In Singapore, we can find 5 common species of domestic cockroaches.

	American cockroach (Periplaneta Americana)
	Australian cockroach (Periplaneta Australasiae)
	Brown cockroach (Periplaneta Brunnea)
	German cockroach (Blatella Germannica)
	Oriental cockroach (Blatta Orientalis)

Cockroaches like to stay in warm, dark and moist environments. They usually hide in crevices and cracks and are active at night. They feed on almost anything that has nutritional values which include food that we human consume. Cockroaches also feed on other stuffs including soap, toothpaste, paper, leather and excrement. Cockroaches can live without food for a month, but will only survive a week without water.

Young cockroaches need only a crack as thin as a five cent coin to crawl into. Adult males can squeeze into a space of about the thickness of a fifty cent coin. Pregnant females need the most space to hide.

Cockroaches can withstand cold temperatures, but will die if the temperature goes much below 32 degrees. In extreme cold places, they survive by moving in with humans. Cockroaches can climb walls as they have a set of little claws on their feet which are designed for climbing.

Female cockroaches produce an odour called pheromone. This attracts males for mating. Some female cockroaches mate once and are pregnant for the rest of their lives.

Controlling Cockroaches

To effectively get rid of cockroaches, factors that encourage its growth and survival must be removed.

	Seal cracks and crevices on floors or walls.
	Clear unwanted boxes, newspapers, cardboards as cockroaches like to hide in these items.
	Keep food in air-tight containers or store in closed cabinets.
	Wash your dishes and other utensils after your meal. Do NOT leave them overnight.
	Clear all food debris left in sinks after washing of dishes.
	Never leave waste foods on tables or in uncovered waste bins.
	Get professional help if you suspect your house has got cockroach infestation.