The Hidey Holes of Your Everyday Cockroach

“Mooommm! Got cockroach!” You may have heard this cry for help at least once in your life. Whether using a slipper or anything nearby, your damsel in distress will be forever grateful. Very brave indeed!

Cockroaches. These creepy crawlies are flat, brown and their bodies are oily to touch. Just the thought of them sends shivers down your spine, doesn’t it? If anyone were to describe them, the word “disgusting” will most definitely be one of them. Cockroaches are well known for carrying many harmful germs. They spread diseases ranging from asthmas to deadly infections, and hang around places where food, water and shelter are accessible, crawling from dumpsters onto your dining table. Gross!

They are often found scurrying around our homes. But, they must have come from somewhere. Let’s find out!

Cockroaches Habitat

First of, there are currently over 3,000 different species of cockroaches found around the world. Like whaaaaat?!

The most common ones found in Malaysia are the American cockroaches (Periplaneta Americana) and German cockroaches (Blatella Germanica).

American Cockroaches

They are about the size of your average potato chip, ranging 35-40mm in size, making them one of the largest pest cockroaches. Imagine accidentally picking them up thinking it was your fav potato chip! Their body are shiny red to chocolate brown, and are most commonly found in damp areas such as bathrooms or kitchens. Kitchens are probably their happiest place to be since they have easy access to food laying about on counters!

Cockroaches usually enter homes through sewers or drains. So if you really think about it, cockroaches are covered in dirt, grime and waste before crawling all over your homes and food! If that doesn’t give you the creeps I don’t know what will!

German Cockroaches

German cockroaches are much smaller in size, ranging from  10-15mm. They’re about the size of a peanut, and have two dark longitude stripes. The male and female German cockroaches are different in appearance; for the male, they are light yellowish brown in colour and in the body shape of a longer tongue whereas, for females, they are darker in colour and plump abdomen in shape.

Compared to American cockroaches, German cockroaches prefer the indoors rather than outdoors.  Warm and humid environments are perfect for these cockroaches. One thing about German cockroaches is that there are uncommonly found in other areas if there is no accessible food or water nearby.

Spot them and prevent them!

As mentioned, cockroaches are known to carry many harmful germs such as Salmonella, E. Coli and Listeria monocytogenes. These bacteria can cause harm to many homeowners and also putting their loved ones lives at risk. Stay safe, guys!

There are ways to spot signs of cockroaches infestations. If you’re worried or suspect a cockroach infestation, it is crucial to take immediate action before it’s too late. Don’t wait anymore!

Rentokil provides a Year Round Protection Plan with full-year protection against cockroaches, common ants and rodents. Service frequency starts at a minimum of 6 times and can be scheduled according to your needs. We will also provide pest prevention tips by our well-trained and experienced service experts to help you better protect your family and home.

Call us today at 1300 881 911 or contact us online to find out more and schedule for a comprehensive site inspection now!