other's wings and legs. It is also normal for cockroaches to eat the corpses of other dead roaches. Pigeon feces are also being consumed by roaches. In fact, they tend to prefer this meal. That is why cockroaches are always present in bird infested properties. If your building is infested by pigeons, consider bird control procedures prior to cockroach extermination. Some of the items in a cockroaches meal are: [su_row class=""] [su_column size="1/3" center="no" class=""]
Get a Quote
Cockroaches may carry or spread a range of bacteria and diseases such as:
BACK TO TOP Get a Quote
Images by:
- German Cockroach;
- American Cockroach;
- Oriental Cockroach;
- Australian Cockroach;
Table of Contents
- What Do Cockroaches Look Like?
- What Do Cockroaches Eat?
- Where Do Cockroaches Live?
- Do Cockroaches Carry Diseases?
- Can Cockroaches Fly?
- What are the Signs of a Cockroach Infestation?
- How Do You Get Rid of Cockroaches?
Cockroaches have broad, oval and flattened bodies with relatively tiny heads. They are generally larger than most house pests but vary in sizes according to their species. The same goes for their colour, varying from lighter, yellowish brown to black. They possess wings, but not all of them can fly, as the first layer of wings is tough, serving as a protective shield. They have big compound eyes and long antennae. Here are some cockroach facts about their appearance, according to species, to aid you in the cockroach identification process:German cockroaches (Blattella germanica) are species smaller in size, usually about 1.1 to 1.6 cm (0.43 to 0.63 in). In colour, they vary from tan to almost black. They have wings but are unable to fly, although they might attempt to glide when facing danger. They are the most usual domestic disturber and highly pursued by exterminators everywhere. American cockroaches (Periplaneta americana) are the largest species of common cockroach, which are also considered a pest. They grow up to an average of 4 cm (1.6 in) in length and about 7mm (0.28 in) tall. Reddish brown in colour with a yellowish margin behind their head. Young cockroaches look like adults with the lack of wings. Adults can fly short distances or mostly glide, but they don't have the habit of flying. Australian cockroaches (Periplaneta australasiae) are 23–35 millimetres (0.91–1.38 in) in length, brown in colour. They can easily be mistaken for the American cockroach, with the only differences of being slightly smaller and with a yellow margin on the thorax, plus yellow streaks on its sides near the base of the wings. Oriental cockroaches (Blatta orientalis) are another large species of cockroach pest. Adult males get as big as 18-29 mm (0.71 – 1.14 in) and adult females about 20-27 mm (0.79 – 1.06 in). They are dark brown to black in colour with a glossy body. The female looks different than the male. For instance, it appears to be wingless, but is really not - it has two very short wings just below her head – virtually useless wings. The male is capable of short flights of about 2 to 3 meters, because of its long brown wings, which cover most of his abdomen.
Get a Quote
Virtually anything. Cockroaches are omnivore scavengers, thus they consume any organic food source available. The scary part is that they don't really need big quantities to survive (if at all), it's been said that a cockroach can survive for months on a single kiblet of dog food. When there is lack of food, they turn cannibalistic and chew on each other's wings and legs. It is also normal for cockroaches to eat the corpses of other dead roaches. Pigeon feces are also being consumed by roaches. In fact, they tend to prefer this meal. That is why cockroaches are always present in bird infested properties. If your building is infested by pigeons, consider bird control procedures prior to cockroach extermination. Some of the items in a cockroaches meal are: [su_row class=""] [su_column size="1/3" center="no" class=""]
- sweets;
- meats;
- starches;
- hair;
- books;
- toothpaste;
- glue;
- soap;
- cigarette butts;
- decaying matter;
- kitchens - a lot of food and a quick route to the sewer, through your sink
- bathrooms - high humidity and warm, once again a quick route to the sewer
- near sewer pipes - you already got the idea
- basements - dark and with high humidity and activity of other pests which means food
- gardens - a lot of things to gnaw on plus lots of hiding places nearby
- greenhouses - a dark peaceful place, near to the garden with other pests around as roommates
Get a Quote
Cockroaches may carry or spread a range of bacteria and diseases such as:
- salmonella;
- staphylococcus;
- streptococcus;
- faeces
- shell casings
- the smell
Infestation Facts on Other Household Pests
- Ant Infestation
- Bed Bugs Infestation
- Mice Infestation
- Fleas Infestation
Ants are a common pest in our homes. If you want to learn more about this menace and how you can and should treat them. Read more on our ant infestation page.
The terror that is sleeping in your bed. This little blood sucking house pest could be in your mattress without you even noticing it. Learn more about the bed bugs and how to spot a bed bug infestation.
The house mouse is a small rodent coming inside of your home to steal your food and nest. The reproduction rate of this pest is quite impressive. Get to know mice and learn how to quickly spot mice infestation signs, before it is too late.
Fleas can be a huge issue, especially if you have children and pets present in your property. Flea bites can be irritating and even dangerous in some cases. See how to spot flea infestations early and more facts on the pest.
Images by: