Cockroaches are close relatives of termites and belong to the insect Order Blattodea. They represent a primitive and highly successful group of animals whose origins extend back at least 300 million years. Fossil evidence suggests that little change in their general body form has occurred since that time.
Some of the most common pest species of cockroaches are the German, Oriental, American, Brown-banded and Australian cockroach.
EXCLUSION
Like most animals cockroaches need food, water and shelter. These three requirements are present in most houses and buildings where people live and work.
The following preventative measures are recommended:
1.Eliminate food and water sources. This is achieved by implementing clean-up procedures at the end of each day so that food is not available at night when cockroaches are active. This is particularly relevant in offices, factories and food shops as well as houses.
2.Store food in sealed containers and in refrigerators to reduce accessibility by cockroaches.
3.Keep garbage in sealed containers prior to collection.
4.Inspect in-coming containers from food stores prior to unwrapping within the house or business.
5.Heat treat appropriate food articles in a microwave to kill egg cases before storage in kitchen.
6. Regularly inspect the motors of washing machines and refrigerators, and the areas under and behind stoves, as these provide cockroaches with shelter and warmth.
7. Monitor microwave ovens, fax machines and computers, as these also provide shelter and warmth particularly in winter. This may help avoid expensive repairs.
8. Use vacuum cleaners to remove food waste from floors and cupboards in kitchens. Wiping may leave residues in cracks.
9.Fill in cracks and crevices in walls and cupboards to prevent cockroach access.
TREATMENT
Cockroach treatments may vary somewhat depending on the species being treated, for example-: German cockroaches dwell in smaller communities of up to 200 and usually don't venture far from the nest, therefore nests need to be located and individually treated for effective control.
Skirting boards and around windows and doors are sprayed, and powders applied to fridges, microwaves, and other appliances which may provide harbor. Cockroach gel is a relatively new method of control. The gel is applied to cracks and crevices in the corners of cupboards, behind clocks, and most areas where sprays and powders are inappropriate. It is very low toxic, clean, and provides long term control, particularly when used in conjunction with powders and sprays.
COCKROACHES
