Cockroaches are pests throughout the world. They are an annoying pest and, they are also
destructive in the home. Cockroaches of all types destroy food and damage fabrics, book
bindings and other materials. When cockroaches run over food they leave filth and may
spread disease. They secrete an oily liquid that has an offensive and sickening odour that
may ruin food. This door may also be imparted to dishes that are apparently clean.
Excrement in the form of pellets or an ink-like liquid also contributes to this nauseating
door. Cockroaches have been
implicated in the spread of many diseases such as, tuberculosis, leprosy, cholera,
dysentery, typhoid and asthma. Asthmatics should avoid cockroaches at
all times.
Types of Cockroaches
Australia has many native cockroaches that will never enter your home. The smallest
cockroaches, the German (the worst of our non-native roaches) the adults are seldom more
than 17mm long. The larger cockroaches are 25mm - 50mm long.
German Cockroach
The German cockroach is usually found in the kitchen and bathroom,
although it may be found all over the house. The other kinds of cockroaches prefer damp,
warm places and usually develop in garages, sewers, attics, storerooms and similar
locations. They then enter the home from outside breeding sites.
Development of the Cockroach
The cockroach has 3 life stages: the egg, nymph and adult. Cockroach eggs are deposited in
groups in a leathery case or capsule called an ootheca. This capsule is usually dropped or
glued to some surface by the female as soon as it is formed; however, the female German
cockroach carries the capsule protruding from her body until the eggs are ready to hatch.
There may be from 30 to 48 eggs in the capsule of the German cockroach, but capsules of
other cockroaches may have only 10-28 eggs.
Where to Look for Cockroaches
Cockroaches hide in dark, sheltered places during the day and come out to feed at night.
They may be found around the kitchen sink or drain board, in cracks around or underneath
cupboards and cabinets or inside them (especially in the upper corners), behind drawers,
around pipes or conduits (where they pass along the wall or go through it), behind windows
or door frames, behind loose baseboards or moulding strips, on the underside of tables and
chairs, in the bathroom, and in radio and TV cabinets.
Preventive Management
Inspect all baskets, bags or boxes of food, firewood and laundry brought into the house.
Destroy any cockroaches or egg capsules. Make it difficult for cockroaches to enter by
filling all openings around pipes passing through floors or walls with patching plaster
putty, or plastic wood, particularly if cockroaches are coming in from adjoining
apartments or from outside.
Keep door and window screens in good repair and make sure that there are no cracks
between them and the frames. Kill or remove any outdoor species of cockroaches found
indoors.
Sanitation
Cleaning will aid considerably in cockroach management. Take away their food supply. Store
food in tight containers and avoid spilling flour, cereals and other dry materials in
cupboards or on pantry shelves. Do not leave remnants of food on tables or in kitchen
sinks overnight. Sweep up any crumbs or bits of food from the floors of kitchen, pantry,
and dining area. Put table scraps, vegetable peels and other waste materials in tightly
covered garbage cans.
|
