Pest Control for Cockroaches

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Cockroaches belong to Class Insecta within Order Blattodea. The represent a primitive and highly successful group of animals whose origins extend back at least 300 million years. Fossil evidence suggests that little change in their general body form has occurred since that time. While there are about 3,500 species worldwide, only about 10 species have seriously exploited the dwellings of humans. Some species have become super successful scavengers that cohabit with people in many, indeed most of the human communities around the world. 

There are various reasons for the cockroach's pest status determination, with their role in the transmission of disease to humans usually being the main concern. Other reasons include contamination, annoyance or fear factor, odour, allergic reactions and bites. 

Cockroaches do carry a filthy reputation - and for good reason. They are also incredibly resilient and can wreak havoc on our homes. While the occasional cockroach is not something to worry yourself about too much, if there is any indication that you may have an infestation, even if it appears to be minor, it should be attended to immediately. 

Cockroaches are notorious for being prolific breeders - especially the infamous German cockroach. Their rapid rate of reproduction allows infestations to quickly develop from minor, to moderate, to severe.

Cockroach control

In order to successfully manage cockroaches - you have to think like a cockroach.

Due to the resilient nature of cockroaches, there are several considerations that will influence the success of cockroach management. Understanding the habits of the target cockroach is imperative to successfully controlling a cockroach infestation. Cockroaches are nocturnal omnivores that exhibit thigmotactic and gregarious behavior - they like the feeling of being surrounded by contacting surfaces and congregate together. They will be hidden deep in cracks and crevices where they will need to be flushed away from during treatment. They frequently indulge in grooming themselves, which can be exploited in their control. 

A combination of chemical and non-chemical methods provides the most efficient and effective control of cockroaches. A high standard of sanitation and hygiene is relied on, which will reduce the food, water and shelter that facilitate population growth. 

Cockroaches of common occurrence

• German cockroach (Blattella germanica) - Family Ectobiidae 
• American cockroach (Perripaneta americana) - Family Blattidae 
• Smokybrown cockroach (Peripnaeta fuliginosa) - Family Blattidae 
• Australian cockroach (Periplaneta australiasiae) - Family Blattidae 
• Brownbanded cockroach (Supella longipalpa) - Family Ectobiidae 
• Oriental cockroach (Blatta orientalis) - Family Blattidae 

Preventing cockroaches from entering your home

As cockroaches living in and around buildings require food, water and shelter, reducing the availability of resources is likely to lead to reductions in population size, the following practices will make buildings less suited to infestations: 

• Attend to any food or liquid spills immediately and clean them up thoroughly. 
• Avoid leaving dishes and utensils unwashed overnight. 
• Avoid leaving pet's feeding bowls unwashed.
• Where possible, clean-up dinning and entertaining areas, shortly following any activity involving food or beverages, so that food contaminated surfaces are not available overnight. 
• Reduce water availability. Empty any unnecessary containers with water, attend to any accumulations of water from cleaning activities and repair any leaky taps or pipes.
• Store opened food items in air-tight containers. 
• Where possible, use garbage bins with lids and regularly empty them into your outside bin. 
• Where feasible, fill and seal all cracks and crevices that may harbor cockroaches. Block off any entry points through floors or walls to lessen the possibility or reinfestation or harborage. 
• Carry out reasonably regular clean-up of the build-up of waste and spilt food material around stoves and vents.
• Regularly vacuum or wipe down shelves and cupboards to reduce the build-up of food particles in cracks and crevices. 
• Keep organic material away from the foundation of your home. Remove rotting leaves from your gardens and gutters. 
• Remove any firewood stacked close to your home or on porches or patios. 
• Dehumidify and moist areas of your home. 

While these are good preventative measures, a cockroach infestation is almost impossible to control without a professional who is equipped with appropriate products, tools and knowledge. 

When to seek professional assistance for cockroach control

We're all brave until we realise the cockroach has wings. 

If you notice a lone cockroach every once in a while you are probably okay. If you notice more than one in a short period is time then it would be worth seeking a professional inspection, to assess the situation. 

If you see a cockroach that you suspect to be a German cockroach, our advice is to seek professional assistance immediately as they are the most prolific breeder of all the pest cockroaches and thus the most challenging cockroach to control. 

Eviktus' approach to addressing a cockroach situation

1. Conduct a thorough inspection to identify the species of cockroach and assess the extent of the infestation. This will inform our treatment methods. 
2. Provide an immediate report on the severity of the infestation and advise on suitable treatment options.
3. Develop a treatment strategy tailored to your unique home and situation. 
4. Implement the treatment strategy to provide you with efficient and effective relief from the cockroaches.
5. Deliver a comprehensive report in accordance with applicable Federal and State and Territory legislative requirements. 
6. Follow up with any recommended routine services that you may choose to receive from Eviktus.

If you have any questions or would like further information related to this content, please don't hesitate to reach out and a friendly Eviktus representative will be happy to assist you.