Key Takeaways
- Cockroaches are hardy, mostly nocturnal insects that hide in cracks and crevices by day.
- Seeing cockroaches in daylight often means a large infestation.
- The German cockroach is the main kitchen pest, and the American cockroach is the largest.
- Food, warmth and water keep them in a home, so hygiene and sealing gaps matter.
- Baits and a licensed treatment are more reliable than sprays alone.
What Are Cockroaches?
Cockroaches are insects, also known as roaches. They have six spiked legs and two long antennae. There are more than 4,000 species worldwide, but only a few are household pests. Some species of cockroaches have wings, however not all cockroaches are good fliers.
The name “cockroach” comes from the Spanish word cucaracha, which English speakers adapted in the 1620s into “cock” and “roach”. They can spread diseases because they are generally found near waste or in kitchens, where food is present.
Cockroach Species in Australian Homes
Two species cause most of the problems, and each prefers different spots. Size is a quick way to tell them apart.
| Species | Appearance | Favourite spots |
|---|---|---|
| German cockroach | Amber, 12 to 15 mm, two dark stripes | Kitchens and bathrooms |
| American cockroach | Reddish-brown, 35 to 40 mm | Drains, roof voids and damp areas |
Where Do Cockroaches Live?
Cockroaches are widespread pests. They live in buildings, are nocturnal, and hide during the day in cracks, crevices and under litter. Roaches usually like to live in the dark whenever possible, and they only come out in search of food and water.
Seeing cockroaches during the daytime or in an open area often means a large infestation. Cockroaches require three things: food, warm shelter and water.
- Most cockroaches prefer to live in kitchens and pantries.
- They will also survive in any part of the house.
- They avoid light whenever they can.
German Cockroaches
German cockroaches are amber to light brown, with two dark stripes on their backs. They can be found throughout all types of structures but show a preference for warm and humid places.
They are found primarily in kitchens and secondarily in bathrooms, but infestations often occur in rooms where people eat and drink. A single generation can produce up to 40 young, so numbers build quickly.
American Cockroaches
American cockroaches are the larger pest species, at 35 to 40 mm long and reddish-brown. They are more often found in drains, roof voids and damp areas than in the middle of a kitchen.
Signs of a Cockroach Infestation
Because cockroaches hide, the signs often appear before the insects do. Check these spots first.
- Droppings that look like pepper or coffee grounds.
- Shed skins and egg cases.
- A musty, oily smell.
- Live cockroaches in daylight.
- Activity behind and under fridges, stoves and sinks.
Why Cockroaches Are a Health Concern
Cockroaches move between waste, drains and food preparation areas. As they travel they can contaminate benches, utensils and stored food with bacteria.
- They feed on waste and then walk across kitchen surfaces.
- They hide in the same warm, humid spaces where food is prepared.
- Their droppings and shed skins can build up in cupboards and appliances.
- Large populations can trigger allergic reactions in some people.
Treating the problem early limits how far contamination spreads, and it protects stored food in the pantry.
Room-by-Room Cockroach Prevention
Cockroaches use the same few features in every room: food, water, warmth and hiding places. A quick check of each room shows where to act.
| Area | What to do |
|---|---|
| Kitchen | Store food in airtight containers, wipe up spills and keep bins lidded |
| Bathroom and laundry | Fix leaking taps and wipe away standing water |
| Cupboards and walls | Seal cracks and gaps around pipes and skirting |
| Outside | Seal cracks on the exterior and clear damp leaf litter near the house |
Habits of Cockroaches
Cockroaches occupy a range of habitats.
- Many live in leaf litter, among matted vegetation and in rotten wood.
- Others live in woodland, where they may be among the nocturnal invertebrates.
- Several Australian species use sound and vibration as part of the mating process.
How to Get Rid of Cockroaches
The best advice for cockroach control is to practise good hygiene. Homeowners should also seal any cracks or crevices on the outside of the home and fix moisture problems in roof voids and subfloors. When inspecting for cockroaches, pay extra attention to kitchens and bathrooms, especially under appliances and sinks.
- Store food in airtight containers and clear crumbs and spills.
- Empty bins daily and keep them lidded.
- Fix leaking taps and dry the sink area overnight.
- Seal cracks and gaps around pipes, cupboards and skirting.
- Use baits, placed where the cockroaches travel.
What to Expect from a Professional Cockroach Treatment
A licensed technician starts with an inspection to find where cockroaches hide, travel and enter. That tells us where to place baits and which gaps to seal. Hygiene advice is part of the visit, so the results last.
You can help by clearing benches and cupboards before we arrive and by pointing out where you have seen activity. We will also explain where to focus your hygiene efforts between visits.
Cockroach Control on the Gold Coast and Beyond
Control Pest Management technicians are licensed, fully insured and police checked. Our treatments are suitable for children and pets, and we service the Gold Coast, Brisbane, Gladstone and Logan. Our 376 Google reviews are rated Excellent, and we offer free quotes. See our cockroach control on the Gold Coast, or request a free quote. Call 1300 357 246.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are cockroaches?
Cockroaches are flat, spiny-legged insects with long antennae. Of more than 4,000 species worldwide, only a few live in homes. They hide by day, feed at night and spread bacteria, so they are a health risk as well as a nuisance.
Why do I see cockroaches during the day?
Cockroaches are nocturnal, so daytime sightings often mean there is little room left in their hiding places. This usually points to a large infestation. It is a good time to have a licensed technician inspect the kitchen, bathroom and roof void.
What attracts cockroaches?
Food, water and warmth. Crumbs, open pet food, greasy surfaces, leaking taps and cluttered cupboards all help. Sealing food in airtight containers, fixing leaks, sealing cracks and keeping benches clean removes much of the appeal for cockroaches, and drying the sink overnight helps too.
How do I get rid of cockroaches?
Start with hygiene, sealing gaps and fixing leaks, then use baits in the places they travel. For established infestations, a licensed technician can find where they hide and treat them. Our treatments are suitable for children and pets, and we explain every step.
Which cockroach is the most common in kitchens?
The German cockroach. It is amber with two dark stripes, around 12 to 15 mm long, and it favours warm, humid kitchens and bathrooms. It breeds fast, with up to 40 young per generation, so early treatment is much easier than waiting.
Can cockroaches fly?
Some species have wings, but not all cockroaches are good fliers. Most household pests prefer to run and hide in cracks and crevices. If you see cockroaches flying indoors, it can be a sign of a larger population, so it is worth having the home inspected.