The American cockroach is one of the largest pest cockroaches to invade homes and commercial properties.

The American cockroach is s shiny red-brown colour and 35 - 40mm long. The wings are longer than the body in male; only just overlap abdomen in the female. They usually run (may fly at very high temperatures).

Also known as the ‘Palmetto bug’ because they live on trees, the American cockroach prefers dark, humid and undisturbed areas and can be found in sub-floors, basements, kitchens, roof voids and bathrooms of homes.

The egg case contains up to 16 eggs and is carried by the female for several days before being deposited. Sometimes cemented down and they tend to be grouped. The eggs hatch in 1 – 2 months. Nymphs usually develop in 6 -12 months, but it can take up to 15 months.

The Australian cockroach enter buildings at night from gardens/debris. It is generally prevalent in areas where winters are relatively mild. Despite its name, it isn’t a native species.

Females deposit the ootheca (egg case) containing 24 eggs a day after production. After hatching nymphs take 6-12 months to develop into adults.

Oriental cockroaches are adapted for surviving in the natural environment, Oriental cockroaches thrive in cool, damp areas such as basements, drains and openings beneath porches. They are known for their preference for feeding on garbage and decay, these insects can most commonly be found in rubbish tips and leaf litters. Oriental cockroaches run rather than fly.

Females deposit 16 eggs in an ootheca (egg case) which hatch in 2 months. The nymphs take 6-18 months to develop into adults.

Lives in tree hollows, under bark, under floors, and enters buildings at night. Nocturnal (hides during the day in cracks and crevices or any other dark warm places). Has a habit of entering houses and contaminating food with excrement, regurgitated salivary fluid and potentially harmful bacteria.

Females deposit the ootheca (egg case) containing 22-26 eggs a day after production. Nymphs take between 6-12 months to develop into adults. The noticeable difference between nymphs and adults, apart from size, is the lack of wings in the young.