Cockroach species

There are over 3,000 different species of cockroaches - some are considered pests while others are beneficial in their natural environment.

The three main types of cockroaches commonly found in homes in Fiji include the German cockroach, American cockroach and the Oriental cockroach.

See below for facts and information on types of cockroaches common in Fiji:

American Cockroach

(Periplaneta americana)

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

Appearance

• 35 - 40mm long.
• Shining red–brown in color.
• Wings longer than the body in male; only just overlap abdomen in female.
• Runs (may fly at very high temperatures).

Life cycle and habits of the American Cockroach

Lifecycle

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

Habits

• 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 subfloors, basements, kitchens, roof voids and bathrooms of homes.

Dusky cockroach

(Ectobius lapponicus)

Appearance

• Adult males 9–11mm. 
• Adult females 6–8mm. 
• Body dark grey–brown except for dark male pronotum and female dark brown abdomen.

German Cockroach

(Blatella germanica)

Appearance

• Notorious for their world-wide distribution, German cockroaches are easily identifiable by 2 dark longitudinal stripes on their pronotum. Adults grow to approximately 12 – 15mm in length.

Life cycle and habits of the German Cockroach

Lifecycle

• Females carry 35 – 40 eggs in an ootheca (egg case) until they are ready to hatch.
• Hatch in 1 month.
• Nymphs take between 6 weeks to 6 months to develop into adults.
• Generally 3-4 generations per year.

Habits

• Most commonly found indoors.
• Prefers wet, humid conditions and are typically found in kitchens and bathrooms in homes and commercial properties.

Lesser cockroach

(Ectobius panzeri)

Appearance

• Males: 6–8mm; females: 5–7mm. 
• Pale to dark brown, legs dark brown or black. Tegmina (leathery outer wings) are pale–yellow brown with dark speckles.

Oriental Cockroach

(Blatta orientalis)

Appearance

• Dark brown or black in colour.
• 20 -25mm long.
• The wings undeveloped in female and cover ¾ length of the abdomen in the male.

Smoky Brown Cockroach

(Periplaneta fuliginosa)

Appearance

• 3-35 mm mm long.
• Shining dark brown in colour.
• Wings longer than the body in male; only just overlap abdomen in female.
• Runs (may fly at very high temperatures).