For two summers running, Brisbane’s been inundated with visitors of the unwanted kind – cockroaches. Yes, Brisbane’s famous for its gigantic, flying German Cockroaches but over the last few summers, cockroaches, like termites and other gribblies, have been reaching plague proportions. After parts of Brisbane experienced more than a 141% above average rainfall in the winter months and increased average temperatures, select areas of Brisbane are poised to see a massive increase in insect activity in the 2024-2025 summer period.

Why are there so many cockroaches in Brisbane right now?

Brisbane’s warm, humid environment makes for the ideal location for cockies to settle down and raise a family. Each German Cockroach can live several months to over a year, and female German cockroaches lay 30 – 40 eggs at a time. During periods of ideal climate, and plenty of food sources, the female will lay up to 400 eggs during her lifecycle. Brisbane’s current weather patterns have offered German (and American, and other breeds) Cockroaches ideal nesting conditions three years running. Previous years already saw reports of “plague” proportions in some areas of Brisbane. That area is set to expand over the coming months.

“The cockroach plague is something frequently discussed amongst Brisbane Pest Controllers, while nobody is studying it, the collective data of the pest control industry creates a grim picture for the coming summer” said Keith Jacobs, pest controller Brisbane.

Areas at highest risk

The warmer and wetter weather patterns have been most pronounced in coastal areas, including Brisbane’s northern Beaches (Sandgate, Shorncliffe, Nudgee, Redcliffe Peninsula) and Redlands waterfront suburbs. Also impacted are Brisbane’s islands. In addition to those areas facing higher risk due to climate change, urban hubs, close to eateries and entertainment precincts risk plague proportion cockroach infestations in the coming warm period.

Standard prevention may not be enough

A well sealed home, free of food sources may not be enough when cockroaches reach plague proportions. Standard preventative pest control contracts that offer an annual or even bi-annual pest control service may need additional “top up” services over the 2024-2025 summer period.