Cockroaches in Australia are a pervasive pest species that have adapted well to urban environments. With over 400 species worldwide, several of these resilient insects have found favourable habitats in Australian homes, businesses, and landscapes. Their ability to thrive in diverse conditions, coupled with rapid reproductive rates, make them a particularly troublesome pest.
Considered a pest for several reasons, cockroaches pose significant health risks. Cockroaches can contaminate food and surfaces with bacteria and pathogens that cause diseases such as salmonella and gastroenteritis. Their shed skins and feces can trigger allergies and aggravate asthma symptoms in susceptible individuals.
Cockroaches thrive in warm, moist environments and are often found in dark, and hidden areas. Cockroaches are commonly found kitchens, bathrooms, basements and storage areas where conditions are ideal for reproduction.
Cockroaches are nocturnal, and come out at night in search of food and water. During the day, they will hide in cracks and crevices that provide warmer temperatures and humidity. Cockroaches can often live and reproduce for long periods of time without detection.
Regular inspections are essential for identifying cockroach infestations early, and before they become an issue.
Identifying a cockroach is quite easy, due to its distinct physical characteristics and appearance. Cockroaches are usually medium to large insects, measuring between 1 and 5cm. Cockroaches possess a flattened, oval-shaped body with long antennae and six legs.
Most cockroaches are brown, though some may vary in colour, and may appear to be black or reddish-brown. Their bodies usually exhibit a shiny or glossy appearance.
German Cockroaches
Adult German cockroaches average about 1.5 cm in length and are brown coloured with two dark parallel streaks running from the head to the base of the wings.
German Cockroaches have long antennae which they use to detect chemicals, moisture, and air currents in their environment. They prefer warm, moist area, and are frequently found in kitchens and bathrooms.
Australian Cockroaches
Australian Cockroaches are a larger species of cockroaches. They are winged and can grow up to 4cm in length. They are dark brown in colour, and have distinctive yellow streaks on their wing base.
Australian Cockroaches don't require as much moisture as some other species and are commonly found in roof voids, wall cavities and drains where it is sufficiently dark, and warm.
American Cockroaches
American Cockroaches share the same physical characteristics as the Australian Cockroach but do not have yellow streaks on their wing base. American Cockroaches have wings but oddly, they rarely fly.
American Cockroaches don't require as much moisture as some other species and are commonly found in roof voids, wall cavities and drains where it is sufficiently dark, and warm.
Cockroaches need a food source and hiding areas to thrive. Keeping your home clean and clutter free reduces the risk of providing a food source and places to hide. Keep food stored away when not in use and regularly clean around pet bowls and kitchens.
Check the exterior of your home and seal up any gaps or holes around windows, doors, and pipes. This will not only help keep cockroaches out, but it can also prevent other pests from entering your home.
Home appliances, hot water cupboards and plumbed areas provide perfect conditions for Cockroaches to thrive. It is good to check behind appliances and in cupboards regularly for any signs of cockroach activity and address it quickly.
Yes! All of the pest control products we use are AEMPA approved and are safe for use in sensitive environments such as homes, schools, hotels and food handling premises.
It is important to note that for services where we are applying a pesticide in spray form, we recommend that children, pregnant people, and pets are off-site or removed from the areas of treatment for the duration of the service and for approximately 2 hours after the service to allow for drying. Our products are all odourless and colourless and once dry.
Whilst our products are approved for use in homes, we recommend that you are not in the home while a treatment is being carried out and for up to 2 hours after to allow the solution to fully dry. Depending on the home and treatment being done, it will take our team 45-90 minutes to complete the service.
It is okay for adults to stay in the home in an area excluded for treatment if it is not convenient to vacate however, children and pets must vacate the home. Your technician will complete a service report on completion with any recommendations and send a copy through before locking up and leaving.
We recommend that you sweep and mop your floors in preparation before our service as pesticides bind better to clean, dry floors and are more effective. You can view our full preparation list here. Ideally, avoid mopping again for as log as possible after a treatment, generally 3-5 days. Spray treatments are applied around the edges and skirting boards of rooms and if you do need to mop, avoiding the edges of the floor will help prolong the treatment’s effect.
As our treatments cover a variety of pests and conditions, your qualified technician will apply a range of pest control products throughout your home during treatment. These products generally consist of a residual spray, gel baits and insecticide dusts.
Your technician will make note of activity levels, the species of pests and areas of concern in your home and make recommendations on the service report at the end for follow up services, proofing and cleaning that will assist in keeping pests away.
Unfortunately, no. Pest control treatments take time to be fully effective as pests interact with the insecticide over time. You may see immediate results following a treatment however it is common to see activity for up to 5 days as pests come into contact with insecticides.
We are confident in our ability and the services we offer, and as such, we provide a 60 day pest-free Guarantee on home pest control services.
Warranties are subject to conditions and may not be applicable depending on the condition and housekeeping of a home. Your technician will discuss your warranty eligibility with you on completion of a service and will provide recommendations on proofing and housekeeping steps that need to be taken before a warranty is provided.
We offer our Pest-Free Guarantee to rectify a pest re-infestation in treated areas. It is common to see the occasional pest following a treatment. Please allow at least 2 weeks post-service before you activate your warranty to allow the treatment to have full effect. Additional call out fees may apply to visits not covered by warranties. No external areas are covered by a warranty.
Unit 8, 849 South Dowling Street, Waterloo, NSW 2017
P: 02 9157 5706
E: info@oracleservices.com.au
Unit 8, 849 South Dowling Street
Waterloo, NSW 2017
P: 02 9157 5706
E: info@oracleservices.com.au