Cockroaches

Cockroaches are a common pests in homes and businesses.

Risks to health via contamination of food, equipment, and preparation areas, this occurs via cockroach vomit, defecation and skin shedding on food and equipment.

With rapid breeding numbers if not managed cockroaches can pose a health risk, passing on a range of diseases such as salmonella, streptococcus, staphylococcus and gastroenteritis – bacteria surviving for many months in the cockroaches digestive system and passed on through its droppings.

Less Pests Australia will inspect the site internal and external areas to assess the activity and environment to be treated and will select the most appropriate program to apply. Treatment will be undertaken in all areas identified in the visual inspection such as; food preparation and storage areas, door frames, cupboards, seals, under counters, windows, gutters, drains, walls, bins, sheds and garden beds.

To assist in gaining management over cockroach problems the following things should be done:

Eliminate Harborage Areas.

Cockroaches have a tendency to hide in small tight spaces, preferably between surfaces that will keep them warm, for example cardboard corrugations, plastics, conduit and electrical equipment.

To assist in limiting harbourage areas the following needs to be done:

• Seal all gaps, cracks and crevices.
• Any broken tiles or gaps between or behind equipment or fittings needs to be repaired.
• Stored goods and stock should be stacked on shelving up off the floor and away from walls to allow air to flow around them. (cockroaches don’t like drafty areas).
• Dispose of unused cardboard and plastics.
• Use sealed containers.
• Ensure garden and lawn areas are well maintained keep mulch near buildings to a minimum.
• Inspect all incoming goods to ensure that pests are not introduced.

Remove Food and Water Sources

To remove food sources the following recommendations are essential.

• Frequent thorough cleaning (deep clean) of floors to remove all food and greasy residues.
• Seal all foods in air tight containers.
• Ensure that all containers, rubbish bins, appliances such as toasters, microwaves, ovens, stoves, fridges and dishwashers are kept clean and free of food particles and residue. It is imperative that the areas underneath behind and around these appliances should be kept free of food particles and residue.
• Remove rubbish daily (also wash out rubbish bins) and ensure that areas around outdoor rubbish storage areas are clean and free of debris.
• Rubbish bin lids are to always be kept closed to prevent access by pests.