The cockroach is amongst the most resilient of insects. They are known to survive in harsh environments and can survive on very limited resources. Roaches can also go for up to one month without food (Source: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Cockroach). It is this ability to survive in harsh conditions that makes cockroaches that hard to get rid of.
Table of Contents
Introduction
Cockroaches feed on both human and pet food leaving an offensive odour wherever they have been. Although they do not cause any disease natively, they can passively transport disease-causing micro-organisms on their bodies which could cause harm to humans. Some people may also get allergic reactions when they come close to these pests.
The Life Cycle Of The Cockroach
The cockroach life cycle is composed of three developmental phases namely egg, nymph and finally adult. The female cockroach produces an egg case called an ootheca. This case contains anywhere between 6 and 40 eggs. Depending on the species, the ootheca can either remain attached to the cockroach until the eggs are ready to hatch or deposited in a hidden place where the eggs will hatch.
After 6-8 weeks, immature cockroaches known as nymphs emerge from the case. They are mostly white in colour and will gain their brown colour as they age. These nymphs will feed and undergo a series of moultings over a period of one year as they develop into adults. The adult cockroach can live for up to one year (1).
Do you have a cockroach infestation? View Pestrol’s range of cockroach control products.
Signs Of A Cockroach Infestation:
If you see several of the following signs then you may be facing a cockroach infestation:
- cockroach droppings
- live cockroaches
- cockroach eggs or larvae
- unusual, unpleasant and lingering smells. Cockroaches can produce an allergen called tropomyosin which can trigger asthma. All new hatched cockroaches are white in colour
- brown and irregular smear marks on walls and floors
- cockroach skins or exoskeleton
Cockroaches are a common pests in New Zealand homes and businesses and you may be looking for an effective cockroach killer. Cockroaches feed on rubbish and invade your pantry. Identifying a cockroach infestation is quite difficult as these pests only come out at night. Pestrol provides a full range of cockroach control products to help combat cockroach infestations.
Do you have a cockroach infestation? View Pestrol’s range of cockroach control products.
How To Control Cockroaches
Like most pests, cockroaches invade your home in search of food, water and warmth. You cannot take away the warmth, but you can deprive them of food and water to make your house less hospitable to these pests. Some of the measures you can take to eliminate food sources include:
- Cleaning your house on a regular basis. A clean house – the kitchen especially – is key to cockroach control. Do not let dishes pile up in the sink or live food messes on the floor and appliances. Clean them up immediately so that cockroaches and other pests do not find anything to feed on.
- Keep all stored food in sealed containers. Leaving uncovered food out for long periods will provide food for these pests and that is something you do not want.
- Fixing your leaking taps. Leaking taps will provide water for the cockroaches in addition to wasting a lot of the precious resource.
- Covering your bins and taking out the rubbish regularly. Designate one rubbish bin for food and ensure that it’s always covered. Also remember to throw out the rubbish often.
Although effective, the above measures cannot be solely relied upon to get rid of all cockroaches in your home. As I mentioned earlier, cockroaches are highly adaptive and can live in extremely harsh environments. It is, therefore, necessary to combine these passive measures with some professional products for the best results.
Do you have a cockroach infestation? View Pestrol’s range of cockroach control products.
References:
(1) http://www.planetcockroach.com/cockroach-lifecycle.html