Cockroaches And What You

The American CockroachMany cockroach species share similar characteristics. You will need a pest control expert to find and treat cockroaches, but you can still limit infestation by doing the following;• Remove food residue in and around kitchen areas, especially near refrigerators.• Caulk or grout access cracks to roof and wall voids.There are many similarities between the biology of the German cockroach and the American cockroach however the German cockroaches are the most prolific breeders of all pest cockroaches and lay egg cases containing about 40 eggs.. German cockroaches will eat almost anything, including built-up cooking grease.• Ensure work surfaces, cracks and crevices are free from food scraps. Before undertaking any treatments getting advice from a trained specialist is always advised as they will undertake a thorough assessment of your particular termite problem.The American cockroach is mostly found in dark, warm and moist locations such as unoccupied dwellings, rubbish dumps, sub floors and roof areas away from human activity.• Empty rubbish bins regularly. The egg cases are glued to items that are often transported, for example, cardboard boxes or wooden crates.• Store food in tightly sealed containers.German cockroaches are usually found in warm areas containing food and moisture, typically the kitchen, pantries, cupboards and under sinks or near water heaters - particularly near human activity. It is not easy, however, to find out where cockroaches have entered your home as they generally enter through hidden access points. It does have a preference for decaying organic waste; however it can survive for months without food.• Regularly remove accumulations of cardboard boxes. Female cockroaches may produce up to 50 cases, about 8mm by 5mm each containing 10-16 eggs. These cases are usually about 8mm long, 3mm high and 2mm wide.Large infestations of cockroaches are not only visually off putting but can often create an unpleasant smell.• Fix leaks, especially from hot water systems.• Improve drainage in wet areas. However by following the steps listed above you should significantly reduce the risk of pest activity in your home or office. After about 10 moults in a year, the cockroach reaches maturity and lives only for a further year.Cockroaches and what you can do to limit an infestation:Cockroaches are a problem because they contaminate food, utensils and furnishings, and may transmit many diseases such as gastroenteritis and dysentery. If sighted during the day, these cockroaches are probably part of a very large local population.• Eliminate harbourages such as rolled carpet and stacks of paper. Egg cases are laid up to 4 times a year after the female reaches adulthood in only 40-60 days, typically after 6 moults.• Install screens to vents, especially over sewers, to increase air flow.Most species of cockroaches are known to be able to produce thousands of young throughout the year.• Regularly turn mulch piles.Nymphs mature in 6-12 months.There are different solutions to control cockroach infestation depending on your problem and its extent.The German cockroachThe most common of all cockroaches, this species is a small light brown flat insect with two dark stripes at the front of the head. They tend to like warm, damp conditions and will feed from rubbish bins, kitchen cupboards, drainage areas and even sewers. The American cockroach is differentiated by it's size and is one of the largest of the cockroach family.• Steam clean soiled areas.An adult American Cockroach is typically 40mm long and is red brown in colour with a border around the head area. Typically an adult is 10-15mm long and although equipped with wings, adults do not appear to fly. This species is known to fly, particularly in warm weather. What you can do to limit infestation:The.