Cockroaches

Repulsive Roaches!

Cockroaches. The word alone is enough to make your skin crawl.

They run up walls and across floors and countertops. They contaminate our food with their droppings and are associated with the spread of disease.

Cockroaches have roamed the earth for millions of years—long before the birth of man. Experts speculate that when human beings face extinction at some fateful juncture in the future, the cockroach will continue to thrive—even after a nuclear blast.

There are about 50 species of cockroaches, five of which infest households. The first stage in their life cycle is the egg, usually found in clusters of 10–20, each surrounded by a protective case roughly the size and shape of a bean. The female may carry this case until the eggs are about to hatch, or she may hide it in a safe place by “gluing” it to the underside of a crate, refrigerator, box, kitchen cupboard or countertop. Once the eggs hatch, the roach is classified as a “nymph”—a smaller version of the adult that eats the same food. Nymphs eventually mature into adult cockroaches, which are prolific breeders.

Roaches require food, shelter and water to survive. They choose to live in warm, moist areas, with a ready supply of food. Long associated with filth, they will enthusiastically infest areas where food crumbs, lemonade bottles or cans, dog or cat food, and other foodstuffs are allowed to accumulate. They are most active at night, and you’ll spot them running for cover when you turn on a light. If you happen to spot cockroaches during the day, odds are you’re dealing with a heavy infestation.

Cockroaches contaminate our food by crawling through it and leaving small, telltale black droppings. Associated with bacteria that cause food poisoning, they also seem to be a leading cause of allergies (second only to dust), as well as asthma in children, according to recent research.

Infestations generally begin when eggs attached to paper grocery bags, cardboard boxes or laundry baskets are carried into the house. Once an infestation begins, it can be very difficult to control. Adults and nymphs can be effectively killed with insecticides, but repeat applications are required in 30 days to destroy nymphs that hatch from eggs deposited pre-extermination.

While there are a number of roach sprays and traps available to consumers, complete eradication usually requires the services of a pest-control professional, who can uncover roaches’ hiding places and ensure insecticide coverage of the entire home or feed premises.

Once the pest-control specialist eliminates your roach population, you must practice prevention to avoid future infestations:

• Inspect all containers before they enter the home. Look for attached eggs or egg cases.
• Remove open food sources. Don’t let dishes pile up in the sink. Keep foods like cereals and grains in tightly sealed plastic containers.
• Make sure your home stays clean. Wash tables and countertops immediately after use to prevent food particles from accumulating.
• Promptly dispose of rubbish. Remove kitchen bags to outside bins as soon as possible.
• Repair leaky plumbing.
• Remove water from drain pans under refrigerators and other appliances.
• Prevent the establishment of potential nesting and breeding areas. These include accumulations of newspapers, magazines and cardboard boxes.
• Maintain high levels of sanitation in each area of the home, including the garage.

Comments

[Pest Exterminator]

Thank you so much for the info!But one more thing you can do is to sprinkle boric acid!