Pest Management News From PPM - April, 2015

Fact Files: Cockroaches

Not only creepy, but dangerous!

As we already know, cockroaches can be found all over the world, but did you know that there are more than 3,500 different species of them? In Australia we will mostly commonly see the German, American and Oriental varieties. American cockroaches are large and black. German cockroaches are smaller and light brown. Oriental cockroaches are medium-sized and dark brown to black in colour.

No one likes to see cockroaches in their homes but they present more of a problem than simply looking unpleasant. Cockroaches will eat just about anything ranging from garbage, to leftover food, to faecal matter. Ingested bacteria, which can include staphylococcus, streptococcus and salmonella, can survive in the cockroach’s digestive system, sometimes for months or even years, and will be passed in its droppings.

When cockroaches defecate in and around food preparation areas diseases can be transmitted to humans when they consume contaminated food. Recent research also suggests that the cockroach may be associated with human allergies and can also harbour viruses such as polio.

Cockroaches prefer to live in kitchens and other food preparation areas so they can feed off spilt food and have access to water. Ideal hiding spots for cockroaches include:

* cracks in walls
* confined spaces, such as behind the refrigerator, in a pantry or underneath a stack of magazines, newspapers or cardboard boxes
* any furniture items that are generally left undisturbed
* kitchen cupboards
* below sinks
* around water heaters
* in drains and grease traps
* gardens

For information on cockroach pest management in your home click here.

Of course, the best solution to rid cockroaches from your home or place of business is to call Protectant Pest Management and let us take care of them for you.