Cockroach control

At Precision Pest Control we understand how stressful it can be to have a cockroach problem in your home. Our three-step approach to ridding your home of cockroaches is designed to reduce the infestation as quickly and effectively as possible, as well as provide long-term control measures to ensure that the cockroaches don’t come back. 

What cockroaches might I find in my home?

There are two main species of cockroach that typically infest homes in our areas of operation – the Sydney region, Canberra, Newcastle and the Central Coast, and the Sunshine Coast down to Brisbane: the German cockroach and the American cockroach.

German cockroach 

A small species, the German cockroach typically grows to about 1.1 cm–1.6 cm long, and its colour varies from a reddish tan to dark brown. The German cockroach is the more difficult species to remove once they have established themselves and as well as being a pest in the home is most often associated with commercial establishments such as:

  • restaurants
  • hotels
  • food processing facilities
  • nursing homes.

Where will I find German cockroaches?

The German cockroach is very successful in establishing itself in residential and commercial properties due to a number for factors:

  • In a human habitat they have no natural predators.
  • They reproduce frequently and highly successfully.
  • They have a short reproductive cycle, meaning that they reach sexual maturity in only a few weeks.
  • They are very small and can hide in small cracks and crevices that may be overlooked.

They prefer confined spaces and are very small compared to some other pest species. Part of the trouble with German cockroaches is that they are not social insects, meaning that there is no central colony. They also feed primarily on the excretions and moults from the adult cockroaches, meaning that they can remain hidden in isolated pockets until they reach sexual maturity and begin their breeding cycle again. 

If you have seen German cockroaches around your home, you will not be able to remove them without a professional pest treatment. 

American cockroach

The American cockroach grows to an average length of about 4 cm, and stands at about 7 mm tall. They are larger than the German cockroach and are typically a reddish brown in colour with a streak of yellow just behind their head. The American cockroach is extremely mobile, considered to be one of the fastest running insects and is able to squeeze into small cracks and crevices despite its large size.

Where will I find American cockroaches?

American cockroaches are much larger than German cockroaches, so the places in which they hide need to be a little more spacious (but really, still quite narrow). They are more likely to be found outside than the German cockroach. Some of the areas in which they might be hiding include:

  • basements
  • crawl spaces
  • cracks and crevices
  • porches
  • foundations
  • walkways
  • garbage bins
  • sewers.

The American cockroach breeding cycle, while slower than the German cockroach, is still fast enough to build a significant infestation in a short period of time. Once the egg satchel is laid and deposited in a safe place, the eggs take around six to eight weeks to hatch; however, each female cockroach in her lifetime can produce more than 150 young.

They can thrive in almost any environment due to their varied feeding habits, eating any human food but also materials such as:

  • tea
  • leather
  • food products
  • starch in book bindings
  • manuscripts
  • glue
  • hair
  • flakes of skin
  • plant materials.

However, they typically prefer warm, moist environments and do not survive well in the cold. 

Other cockroaches

As we noted, the German and American cockroaches are the most common cockroach pest species to be found on the eastern seaboard of Australia. However, there are other species that can be readily found and identified, including the Australian cockroach and the oriental cockroach.

The Australian cockroach is dark red-brown with distinct yellow edges around the back of its head and yellow markings on the edges of its bodyThe Australian cockroach is dark red-brown with distinct yellow edges around the back of its head and yellow markings on the edges of its body. Although it can be found indoors in food areas and industrial areas, it is usually found outdoors, under bark, in woodpiles and locations with decaying vegetable matter. It prefers warm and humid environments and is not as common as the similar sized American cockroach.

The slightly smaller oriental cockroach is glossy, dark brown or black, and prefers cooler environments. It is more common in temperate climates, often found outside in gardens or around rubbish bins, drains and sewers or in other cool areas such as basements, pipes and foundations.

Why do I need cockroach control?

It is widely accepted that for every one cockroach you see, there may be hundreds more hidden away under floorboards or in wall cavities, as the cockroach breeding cycle is a relatively short process with each female laying up to 40 eggs at a time. Cockroaches often pick up harmful bacteria in the environments in which they thrive like garbage areas and sewage, and this bacteria is easily transferred to humans as the cockroaches travel all over the living areas of your home. 

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Cockroach control is imperative as these pests are notorious for: 

  • Spreading illnesses and disease.
  • Contaminating food storage with their faeces and secretions.
  • Feeding on any organic matter including substances like glue and the adhesive used to bind books.
  • Causing severe respiratory reactions due to their airborne skin particles that are particularly harmful to those suffering from asthma or bronchial ailments.

What are the signs of a cockroach infestation?

Cockroaches are typically nocturnal feeders, meaning that they are more active at night. If you see any cockroach activity during the day, it is a sure sign that you have a fairly serious infestation and must take action immediately.

Cockroaches are infamous for eating almost any organic matter, no matter how rancid, and often leave faeces behind in small peppercorn-like clumps. This is a sign of the pests marking their courtship rituals, meaning that, if left unchecked, you may have a serious infestation on your hands.

How can Precision Pest Control solve my cockroach problem?

The experienced professionals at Precision Pest Control have developed an in-depth knowledge of cockroach habits and methods of treatment used in cockroach control, and only use the safest and most environmentally friendly forms of treatment for cockroach control:

  1. A Precision Pest Control professional will inspect your home to assess the extent of the problem and identify the pest, immediately reporting back to you about the severity of the infestation.
  2. We will then recommend a treatment plan tailored specifically to your home, taking into account the nature and severity of your cockroach control issue.
  3. The recommended treatment will be carried out by one of our highly experienced pest professionals, with our 100% satisfaction guarantee.
  4. The Precision Pest Control professional who carried out the treatment will then compile a fully comprehensive report adhering to the Australian Standards, which will be explained to you under our pest control warranty.

Call Precision Pest Control on 1300 655 524 for more information about how we can provide fast and effective cockroach control in your home.

Our happy customer

Professionalism!
I have engaged Precision Pest Control for over 10 years now, initially for termite and cockroaches and now progressively for spiders, cockroaches and black ants and every time, they have turned up on time and are very professional. Excellent quality and good value, accompanied by very friendly and professional staff each and every time. They are always willing to answer all your questions, address your concerns and provide excellent advice. A highly recommended team of professionals.

Christopher Lau