Australian Cockroach

Identification

  • Physical description:
    • Large, reddish-brown cockroach with a flattened body.
    • Adults are typically 25-35mm long.
    • Wings extend beyond the body, but they rarely fly.
    • Have long antennae and prominent spines on their legs.
  • Habitat:
    • Prefer warm, humid environments.
    • Found both indoors and outdoors.
    • Common in kitchens, bathrooms, laundry rooms, and basements.
    • Hide in cracks, crevices, and behind appliances.
  • Feeding habits:
    • Omnivorous, scavenging for food scraps, decaying matter, and pet food.
    • Also, eat paper, cardboard, and fabrics.

Behaviour

  • Life cycle:
    • Females lay egg capsules containing 20-30 eggs.
    • Nymphs hatch and go through several moults before reaching adulthood.
    • The entire life cycle takes about 6-12 months.
  • Activity patterns:
    • Primarily nocturnal, most active at night.
    • May be seen during the day if the infestation is severe.

Signs of Infestation

  • Visual signs:
    • Live or dead cockroaches.
    • Droppings (small, dark pellets).
    • Egg capsules (brown, purse-shaped).
    • Smear marks (dark stains left by cockroaches).
  • Behavioural signs:
    • Musty odor, especially near harborage areas.
    • Rustling sounds at night.

Health Risks

  • Potential health hazards:
    • Can trigger allergies and asthma.
    • May carry and spread bacteria, viruses, and parasites.
    • Contaminate food and surfaces with their droppings and body parts.

Additional Information

  • Australian cockroaches are considered a significant pest in Sri Lanka.
  • They can be difficult to control due to their ability to hide and reproduce quickly.
  • A combination of sanitation, exclusion, and professional pest control is often necessary for effective management.