Periplaneta australasiae
Characteristics
Size: Up to 1-1/4 inches in length.
Color: Reddish brown with yellow
markings on the back half of its body.
This large cockroach closely resembles the American
cockroach. The key characteristics are the yellow stripes on the
outer edge of the front wings just behind the "shield."
Behaviour
The Australian cockroach is a pest of homes. This cockroach is a
ready flier and travels easily from trees onto houses. It is commonly
attracted to homes to feed on improperly maintained trash containers
and pet food on patios and decks. Once by the house, these insects
may then enter.
Habitat
The Australian cockroach usually invades the attic or crawl space,
where it finds conditions similar to that found within a tree hole
(its natural habitat). Once populations grow large inside these
sites, the cockroaches regularly venture down into the home. The
occasional cockroach may wander into a home from harborage outside,
but chronic infestations are most always associated with attic or
crawl space populations.
Tips for Control
-
Eliminating or minimizing potential harborages
outside is the best way to limit infestations of these cockroaches.
-
Sealing cracks in the building's exterior
is a prudent step to prevent pests from entering.
-
Installing screening in all vents is important.
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