Cockroaches are a pesky household problem that most Sydney residents have to deal with at one time or another. For instance, you might spot one late at night in the kitchen. Or you may notice their droppings in a storage cupboard in your office.
For many people, the sight of them alone is confronting. But the real concern should be not knowing what type of cockroach you are dealing with or how serious the issue may be.
You might not be aware of this, but Sydney is home to several species of cockroach. Each of which can bring potential risks to your health. For this reason, understanding which type of cockroach you are infested with is the best way to determine the correct course of action.
On that note, here’s our guide to the most common ones you’ll find in Sydney homes and businesses, along with what you should do to eradicate them.
Why are cockroaches so common in Sydney?
Sydney’s climate creates ideal conditions for cockroaches not only to survive, but also to multiply.
Due to its warm temperatures, high humidity, and regular rainfall, the city is a fertile breeding ground for these ancient insects. Unfortunately, many buildings also offer easy access for them through drains, wall gaps, roof spaces, and ageing plumbing.
That is why it is vital to stay on top of cockroach pest control to prevent your property from becoming overrun by them.
We also spoke with local pest control specialists at Masters Pest Control Sydney about what they see most often in cockroach infestations. Their main point was simple: cockroach control works best when it’s targeted.
Spraying open areas might kill what you see, but the long-term win comes from treating the cracks, voids, appliance zones, and moisture points where roaches actually live and breed – then shutting down the entry routes so the problem doesn’t restart two weeks later.
What health risks do cockroaches pose?
Cockroaches can pose serious health risks for humans, especially in homes and workplaces where food is prepared or stored. That is because they act as vectors for more than 30 different types of bacteria (including Salmonella, E. coli, and Staphylococcus) and numerous pathogens.
When they move through drains, rubbish areas, and damp spaces, they carry germs back into living areas. Over time, this creates hygiene risks that can cause severe illness and discomfort.
Some of the most common health risks linked to cockroaches include:
- Transmission of Disease: Cockroaches pick up germs from sewers and decaying material. When they enter your property, they can then spread them onto food, benches, utensils, and cupboards. This can result in you succumbing to food poisoning, stomach upsets, and diarrhoea.
- Triggering Allergies and Asthma: Cockroaches’ droppings, saliva, and shed skins all contain allergens. When exposed to them at sufficient levels, they can trigger asthma attacks, breathing problems, and skin irritation, especially in children.
- Bacterial Contamination: These insects can carry bacteria linked to gastrointestinal illnesses and infections. They can affect vulnerable people, particularly those with underlying medical conditions or weak immune systems.
- Physical Irritation: If a cockroach scratches or, in rare cases, bites you, you can be affected by skin irritation or infection.
- Property Damage: Large infestations of cockroaches can create unpleasant odours. They can also damage paper, fabrics, and household items.
What are the most common cockroaches found in Sydney homes and businesses?
You might be surprised to learn that there are more than 4,600 species of cockroaches worldwide. In Australia, we accommodate around 450 to 500 of them (depending on who you believe), although it is generally accepted that only five species frequently infest homes or businesses.
They are German, American, Australian, Oriental, and Brown-Banded. Here is some more information about them.
German cockroach
The German cockroach is the most common species that enters Sydney properties. These insects are small, light brown, and are usually found in kitchens and bathrooms. They tend to hide near fridges, dishwashers, cupboards, and food storage areas.
If you spot them, it is worth taking steps to eradicate them as soon as possible. They reproduce quickly, which can easily lead to infestations in apartments and commercial kitchens.
American cockroach
The American cockroach is one of the largest species found in Australian homes. These cockroaches are reddish-brown and are regularly seen in drains, basements, and commercial buildings.
If you do see one indoors, it can often indicate a nearby nesting area. More often than not, it is connected to an indoor space by a plumbing or drainage system.
Australian cockroach
This species closely resembles the American cockroach. However, as it has yellow markings behind its head, it is identified as an Australian cockroach.
Commonly found in roof voids, gardens, and other outdoor areas, they are prone to entering buildings during warm weather.
Oriental cockroach
Oriental cockroaches are dark brown to black in appearance. They prefer cool, damp environments, such as bathrooms, laundries, and basements, where they are most commonly found.
They are usually linked to moisture problems around the home or workplace. Unlike other cockroach species, they tend to move more slowly.
Brown-banded cockroach
These smaller insects prefer warm and dry environments. Typically, they are found in bedrooms, furniture, cupboards, and even your electronic devices.
Additionally, they are often found in offices and newer homes that have stable indoor temperatures.
Why is it so important to identify cockroach species?
It is important to recognise that cockroach species behave differently. For instance, as mentioned, some live close to food sources inside kitchens, while others prefer damp areas like drains or outdoor spaces near buildings.
By correctly identifying which species has infiltrated your home, you can help to determine:
- Where the cockroaches are most likely hiding
- How quickly the population may grow
- Whether the problem is localised or widespread
- A professional pest control company will be able to do this for you.
What are the signs of a possible cockroach infestation?
In your home or business, there are notable signs to look for that may indicate you have a cockroach infestation.
They include:
- Frequent sightings at night
- Droppings resembling coffee grounds
- Egg cases near cupboards or appliances
- A musty smell in enclosed spaces
If you notice these signs, especially over a prolonged period, you should consider calling a pest control professional.
How to get rid of cockroaches effectively
We’ve written a complete post about this, which you can read here. However, the best way to get rid of cockroaches is to call in the professionals.
Their treatments tend to focus on identifying nesting areas, entry points, and breeding cycles, rather than eradicating the visible insects.
Dealing With An Infestation?
Cockroaches aren’t just an unpleasant surprise in the kitchen – they’re a hygiene risk that can spread quickly if you treat the problem the wrong way. The key takeaway is simple: the more accurately you identify the species and the conditions attracting them (food, moisture, warmth, access points), the easier it is to stop the infestation at the source instead of playing whack-a-mole with whatever you happen to see.
If you’ve spotted cockroaches in your Sydney home or workplace, don’t wait until they turn into a full-blown infestation. The quickest wins come from targeted treatment — finding where they’re nesting (cracks, voids, appliance zones, moisture points) and shutting down the entry routes, not just spraying what you can see. Tradie Near Me makes it easy to get an obligation-free quote from licensed and insured local pest controllers in Sydney, with competitive pricing, top-rated service, and guaranteed workmanship.
