Cockroaches Control

The common cockroach species found in Australia:

German Cockroach - Tan to dark-brown in colour with two dark stripes on the pronotum. The wings are as long as the body and slightly overlapping. They prefer to run or climb and prefer warm, moist environments such as kitchen cabinets and bathrooms. 10mm-20mm in length.

American Cockroach - Reddish-brown in colour with a yellowish band behind the head. The wings extend beyond the abdomen in males and are undeveloped in females. They prefer to run or climb and prefer warm, damp environments such as sub-floors, drains and sewers. The male has the ability to fly and is attracted to light. 30mm-50mm in length.

Australian Cockroach - Black in colour and wingless with a whitish area around the perimeter of the pronotum. They prefer the outdoors but can be found inside in the summer months, looking for cooler and damper conditions. 20mm-40mm in length.

Cockroaches are a high risk pest to have in your home or business as they can carry a range of serious illnesses creating significant health risks.

Cockroaches produce an obnoxious odour that contaminates food and belongings.

Cockroaches can breed rapidly and are highly resilient, so a quick response is essential.

The signs of a cockroach infestation are:

• Visible cockroaches: They hide during the day and are active at night. Usually noticed when turning on the kitchen light at night.
• Droppings: They leave black droppings less than 1 mm wide and of varying lengths.
• Odour: Cockroach infestations produce an unpleasant, musty smell.
• Egg cases and cast skins: They shed their skin approximately six times as they mature.
• Damage: They attack organic goods such as foodstuffs, books, boxes and leather.

The best approach to cockroach control is one that makes the premises as inhospitable to them as possible. Do everything possible to limit the opportunities for cockroaches to gain access in the first place, by closing off small ports of entry and by caulking around doors, windows and water pipes.

If cockroaches are already inside, then there are several methods to control and eliminate them. Firstly try to cut off their foods and water supply. Repair leaky drains and faucets so the cockroaches cannot make use of the dripping water. Store food items in sealed containers before placing them in the pantry. Never leave food out overnight as this is an open invitation for the cockroaches to feed.

Dirty dishes can undermine your best efforts at cockroach control. Make sure all dishes and utensils are washed and put away at night. If dishes must be left until morning, then place them in the sink and cover them with hot soapy water.

All crumbs and food bits must be cleaned away as soon as possible, otherwise this will encourage the cockroaches to remain inside.

Effective cockroach control relies on:

• A comprehensive inspection of the building.
• The application of insecticides in a manner that is likely to make contact with the pests, using a combination of chemical and non-chemical methods.
• Good hygiene habits.

The problem of re-infestation at some point after the treatment has been carried out is a real one. This may arise from the subsequent hatching of egg cases that were present during the treatment but not directly affected by the insecticides, or by infestation from untreated adjoining areas. Therefore follow up treatments may be necessary.

A PEST–ZAP specialist is a trained and experienced professional. Certified and licensed with an understanding and knowledge of cockroaches and the control methods required to keep your home or business cockroach free.