The Australian cockroach is one of the eight most commontypes of cockroaches.
Characteristics
Source
The first thing to prevent an infestation is always identification.
Here are the characteristics of the Australian cockroach that you must spot.
Legs
Size
Female and male Australian cockroaches have a slight size difference.
Males are larger than females with a length of 35mm while females are at just 30mm.
To distinguish them, you have to look for the appendages in the dorsal area.
Male Australian roaches typically have two appendages while females only have one.
Most importantly, only female roaches of this key in have abdominal plates.
Behaviors
They are nocturnal and agile fliers in canopies of trees and other vegetation.
Legs
Where will I find Australian cockroaches in my home?
Its entomological history is traced back to South Asia.
The distribution is said to have been facilitated by docks and cargo shipments at the height of colonialism.
Pronotum
The currentdistribution of Australian roachesincludes the southern US states where the climate is ideal for them to thrive.
They thrive in humid and hot climates and are known vegetarians eating clothing, paper, and young plants.
They have a 12-20-month life cycle including the egg stage, five nymph stages, and adulthood.
Wings
Habitats
They are mostly found in places near seaports, docks, and shipping areas.
Temperature
Australian cockroaches love heat and high humidity locations.
Any tropical or subtropical climate region is prone to these roaches.
Outdoors, they munch on bark, decomposing organic matter, piles of leaves, and more.
Indoors, it would feast on anything from crumbs, paper, items in the garbage can and all.
Australian cockroach Life cycle
Australian cockroaches lifespan lasts for a year to almost two years.
Females will successfully produce 16-24 ootheca from 30-40 eggs every 10 days.
It will take 30-40 days before the eggs hatch and bring out molts.
Australian cockroach nymphs spend six to twelve months on this stage before reaching adulthood.
The adult Australian cockroach spends eight months before it dies.
Australian cockroach baby
Like all other roaches, Australian cockroach babies are technically called nymphs.
Unlike adults, they are wingless.
They have dark brown to a black color and they will have visible yellow spots scattered along their backs.
These yellow patches will become more prominent as they enter adulthood and their colors will turn to reddish-brown.
Australian cockroach eggs
Cockroach eggs in general are laid in humid and damp locations.
Indoors, the eggs could be found in storage rooms, kitchens, and bathrooms.
Australian roaches lay 30-40 eggs every 10days.
Each egg contains 16-24 viable nymphs.
Each egg starts as white.
Roaches are not like plants and some animals.
You would find that they have different scientific names although they are all roaches.
And since they are fast runners, you would not catch them right away.
To spot where they have been running along, you might look for egg casings and droppings.
Occasionally finding them in sinks, tubs and cabinets are also signs of probable infestation.
How to get rid Australian cockroaches quickly
There are two ways to get rid of roaches quickly.
Here are what you’ve got the option to use chemically and how they will function.
This is the perimeter barrier intervention.
This one is applied where garden mulches are stored, straw stocks, and around the houses perimeter.
Frequently Asked Questions
Are Australian cockroaches harmful?
It is safe to say that all types of common cockroaches post a danger.
They niche outdoors and are carriers of bacteria and germs that will contaminate the places they walk on.
Their egg casings are also allergens.
They could trigger sneezing and asthma episodes.
They could also munch on young vegetation, hence, their nickname greenhouse roaches.
While they would not make them a steady food supply, they could harm your young plants.
What do Australian cockroaches eat?
Specifically, they munch on young plants.
This is why they are also called greenhouse roaches.
They also occasionally munch on tree barks in the outdoors.
What is the difference between Australian cockroaches and American cockroaches?
In terms of size, they are fairly similar.
They both grow long at 0.5 to 1.5 inches.
There are two main differences between these two roach types though.
One, American roaches are more prolific when it comes to reproduction and have shorter lifespans.
Can Australian roaches fly?
Unlike smoky brown roaches, they are not attracted to lights.
One is that they munch on young plants, hence, the name greenhouse roach.
