Cockroaches

Health ramifications for your home or business

The cockroach can spread a range of bacteria and disease-producing organisms to humans such as:

• Salmonella
  
• Staphylococcus 
  
• Streptococcus
  
• Polio virus
  

Life cycle of a cockroach

A female cockroach lays between 10 and 40 eggs at a time. On average a female can lay around 30 batches of eggs in her lifetime. Depending on the conditions a cockroach can live for up to 12 months. They are cold blooded and thrive in warm, humid conditions which is why human habitats provide regular infestations

Best tips on treating your house for infestations

• Thoroughly clean the house at least weekly
  
• Particularly pay attention to the kitchen area where food is prepared
  
• Clean regularly underneath the fridge, stove, toaster and other appliances
  
• Empty the kitchen’s bin regularly 
  
• Do not leave pet food or food scraps out in pet bowls
  
• Clean up food spills promptly
  
• Store food in sealed containers
  
• Repair any holes, cracks or gaps in walls, skirting and inside cupboards
  

Common Hiding spots for cockroaches

• Cracks in walls
  
• Confined spaces, such as under the fridge, pantry or underneath magazines or newspapers
  
• Kitchen cupboards
  
• Below sinks
  
• Around hot water systems
  
• In drains and grease traps
  
• Gardens
  

IMPORTANT: It requires a competent pest controller to remove MOST cockroach infestations