Cockroaches are a problem because they contaminate food, utensils and furniture, and can transmit many diseases such as gastroenteritis and dysentery.

Large cockroach infestations are not only visually unsightly, they can often create an unpleasant odor. They tend to prefer warm, humid conditions and feed in garbage bins, kitchen cabinets, drainage areas, and even sewers.

the american cockroach

Many species of cockroaches share similar characteristics. The American cockroach differs in size and is one of the largest in the cockroach family.

An adult American cockroach is usually 40mm long and reddish-brown in color with a rim around the head area. This species is known to fly, particularly in hot climates.

The American cockroach is found primarily in dark, warm, and humid places, such as vacant dwellings, garbage cans, basements, and roofs, away from human activity. It has a preference for decomposing organic waste; however, it can survive for months without food.

It is known that most cockroach species can produce thousands of offspring throughout the year. Female cockroaches can produce up to 50 cases, approximately 8mm by 5mm, each containing 10 to 16 eggs. Egg cartons are glued to items that are frequently transported, for example, cardboard boxes or wooden crates.

Nymphs mature in 6-12 months. After about 10 molts in a year, the cockroach reaches maturity and lives for only one more year.

the german cockroach

The most common of all cockroaches, this species is a small, flat, light brown insect with two dark stripes on the front of its head. German cockroaches will eat almost anything, including accumulated cooking grease. An adult is usually 10–15 mm long, and although equipped with wings, adults appear flightless.

German cockroaches are usually found in warm areas that contain food and moisture, typically the kitchen, pantries, closets, and under sinks or near water heaters, particularly near human activity. If seen during the day, these cockroaches are probably part of a very large local population.

There are many similarities between the biology of the German cockroach and the American cockroach, however, German cockroaches are the most prolific breeders of all cockroach pests, laying eggs containing around 40 eggs. These cases are typically about 8mm long, 3mm high, and 2mm wide. Egg cases are laid up to 4 times a year after the female reaches adulthood in just 40-60 days, usually after 6 molts.

What you can do to limit the infestation:

The key to long-term management of cockroaches is to make the environment less conducive to habitat by reducing the sources of food, water, and shelter available to them. However, it is not easy to find out where the cockroaches have entered your house, since they usually enter through hidden access points. You’ll need a pest control expert to find and treat cockroaches, but you can still limit the infestation by doing the following;

o Remove food waste in and around kitchen areas, especially near refrigerators.

o Store food in tightly closed containers.

o Make sure work surfaces, cracks and crevices are free of food debris.

o Empty the rubbish bins periodically.

o Periodically remove the accumulations of cardboard boxes.

o Steam clean dirty areas.

o Install screens on vents, especially over sewers, to increase airflow.

o Improve drainage in wet areas.

o Caulk or cement grout in roof access cracks and wall voids.

o Eliminate shelters such as rolled up rugs and piles of paper.

o Repair leaks, especially from hot water systems.

o Regularly turn mulch piles.

There are different solutions to control cockroach infestation depending on your problem and its extent. Before undertaking any treatment it is always recommended to obtain the advice of a trained specialist as they will make a thorough assessment of your particular termite problem. However, by following the steps listed above, you should significantly reduce the risk of pest activity in your home or office.