I am not a wuss when it comes to insects or rodents outside, but I do NOT like them inside. ( that's normal I think )
I was seeing RED when I found one hiding under my sewing machine cover and about 6 inches in front of my face, when I removed the cover. It looked right at me! IT DIED!
Yesterday I was cleaning on the deck and the green plastic cube that the Cubb game is stored in under the house eves looked to have a bit of water in the bottom. I up ended it onto the deck, wooden pieces of the game and all. Out fell at least 5 Cockroaches. 4 NZ native ones ( much less scary ) and this big Gisborne cockroach. I managed to put my foot on 2 the rest escaped down the cracks in the deck. ( actual size ! )
Yes its squashed - that's it's innards squelching out. I left it for the ants to clean up.
What I did find that surprised me was 6 egg cases on the wooden batons. ( photo is enlarged they were about a centimetre long )
I have never seen one before. I collected them all and put them in the flames in the fire.
So if you live in NZ or Australia and you happen to see one of these egg cases destroy it. ( especially if it is inside )
Yes I know Ruud Kleinpaste says they are our friends and clean stuff up .......JUST stay outside!
I did a little research.
Common name Gisborne Cockroach - first found there in the 1960s. ( came across from Australia _ thanks! )
Insect order Blattodea . Scientific name Drymaplacta semivitta
Comes inside more in the cold months. Often found in wood and bark ( yes we have firewood inside the house ) . Feeds on organic matter but does not normally infest food.
Right I'm off to wash my hands AGAIN!
