Exploring the Common Types of Cockroaches in Malaysia

Cockroaches are among the most prevalent pests worldwide, and Malaysia is no exception. The country’s warm and humid climate is an ideal breeding ground for these pests, thus they are almost everywhere in Malaysia, causing headaches to property owners on a daily basis.

For businesses, a cockroach infestation carries a distasteful connotation and can severely affect brand reputation, operations, and revenue. Effective cockroach control is therefore a necessity, and understanding the enemy and their entomology is the first step towards achieving this goal.

Scroll through this informative blog and uncover the different types of cockroaches, their distinct traits, and behaviours. At the end, you’ll be equipped with practical tips to block them off your property.

The Importance of Knowing Cockroach Species

Just before the pandemic, a disturbing incident made headlines that represented the pervasive nature of cockroach infestations in the country. Two customers found live cockroaches in loaf cakes purchased from a popular convenience store.

In the viral video, small cockroaches were seen crawling inside the store-bought loaf. When the customer returned to the store, the staff simply told him they couldn’t prevent cockroaches from contaminating their products.

Roaches thrive in unsanitary environments, making them carriers of various pathogens and parasites. They can easily contaminate food supplies and spread food-borne diseases, and their droppings and saliva also trigger asthma and allergies.

That’s why cockroach infestations are taken very seriously in Malaysia. This is especially true for F&B businesses due to strict halal certification standards. Negligence can lead to reputation damage, financial losses and revocation of a business’ halal status.

Just like in any effective strategy, prevention should be tailor-made. Different cockroach species have varying habits, preferences, and vulnerabilities, so control measures must be customised to target each one effectively

The 3 Most Common Cockroach Species in Malaysia

Now that we have covered their importance, let’s dive into the common types of cockroaches you’ll find in the country. Here’s a general overview:

[Infographic: Summary of 3 cockroach types in MY]

Cockroaches typically involve three main culprits: the American Cockroach, the German Cockroach, and the Brown-Banded Cockroach. There’s also the so-called native Malaysian cockroach that we will touch on.

American Cockroach

[photo]

American cockroaches are the largest domestic species commonly found in Malaysian households. These cockroaches are easily recognisable by their reddish-brown colour and the yellow figure-eight pattern on the back of their heads.

Physical Appearance

Locally known as “lipas terbang,” which means “flying cockroach” in Malay, American cockroaches can grow up to 3 inches in length and have fully developed wings. Just the sight of these big cockroach menaces taking flight is enough to make everyone take cover.

Habits and Behavior

American roaches prefer warm, damp environments such as sewer lines, basements, and drains. They are nocturnal and will venture into properties in search of food and water at night or in the dark. Their ability to fly enables them to spread across different areas easily.

Diseases Transmitted

These cockroaches are known carriers of various pathogens, including bacteria such as Salmonella and E. coli.

Practical tips

• Maintain cleanliness, especially in bathrooms and less frequented areas.
• Keep food in sealed containers and dispose of garbage regularly.
• Seal cracks and crevices to prevent entry.

German Cockroach

[photo]

The German cockroach is smaller than the American species but don’t think that these “small cockroaches” are easier to deal with. In fact, German cockroaches are often considered the most troublesome due to their ability to multiply and infest areas quickly.

Physical Appearance

German cockroaches are light brown and typically about half an inch long. They have two dark stripes on their back, just behind their head. Although they have wings, they rarely fly and prefer to scurry quickly when disturbed.

Habits and Behavior

German cockroaches are particularly drawn to humid and warm areas like kitchens and behind appliances where they have access to food debris and moisture. They are agile climbers and can enter through tight crevices, making them difficult to locate and contain.

Diseases Transmitted

These cockroaches are known carriers of various pathogens, including those that can cause food-borne diseases, such as Salmonella and Staphylococcus.

Practical tips

• Regularly inspect and clean kitchen appliances and cabinets
• Keep areas clean and free of food debris
• Clean up and block off your kitchen sink

Brown Banded Cockroach

[photo]

True to its name, the Brown-Banded cockroaches are identified by the distinctive light brown bands across their wings. This species prefers warmer temperatures and is commonly found where common office supplies like glue, stamps, and papers are abundant.

Physical Appearance

These cockroaches are smaller, typically about half an inch long, with a more slender body compared to other species. Males have larger wings and can fly when disturbed compared to female counterparts.

Habits and Behavior

Brown-Banded cockroaches prefer warmer, drier environments than other cockroach species. They are often found in higher areas of rooms, such as on ceilings, inside furniture, and behind picture frames. Unlike other species, they tend to avoid moisture and are more likely to inhabit areas with poor ventilation and air conditioning.

Diseases Transmitted

These cockroaches can carry and spread various pathogens, including bacteria that can cause food poisoning and other illnesses. Additionally, their droppings, shed skin, and secretions can trigger asthma and allergic reactions in sensitive individuals.

Practical tips

• Vacuum hard-to-reach areas regularly to remove crumbs, cockroach eggs, and faeces.
• Reduce papers and other clutter to eliminate hiding places.
• Store food in airtight containers to prevent contamination.

Australian Cockroach

[Image]

While named for its association with Australia, this species of cockroach is native to tropical and subtropical regions, including Malaysia, where the climate provides an ideal environment for them to thrive.

Physical Appearance

Australian cockroaches are typically about an inch and a half long. They are brown with distinctive yellow markings on their thorax and near the base of their wings, which help to identify them easily.

Habits and Behavior

Unlike the rest of the species on the list, these native Malaysian cockroaches are typically found outside such as gardens, greenhouses, and parks. However, it should be noted that they can invade properties to seek shelter, especially during the rainy season.

Diseases Transmitted

Similar to other species, Australian cockroaches can carry and spread bacteria, viruses, and parasites. They can contaminate food and surfaces, leading to foodborne illnesses. Their saliva and droppings can also cause asthma and allergies.

Practical tips

• Ensure doors and windows are properly sealed and use screens to prevent entry.
• Keep outdoor areas tidy by removing debris and regularly landscaping.
• Use outdoor lighting that is less attractive to insects.

Tailoring Your Approach to Specific Cockroach Species

Having a general knowledge of the different types of cockroaches equips you and your staff with the essentials for effective pest control, proper staff training in identification can help tailor pest control measures that are more effective and strategic.

Professional pest control services utilise this knowledge to offer targeted solutions that not only remove existing ones but also prevent future cockroach infestations.

With diligence and proper pest management practices, you can maintain a cockroach-free property and ensure a healthier living environment for your business. If you’re dealing with a cockroach problem, or simply want to prevent one from starting, consider reaching out today.