COCKROACHESCOCKROACHES
COCKROACH CONTROL
Signs of an infestation to look out for are:
- Empty egg capsules,
- Cockroach droppings,
- Brown smear marks,
- Shed (cast nymphal) skins,
- Unusual odour (a cockroach infestation produces an unpleasant musty smell),
- Damage to paper and cardboard amongst others,
- Being nocturnal you may also see them at night.
Cockroaches are potential vectors (carriers) of diseases such as Dysentry, Typhoid, Gastroenteritis, Polymyelitis.
A cockroach infestation can occur in a very short space of time because of the speed that cockroaches breed. The female lays 16 – 40 eggs (depending on the species) in a special capsule called an ootheca. The female produces 4 -8 egg capsules at monthly intervals. The incubation period for the eggs is 3 - 4 weeks. From this it is evident that a pair of cockroaches can become a big problem in a very short period of time.
Cockroaches hide and nest in cracks and crevices and they thrive in dark, warm places often near food sources. They will also eat anything from foods, paper, packaging, fabrics and animal droppings.
Preventative measures play an important role in cockroach control. This would include cleanliness – cleaning grease (which is a great attractant) from cupboards and appliances, removing potential food and water sources and sealing cracks and crevices where they can hide.
Pest Shield is ready to assist you with our vast experience and product knowledge. We use the latest products and combinations of residual sprays and gel baits. Pest Shield technicians are educated in the HACCP food safety programs and are well equipped to control cockroaches in HACCP facilities, homes, offices, takeaways, restaurants and accommodation establishments.
INTERESTING FACTS
Did you know?
- Roaches are also cockroaches, but only the species living around humans are referred as to as roaches.
- Like bats, they are nocturnal creatures, and spend the daytime hours hiding near food and water.
- There are over 4000 species of cockroaches in the world. South Africa’s top nuisance include German, American, Australian, Oriental and brown banded cockroaches.