AMERICAN COCKROACH

This species is red-brown, 3 - 4 cm long. They are the most common species found in Singapore and are seen most often around houses, in cabinets, restaurants, grocery stores, sewers and rubbish chutes.

AUSTRALIAN COCKROACH

This looks like the American cockroach but is darker brown with yellow markings on the thorax. It prefers to feed on plant materials such as leaf litter.

ORIENTAL COCKROACH

These cockroaches are much darker than the American and the Australian species. The colour varies from dark brown to black.

GERMAN COCKROACH

This species is amber-brown in colour and, at 1 - 2 cm long, the smallest of all. It does not fly. It likes warm and damp environments and is found in kitchens, store rooms, under sinks and cupboards, in drawers and furniture and around refrigerators.

CONTROL
To get rid of cockroaches, the factors that allow for its survival must be removed. It will help a great deal if you follow the following preventive steps.

1. Keep food in tightly closed cabinets and containers.
2. Don't leave food waste in sinks, on tables or floors.
3. Wash dishes and utensils after a meal; don't leave overnight.
4. Seal cracks and crevices in walls or floors with a proper sealant.
5. Clear away old newspapers, boxes and cardboard cartons as cockroaches like to hide in these items.
6. Inspect all incoming stock, crates and boxes for cockroaches and their egg cases before storage.
7. If you have an infestation, professional help from SITA Pest Control is the only long-term solution.