What Do Cockroaches Look Like?

Cockroaches are large insects which range in size from 10-23mm in length, they have long antennae and two sets of wings.

The most commonly found species is the German cockroach (Blatella Germanica) sometimes called the “steam fly” for their liking of warm steamy places such as laundries or boiler rooms.

The German Cockroach is yellowish brown in colour and has a shiny leather like body and is often seen climbing up walls.

The Oriental Cockroach (Blatta Orientalis) is less common and is much larger and has a darker, richer brown color. They can live for up to one year.

Have we got them?

Cockroaches are nocturnal by nature and spend the day hiding in cracks or under floor covering. They may be seen if you come home in the dark and put the lights on. They also emit a disagreeable almond like odor, but this is only noticeable if the infestation is large.

How did we get them?
Infestations may be introduced into domestic premises from foodstuffs from other premises. They can be transferred from other houses in laundry.

Significance
Cockroaches can carry food poisoning organisms on their bodies and will feed on almost anything including fecal matter.

Contamination occurs when the cockroaches come into contact with foodstuffs.

Life Cycle
The female cockroach can produce up to eight purse like egg cases at monthly intervals. The egg cases contain up to 30 eggs. The nymphs emerge from their eggs in 2-4 weeks (up to 6-12 weeks for oriental cockroaches). The nymphs are like the adults but smaller and lighter. The insects take some months before they mature.