Cockroaches

Cockroaches' Habitat and Behaviour

Cockroaches are among the most disagreeable and loathed of all household insects. They are associated with numerous pathogenic organisms, sources of human allergens and assumptions of poor sanitation. Common household pests are American cockroaches (Periplaneta americana), German cockroaches (Blatella germanica) , and brown-banded cockroaches (Supella longipalpa) . Cockroaches pose a health hazard and transmit diseases such as cholera, diarrhoea, dysentery and gastroenteritis.

What are the tell tales signs of cockroaches?

The common signs of infestation are:

• Strong odour

• Droppings

• Egg capsules (oothecae)

• Damaged packaging, especially of food

• Moulted skins

Can I get rid of cockroaches easily with a spray?

The household aerosol spray is, at best, a temporary solution. It is not equipped to treat “difficult to reach” areas such as sewer runs, rubbish chutes, manholes, inspection pits or deep crevices where cockroaches harbour and breed. Moreover, being an oil-based spray it should not be used on tiled floors, planter areas or near open flames. Engage a credible pest management company for a long-term solution.

Damages

Cockroaches are mechanical vectors that carry various pathogens on their body. They have been found to carry the pathogens that cause tuberculosis, cholera, leprosy, dysentery and typhoid, as well as over 40 other types of bacteria (e.g. Salmonella, Staphylococcus and Streptococcus ) or viruses (including polio). 

Cockroaches contaminate human food with their faecal matter and saliva which also contains the pathogen.

Their shed skin may trigger allergies or asthma in sensitive individuals. 

Additionally, cockroaches are most commonly associated with entomophobia, or insect phobia, which is an excessive or irrational fear of insects. Reactions to a feared insect range from mild annoyance to extreme terror. Patients may even hallucinate or experience sensations of insects crawling under their skin, a condition known as delusional parasitosis, in which individuals incorrectly believe that they are infested with parasites or insects.