Cockroaches: What you need to know
Cockroaches are one of the most common and resilient pests in Australian homes. They are nocturnal, fast-moving, and can hide in the tiniest of cracks, making them difficult to eliminate without proper strategies.
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Cockroaches are more than just a nuisance. They can carry bacteria, trigger asthma and allergies, and contaminate food. Understanding their behaviour, identifying the species, and learning prevention tips are key to keeping your home safe.
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Signs you might have a cockroach infestation
Watch out for these telltale signs:
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Live cockroaches at night. Turn on a light in dark areas, such as cupboards, under sinks, or behind appliances.
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Droppings. Small black specks resembling ground pepper or coffee grounds.
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Egg cases. Brown, capsule-shaped, often found in hidden corners.
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Unpleasant odour. A musty or oily smell can indicate a large infestation.
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Damage to food or packaging. Cockroaches feed on crumbs, pet food, and even cardboard packaging.
TIP
Seeing a single cockroach doesn't always mean an infestation, but multiple sightings or recurring activity indicate a problem.
Fun facts
Did you know that cockroaches can live for up to a week without their head! They also breathe through tiny openings in their bodies, not their mouths, which allows them to survive until they eventually need water.
Why cockroaches keep coming back
Cockroaches are highly adaptable:
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Rapid reproduction. Some species can produce hundreds of offspring per year.
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Nocturnal habits. Hard to detect until the population is large.
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Hiding spots. Cracks, cupboards, behind appliances and drains, provide safe nesting.
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Food and water sources. Even small crumbs or leaks can sustain colonies.
Eliminating visible cockroaches alone is not enough; targeting the colony is essential.
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DIY Cockroach Prevention Tips
While professional treatment is often needed for serious infestations, these steps can reduce activity:
Keep it clean
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Wipe kitchen counters, sweep floors and clean under appliances regularly.
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Store food in sealed containers and dispose of garbage daily.
Remove water sources
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Fix leaking taps and pipes.
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Don't leave pet water bowls or the dishwasher/ dishwater standing overnight.
Seal Entry Points
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Caulk cracks and gaps in walls, skirting boards and around pipes.
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Fit door sweeps and window seals where possible.
Reduce clutter
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Cardboard boxes, paper piles, and unused items create hiding spots.
Monitor and trap
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Sticky traps can help detect activity and identify infestation areas
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When to call a professional
Cockroaches reproduce quickly and can be challenging to remove completely. Professional treatments are recommended when...
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Cockroaches are visible during the day (a sign of a large infestation)
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DIY methods haven't worked
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You want long-term prevention
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Professional treatments include
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Inspection and Identification. Determines the species (to determine treatment type) and colony size.
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Residual sprays and treatments. Applied to entry points and hidden areas.
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Prevention advice. Guidance on keeping your home cockroach-free
Preparing for Cockroach Pest Control Treatment
Clear the area and remove all food, dishes and utensils from the countertops and tables. Store food in airtight containers. Vacuum thoroughly and clean the floors, especially in the kitchen and pantry areas. Move items away from the walls to allow access to all areas where cockroaches may hide. Cover or remove Pet items (food and water bowls). By taking these steps, you'll help ensure a more effective treatment and reduce the chances of cockroaches returning.​​​​​​
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