The three most common species of cockroaches found in Australia is the German cockroach, American cockroach and the Australian Cockroach. It is important for us to identify each species of cockroach to determine how to keep your home and business safe and healthy.

German Cockroaches

German cockroaches are very tiny, light in colour and has two distinct stripes on their back. These cockroaches do not fly and are often brought in with our shopping or stored goods. They only live two metres from their nest and breed on average 50 times every 30 days in summer and we may need to come back several times to get rid of them depending on the infestation. 

Places where German Cockroaches breed:

• in the kitchen; around the microwave, toaster, kitchen bench
• in bathroom behind pictures on the wall
• cardboard boxes
• piles of paper
• storage areas

Australian Cockroaches

 Despite their name, the Australian cockroach is not native. It has a very similar appearance to the American cockroach but is smaller. The Australian cockroach is often found in the gardens and can commonly found entering buildings at night.

American Cockroaches

One of the largest cockroaches you may find invading your home is the American cockroach. It is red-brown in colour and lives in dark, undisturbed and humid areas. The females lay 16 eggs inside a dark brown protective case, using their mouths to glue their egg cases under objects.

Find out more about how we treat pests…