Cockroach Infestation - Effective Approaches of Management

Introduction

Cockroaches are flattened, medium-sized to large, brownish, fast-running insects with long slender antennae. Some confuse cockroaches with beetles, but adult cockroaches have membranous wings and lack the thick, hardened forewings of beetles. Cockroaches are nocturnal and scatter when disturbed. Immature cockroaches are called nymphs and are similar to adult cockroaches.

What Are Different Species of Cockroaches?

There are four common species of cockroaches; they are German cockroaches, brown-banded cockroaches, oriental cockroaches, and American cockroaches.

1. German Cockroach - German cockroach, known as Blattella Germania, is the most common indoor species. German cockroaches inhabit buildings. They are found in kitchens and bathrooms. They prefer warm, humid areas that are close to food and water. German cockroach reproduces more rapidly than other species of cockroaches.

2. Brownbanded Cockroach - Brownbanded cockroach is known as Supella longipalpa. This species is not common as the German cockroach. This species lives in warm temperatures. They reside near warm electrical components such as televisions, radios, and refrigerators. The adult male flies when they are disturbed. Females do not fly. These species prefer starch foods like glue on stamps and envelopes.

3. Oriental Cockroach - The oriental cockroach is known as Blatta orientalis and is referred to as a water bug or black beetle. It resides in dark and damp places in the house. Oriental roaches prefer cool temperatures to other species. At night these species migrate into the buildings to search for food and are often found in garages.

4. American Cockroach - American cockroaches are known as Periplaneta American Americans. They live outdoors and are common pets in zoos and animal-rearing places.

What Is the Lifecycle of Cockroaches?

The egg produced by the adult female cockroach is called an ootheca. The German cockroach carries the ootheca for almost 30 days incubation period, and then it drops when the eggs are about to hatch. The other species carry eggs for a short period. Immediately after molting, the cockroaches are white, but eventually, within hours, their outer covering darkens as it darkens. Cockroaches are nocturnal, and they hide in warm and dark places. Immature cockroaches can hide even in smaller cracks where they are well protected. They can also travel along the edges of walls and other surfaces.

What Are the Problems Associated With Cockroaches?

• Cockroaches are pests found in homes, restaurants, hospitals, schools, offices, food storage and preparation areas, and warehouses.

• Cockroaches contaminate food and utensils and occasionally damage the fabric and other products.

• They leave stains and produce unpleasant odors.

• Cockroaches tend to transmit bacteria that cause food poisoning.

• German cockroaches can transmit disease-causing organisms like staphylococcus spp, streptococcus spp, and hepatitis virus.

• They are also known to spread typhoid and dysentery.

• Indoor infestations of cockroaches are an important source of allergens and have an increased risk of asthma.

What Are the Approaches for Management of Cockroaches?

Managing cockroaches is very difficult. Start with finding out the places where cockroaches are located. The cockroaches are mostly located in warm hiding places with access to water. These can depend on stored food products if the pet food is left out, dirty or overnight dishes are left in the sink. You can use insecticides. The insecticidal sprays will not alone eliminate cockroaches.

Different methods can help you manage cockroaches:

Use the IPM Approach - Integrated pest management approach is one of the most effective ways of controlling a cockroach infestation and preventing its reoccurrence. Follow the following methods:

• Reduce food and water sources.

• Try using baits.

• Try using traps for monitoring the population.

• Eliminate the hiding places.

• Avoid using sprays if possible.

Sanitation - Cockroaches reside in places where food and water are available. Follow these important sanitation methods:

• Eliminate plumbing leaks and make the other sources free of moisture. Try to improve ventilation.

• Clean the surfaces where food or beverages have been spilled.

• Try vacuuming as it removes cockroaches, shed skins, and egg capsules. It also helps to reduce cockroaches.

• Store the food in tight, insect-proof glass jars or plastic containers.

• Keep trash and garbage in tight-fitting closed and closed bins.

• Keep dustbins away from doorways.

Monitoring Cockroaches - Traps are the best way to monitor the cockroach population. Placing traps in different locations can help you to inspect and evaluate the cockroaches. Traps can be effective in evaluating the effectiveness of control strategies. Try placing the traps where cockroaches are most likely to reside. The best easy-to-find location is to watch signs for fecal matter, cast skins, egg cases, or dead or live cockroaches. Observe the traps daily for several days. Discard the sticky traps by placing them in sealed bags in the trash.

Exclusion and Removal of Hiding Places - During the day, the cockroaches hide around the water heaters, cupboards, behind the shelf, and stoves, inside the tiny space in dark locations. Take the following measures if you observe that cockroaches are migrating from other buildings or outdoors:

• Inspect the food delivered before putting them in the kitchen.

• Seal cracks and other openings in the house.

• Find egg cases that are glued to your furniture, refrigerator, or any other appliance. Remove and destroy them if you find them.

• Use weather stripping on windows and doors.

• Remove trash or stored items.

Chemical Control - Insecticides are the most effective way of controlling cockroaches, along with sanitation and exclusion, but they must be used with extreme care. But chemical control alone will not solve the problem. Baits products are pesticides used to treat cockroach infestations. They can be packed as gels, paste, granules, or dust. The baits do not give immediate results, as it may take around seven days or longer for the results.

Conclusion

When the cockroach population is under control, monitor traps regularly to avoid re-infestation. Try to maintain sanitation and exclusion techniques to avoid new infestation.