Cockroaches are one of the most annoying household pests. They are harmful to human beings as they are known or suspected to spread many diseases, including Salmonella, E. Coli, Hepatitis E, diarrhoea and dysentery – and may even play a role in the transmission of pneumonia. Cockroaches, their shed skins and by-products have even been found to cause increased rates of asthma and allergies. They also emit a nauseating odor and contaminate our food with their droppings and filth. Cockroaches also cause damages to various items in homes such as books, clothes, electronic items, wires, etc. Their secretive habits, high reproductive rates and ability to develop resistance to pesticides make cockroaches among the most challenging household pests to control.
So how do you control this nasty pest?
The most effective way of controlling cockroaches is to deny them food, water and harbourage:
- Store food in containers or in strong sealed plastic bags
- Clean all waste food and liquid spillages immediately
- Clean food debris from under fridges, cookers and other appliances
- Clear used crockery and cutlery immediately
- Remove pet food, water and clean up animal droppings & litter trays before nightfall
- Keep refuse or compost in sturdy sealed bins
- Take care with soiled nappies or dirty clothing
- Do not leave liquids in sinks, baths or buckets overnight
- Fix plumbing leaks and control moisture levels, use a dehumidifier if necessary
- Get rid of clutter, eliminate stray bags, old newspapers, plastic shopping bags etc…
- Keep areas under sinks and around washers & dryers clean and orderly
Cockroach pesticide sprays, gel bait and bait traps may be effective in the control of cockroaches, if used correctly. Baits, however, rely on every cockroach in a population feeding on the bait before the infestation can be eliminated. This may, therefore, need to be combined with other control efforts such as carrying out regular maintenance to your home to seal up cracks and holes in walls and spraying cockroach control pesticide into cracks and crevices. This will help ensure the cockroach infestation is kept under control and eventually eliminated fully.
Finally, there’s turning to the professionals for help. A pest control expert has access to all the latest products and most advanced techniques to quickly and effectively treat even the most severe cockroach infestation. They will also know where to look for conditions that might contribute to a cockroach infestation, and make recommendations for correcting such conditions.
