3 Most Common Cockroaches in Adelaide

Bites and Stings

Bites and Stings

Cockroaches hiding in a wall crevice

A combination of heavy rainfall and hot weather had led to a cockroach infestation in Adelaide households. Not only do cockroaches bite people, but they can also trigger allergy symptoms and spread deadly diseases like E.coli, Salmonella, and even Polio virus.

Have you noticed more cockroaches than usual in your Adelaide home?

You’re not alone! The summer’s combination of heavy rainfall and hot weather has led to a cockroach infestation in Adelaide households.

While they’re certainly an annoyance, cockroaches can also pose a bit more of a threat than they seem. Not only do cockroaches bite people, but they can also spread disease and trigger asthma.

There are over 3,000 different species of cockroach found in Australia, some of which are pests, and others of which are considered beneficial to their environment.

In this article, we’re going to cover the three most common species of cockroaches in South Australia: the American cockroach, the German cockroach, and the Oriental cockroach.

If you would like to be better prepared for dealing with cockroaches and their bites, or you want to learn how to perform first aid in other emergencies, head to our website to enrol in one of our general or childcare first aid courses in Adelaide.

An American cockroach sitting on a piece of wood

The American cockroach

American Cockroach

American cockroaches (Periplaneta americana), otherwise known as Palmetto bugs, are the largest cockroach pest species in Australia with an adult measuring up to 50 millimetres long.

They have a reddish-brown body, pale legs, and a yellow band behind their head. This species has wings and can fly, typically toward a light source.

Head to our article about common Australian cockroaches for more information about the American cockroach.

German cockroaches sitting on a windowsill

The German cockroach

German Cockroach

The most common species in Australia, the German cockroach (Blatella germanica) has a beige to amber-coloured body with two dark stripes extending from the head.

Adults are between 12-15 millimetres in length and have wings extending from their abdomen - however, they rarely fly.

Head to our article about common Australian cockroaches for more information about German cockroaches.

Oriental cockroach sitting beneath a window sill

The Oriental cockroach

Oriental Cockroach

The Oriental cockroach is anywhere from dark brown to black, and can be between 20-25mm in length.

Females tend to be larger, but they have no wings. Males have wings that cover almost their entire abdomen.

They prefer damp, dark, and covered areas, and are often found in and around pipes and drains.

Danger

Cockroaches are known to carry infectious bacteria and diseases such as E.coli, Salmonella, and even Polio virus. The cockroaches pick up the bacteria from the unsanitary environments in which they live, such as in sewers and rubbish dumps. Because the bacteria can survive in their body for months and is passed on through their faeces, an infestation must be dealt with immediately.

There have also been recent studies that have found that cockroaches can influence allergy and asthma conditions. Cockroach saliva, faecal matter, and shed body parts can trigger allergy and asthma symptoms when airborne, leading to chronic symptoms that remain after allergy season has passed.

In rare cases, there have been records of cockroaches biting people during the night due to their inability to find food. Although not venomous, a bite from a cockroach can leave red and itchy welts on the skin. Visit our Resource Library for more information on first aid for cockroach bites

Prevention

Due to their ability to breed rapidly, it is important to eradicate cockroach populations within households to prevent them from spreading the bacteria. To reduce the risk of a cockroach infestation within your home or workplace, you should:

  • Thoroughly clean the house, specifically areas where food is handled
  • Remove available water sources at night such as puddles, dripping taps, and leaky sink seals
  • Seal any cracks and crevices where cockroaches can live
  • Keep doors and windows closed or screened at night to prevent cockroaches from flying inside

You can find further management protocols in our article on common cockroach species in Australia.

If you believe that the cockroach infestation is too extensive to manage yourself, you should consider hiring professional cockroach control.

Final Thoughts

A cockroach infestation should be taken quite seriously. Cockroaches can spread diseases, but they can also bite and trigger asthma.

If you’re worried, you can contact licensed pest control to come to your home or business.

If you would like to be better prepared for dealing with cockroaches and their bites, or you are looking to learn how to perform first aid in other emergencies, head to our website to enrol in one of our general or childcare first aid courses in Adelaide.

Originally published at https://www.australiawidefirstaid.com.au/resources/cockroaches-adelaide
as part of the Australia Wide First Aid Articles Library

Related Articles

Cat Bite article header
First Aid for a Cat Bite

Cat bites, while often underestimated, can lead to serious health complications if not treated promptly and properly. Cats' mouths harbour a variety of bacteria that can cause infections in humans.

Drop Bear article header
First Aid for Drop Bear Attacks

Encounters with wildlife can often be thrilling, but when it comes to the creature known as the drop bear, the experience can quickly turn dangerous. A sharp increase in recent attacks prompts the need for understanding proper first aid procedures in case of an attack.

Funnel web spider article header
First Aid for Funnel Web Spider Bites

Encountering a funnel web spider can be a frightening experience, and if a bite occurs, it is crucial to act swiftly and effectively to minimize the potential risks associated with their venom.

Cat Scratch article header
How to Treat Cat Scratches

Cats are beloved pets for millions of people worldwide, but sometimes even the most gentle feline can become agitated or scared, leading to scratches. While cat scratches are usually not serious, they can still be painful and carry the risk of infection.

Green head ant close up
5 Most Common Ants in Australia

Australia is home to a remarkably diverse array of ant species, showcasing a fascinating range of characteristics and behaviours. By understanding the identification, range, and behaviours of these ants, individuals can navigate their surroundings with greater awareness and appreciation.

A golden-brown Teddy Bear Bee sitting on a plant stalk
5 Most Common Bees in Australia

Recognizing the significance of bees' positive impact, it becomes imperative to acquaint ourselves with the various species, distinguishing characteristics, geographical distributions, stinging tendencies, and suitable first aid measures for bee stings.

A brown Paper wasp sitting on a green leaf
5 Common Wasps in Australia

Australia is home to a diverse range of insect species, including several types of wasps. While some wasps are beneficial as predators of other pests, others can pose a threat due to their stinging capabilities.

Bird Dropping Spider
The Bird Dropping Spider: A Master of Mimicry

As their name suggests, the Bird Dropping Spider has developed colorations and patterns that mimic bird poo. This ingenious disguise means they can thrive in a wide variety of habitats, including suburban gardens.

The Slaty Grey Snake
The Slaty Grey Snake | Snake Facts

One of the most common snake species in Darwin and Australia's Top End region, the Slaty grey snake is a medium-sized species with shiny scales. They have been known to defend themselves aggressively when disturbed.

Golden Crowned Snake
The Secretive Golden Crowned Snake

The Golden crowned snake is well known for its crown of yellowish scales. Found along the east coast of Australia, this snake is relatively enigmatic due to its secretive and nocturnal nature.