Cockroach Pest Control

Sometimes confused with black beetles from the garden, cockroaches are distinguished by their very long whip-like antennae, flat oval bodies and rapid, jerky gait.

Cockroach Facts & Figures

  • Cockroaches can go for many days between meals although males feed most days
  • Females spend 75% of their lives not eating and can survive for nearly 5 days without food
  • Cockroaches have a life cycle of approximately 100 days
  • Females lay between 12 - 50 eggs depending on its species
  • Predominately nocturnal they gain access using small cracks and crevices
  • They do need access to moisture to survive although they will eat almost anything
  • Defecate and regurgitate onto surfaces

Cockroaches Cause Disease

Cockroaches look for food and water, moving from drains and sewers into homes and buildings where they contaminate anything they come into contact with including food, utensils, and preparation surfaces, leaving faeces along the way. Since cockroaches are known to carry the organisms which cause food poisoning, this poses a direct health risk to humans through spreading salmonella, staphylococcus, streptococcus and other bacteria, which is why professional cockroach pest control is necessary.

Business Premises Cockroach Pest Control

Even though all businesses are in danger from cockroaches, companies that are highly regulated and handle food and drink might face an increased risk from exposure to cockroaches.

Clients and customers spotting evidence of a cockroach infestation in your premises, can damage the reputation of your business through complaints and negative reviews. Businesses found to have a cockroach pest control problem could also face fines, with repeat issues at risk of facing legal action. Environmental Health Officers can issue enforcement notices to company owners for businesses that don't have sufficient cockroach pest control management procedures in place.

Cockroach Ideal Habitats

Cockroaches will be usually be found in inaccessible nooks and crannies, close to water and food, they cannot survive for more than a few days without water but can survive for several months without food and feed on almost anything, including faecal matter, rubbish and even other cockroaches.

Dark spaces to hide such as kitchens, bathrooms, utility rooms and boiler rooms of large, centrally heated buildings are ideal cockroach environments due to appliances that have warm motors, such as ovens or fridges. They also like the back of dishwashers, cabinets, behind sinks, baths, toilets and washing machines - anywhere that’s dark and sheltered.

Spot & Prevent Cockroaches

Cockroaches are nocturnal so it's unlikely you'll see them during the day, however, other signs of their presence and an infestation will require professional cockroach pest control:

  • Droppings
  • Egg cases
  • Shed skins
  • An unpleasant smell in your property
  • Damage to food, packaging, leather items, clothing or books

Carrying out the following in your home, property or business could help prevent the need for professional cockroach pest control. Keep food preparation areas clean and tidy - clean all surfaces to remove any food spills and sweep up any discarded food debris and crumbs. Store food in sealed containers and clear up any pet food promptly. Try not to leave liquids, dirty dishes and utensils in the sink, keep bins covered, clean, and emptied regularly and rinse out any cans, bottles or plastics before placing in recycling bins. Seal any potential entry points such as cracks in walls and gaps in doors or windows and where any utility lines enter. Repair any leaks beneath sinks and on the sink top, cutting off a potential water source. De-clutter areas to reduce the places cockroaches have to hide such as stacks of newspapers and magazines or cardboard boxes being stored on the floor of cupboards.

Professional Cockroach Pest Control

Because of the difficulty in getting the pesticides to the insect, control of cockroaches is rarely easy. Cockroaches are hard-wired to survive since they're adaptable, highly mobile and their life cycle makes cockroach pest control a difficult task for an untrained property owner. The cockroaches hide in many different areas, breed quickly and may develop resistance to pesticides.

However, our professional approach to cockroach pest control services provides discreet and effective solutions to solve any infestation quickly, efficiently and with as little disruption to your business, home or property as possible. We'll carry out a detailed inspection of your property to assess the degree of the problem and recommend the best course of action for the cockroach pest control treatment. AJ Pest Control will also provide recommendations and advice for preventing cockroaches and the need for professional cockroach pest control management in the future.