Cockroaches are found all around Australia, with many species being represented. The most common species being found in homes on the East Coast are the Australian Cockroach, the American Cockroach and the German Cockroach. Cockroaches are mainly nocturnal who prefer warm and humid conditions that are close to food supplies and water, making kitchen and food preparation areas popular homes.

Domestic Cockroaches have wings and are quite capable flyers, although their preferred method of locomotion is walking on their 6 legs. Some Cockroaches can hold their breath for up to 40 minutes and are able to swim. Most Cockroaches are insects who are omnivorous feeders meaning they feed on both plants and animals for survival. Cockroaches smell from their antennae and the female produces a pheromone to excite the male Cockroach and once the male sperm is produced, the female stays pregnant for much of her life. Incubation is around 40 days and offspring hatch out as formed cockroaches, smaller versions of their parents.

Adult Cockroaches have 2 pairs of wings and can live up to a month without eating as long as water is available, and can also live without a head for up to a week. Baby Cockroaches (nymphs) are usually dark and wingless and can live only up to 10 days without food. The mouth of a Cockroach chews side to side, as opposed to the human mouth which chews top to bottom.

Cockroaches live inside your home, in cracks and crevices, under ovens, fridges and other large appliances. Cockroaches are nocturnal feeders which means that they are active at night after you have gone to sleep. They are opportunistic feeders and generally prefer to feed on food scraps and drips, fermented foods, meats, fruits and vegetables. Cockroaches spread disease by contaminating foods and in cases of infestation, Cockroaches can emit an unpleasant odor. Cockroaches have compound eyes, enabling them a view of everything around them simultaneously.

The Australian Cockroach

The Australian Cockroach is slightly smaller than the American Cockroach with similar markings. It is an introduced species that was thought to originate in Asia. It's exoskeleton is reddish brown and it sports distinctive yellow markings around the thorax and yellow edged wings. Long antennae and spike-covered legs are standard amongst this species. The Australian Cockroach grows up to 3.5cm in length with a flat body and small head.

The American Cockroach

The American Cockroach is reddish brown and can grow up to 4cm in length. It is characterised by a yellowish ring behind it's head.  It's preference is moist areas, although the American Cockroach is adaptable and can also survive in dry or humid conditions. The American Cockroach is thought to have originated in Africa and is amongst the fastest running insects.

It's ability to fit into small spaces despite it's larger size make the American Cockroach difficult to control. American Cockroaches do not survive well in cold climates, but thanks to shipping routes, have made their homes in many countries including Australia who boast a warm climate. Long antennae and spike-covered legs are standard amongst this species

The German Cockroach

The German Cockroach's colour is a tan brown ranging through to black and can grow up to 1.3cm, although they have been known to grow bigger in some circumstances. The German Cockroach is prevalent in homes around the world. In Australia, the German Cockroach is one of the most common household pests. The German Cockroach is unable to fly, even though it has wings.

The German Cockroach is thought to have originated from Africa, much like the American Cockroach.  Distinctly intolerant to colder climates, the German Cockroach usually lives in and around human dwellings and food preparation areas. If no food source is available, the German Cockroach has been known to eat the wings and legs of other German Cockroaches.
Of all the Cockroach species in Australia, the German Cockroach is the most resilient and requires a specialised pest control treatment.