Cockroaches are primitive insects which probably originated from tropical or subtropical Africa about 300 million years ago. Of 3000 species of cockroaches world wide, only a few species have reached pest status.

Life Cycle and Habitat

Cockroaches are a medium sized insect, with flattened oval shaped bodies and legs suitable for crawling and running. From a single purse shaped egg case (in the case of the German cockroach), 30-40 cockroaches can develop which are then capable of reproducing 2-3 months later. After 1 year, many thousands of individuals can develop. Cockroaches can go through 5-12 moults before adulthood, and can change shape and colour in that time.

Cockroaches are nocturnal, omnivorous and like to live in groups. They like cracks and crevices, and warm mid conditions. The average kitchen provides an ideal environment for cockroaches with all the requirements of food, moisture and shelter.

Why Cockroaches Are Considered Pests

Cockroaches’ indiscriminate manner of feeding in sewers and garbage bins brings them into contact with diseases such as salmonella, dysentery, typhoid, hepatitis and tuberculosis. They continually regurgitate food and this makes any unprotected food stuff susceptible to contamination.

Furthermore, research in USA has found that 61% of asthmatics are allergic to cockroaches. Exposure to their allergens can result in severe attack.* (Ref. Article in Pest Control by Dr Brenner, Dept of Agriculture, USA, 1990).

American and Australian Cockroach

Prevention

A high level of sanitation and hygiene is important. Putting food away at night, sealing cracks and crevices, avoid leaky water pipes or taps. Dispose of rubbish.

Control

When a cockroach infestation is out of control, Austrapest technicians use a range of the synthetic Pyrethroids such as Permethrin and Deltamethrin which are very effective in controlling cockroaches with very low risk to human health.

Follow Up Service

After an infestation has been controlled, preventive methods are then used in conjunction with treatments. A follow up service is usually carried out 12 months later in the average household or infestation. In commercial or areas of major infestation, follow up services occur after 1-3 months.