- Similar in appearance to the American cockroach, but smaller
- Winged
- May grow to be approx 1 1/4"-1 3/8"
- Reddish-Brown in color
- Has a yellow margin on the thorax, and yellow streaks at its sides at the base of the wings
Behavior & Habitat
The Australian roach prefers warmer climates and does not tolerate cold very well. It is one of Florida's most common outdoor species. The australian roach will tolerate dry conditions as long as water is available. Often lives around the perimeters of building. Australian cockroaches are very mobile, travel quickly, and may dart out of sight into small cracks and crevices when humans enter a room. This roach is also an adequate flier.
Feeding Habits
Australian Cockroaches prefer a vegetarian diet, and have been known to eat plants, clothing, and book covers
Reproduction & Life Cycle
Adult females drop an egg capsule every 10 days inside cracks and crevices. Each egg capsule contains about 24 eggs. Incubation period is approximately 30 days.
Basic Control Methods
- Remove food and water sources for roaches by practicing good sanitation, vacuuming daily, keeping food in tightly sealed containers, and removing standing water wherever possible
- Limit roach harborages by caulking cracks and crevices, repairing torn screens, and sealing holes around pipes and other fixtures with copper mesh or other suitable materials.
- Use a Boric Acid or Delta Dust applied by a hand duster in wall voids, behind outlets, under baseboards, and all other cracks and crevices where roaches hide.
- For indoor control, use Maxforce Gel Roach Bait in infested areas. Do not spray or use other pesticides in the same area where bait is being used.
View all Roach Control Products
Related Articles:
How To Get Rid of Australian Roaches (an in-depth control guide)
Cockroach Quick Tips
Roach Baiting
Cockroach Gel and Bait Station Placement Guide