Cockroaches:

Understanding cockroaches:

Cockroaches are highly sociable insects and can exploit to their advantage virtually any area that contains moisture and food. Cockroaches are so highly affective due to their ability to spread their eggs throughout any chosen area in food and other packaging. Although sanitation and hygiene are important issues, even the cleanest of homes can become infested with cockroach’s due to the minute deposits of grease, sugars and other deposits in areas that are difficult to clean, such as; in drains, behind refrigerators, dishwashers and of course inside cracks and crevices that are so abundant in kitchen cupboards. It is due to these abilities that cockroaches can so readily carry and spread diseases such as; salmonella, dysentery, gastroenteritis and stomach complaint organisms.

Cockroaches must moult several times as they grow from young nymph to adult. It is through this moulting growth cycle that their discarded skin becomes air born and this can and does cause severe asthmatic reactions particularly in children, the elderly and people with bronchial ailments.

Cockroaches are nocturnal in their habits being that they rest during the day and only emerge from their safe harborages during period of darkness. If you see cockroaches in your house during the day, you either A. have just had a professional treatment done to your premises, or B. have a very serious overpopulation problem.

If you are experiencing or seeing cockroaches in your home or business premises, please contact us now and a professional technician would be happy to talk to you! Contact us now!

Species of Cockroaches:

American cockroach – Periplaneta Americana 

Identification: The largest of the cockroach pest species, the body of an adult American cockroach or “water bug” is 1.5 to 2 inches in length. Color: reddish brown, with a yellowish band behind the head.

Habitat: Preferred daytime habitat locations include the subfloor, basement, in sewers and other warm, dark, moist locations. They avoid cold areas but will thrive outdoors in temperatures above 80F. Indoors they often congregate around hot water pipes, fridge motors, boilers and other heating appliances. The American cockroach will feed on a wide variety of plant and animal material.

Rapid breeding cycle: The female life span up to 1.5 years; incubation period of eggs 6 to 8 weeks; in ideal conditions they quickly reach plague proportions.   

Oriental cockroach — Blatta orientalis

 Identification: The body of an adult oriental cockroach is about 1 inch in length. Dark brown to black in color.

Habitat: Most often found in dark basements or cellars, but can also climb garbage shutes, sewer and water pipes to the upper floors in highrise buildings. Oriental cockroaches prefer to feed on starchy foods.

Rapid breeding cycle: The female lives up to 2 years; deposits up to 18 egg-sacs in lifetime; each eggsac contains 16 eggs; incubation period is 1 to 2 months; development period is 12 months, undergoing 7 moults.

An infestation will rapidly expand in ideal conditions, particularly during the warm summer months with temperatures regularly above 80F.   

Australian Cockroach Periplanta australasiae

Identification: the Australian cockroach is reddish brown and looks similar to American cockroach but is smaller at 1.25 inches (35mm) in body length. The Australian cockroach has`yellow strips on the outer edge of the front wings. A world-wide species that prefers a vegetarian diet. It is known to eat holes in clothing and even book covers.

Habitat: Generally prevalent in areas where winters are relatively mild. However, in colder climates they are prevalent in greenhouses and near large heating appartus, air-conditioners or other equipment emitting heat constantly. They are opportunistic fliers and will infest anywhere adequate heat, humidity and food supply is available. Prime areas of interest are often pet food bowls and food waste storage areas.

Rapid breeding cycle: The female lives up to 6 months; incubation period of eggs 40 days. An infestation can rapidly expand in ideal conditions, particularly during the warmer climates when temperatures are regularly above 80F. Chronic household infestations usually eminate from the roof void, attic or sub-floor areas of the building.