Cockroaches
As people move –in and –out of their homes, it can cause stress for the neighbors that are left behind to deal with an infestation of cockroaches looking for a new food source. Arm yourself with some education about how and why and learn the best treatment methods.
Cockroaches- what are they and how long do they live?
Cockroaches are medium-sized to large insects with long legs, flat bodies and the head bent downward and backwards. The legs are well developed, long and slender, and are fitted for running. Mouthparts are adapted for chewing. Cockroaches include the Oriental cockroach, the American cockroach, and the most common roach infesting Kansashomes, the German cockroach.
The female cockroach produces an egg capsule containing two rows of eggs. Nymphs hatch out of the egg capsules to begin their life. After several molts, or shedding of their outer casing, the nymphs will be fully formed adults. The amount of eggs, capsules and nymphal stages vary from species to species.
I have cockroaches – can I treat it myself?
Once infested, it can be difficult to get rid of cockroaches. There are many do-it-yourself cockroach treatment products on the market that can be used by consumers. The consumer products include versions of the insecticides commonly used by professionals. But most consumers lack the equipment, knowledge, experience and technique to use the insecticides with great effectiveness. Also, if these products are not used correctly, it can cause harm to both people and pets.
I’ve hired a professional, now what?
Hiring a professional that knows cockroaches and the best way to treat them is the most effective way to get cockroaches under control. The pest control company should set a date and time for your treatment. You should be informed that you need to prepare your home for the treatment. Preparations can include:
- Remove all items from kitchen cabinets and drawers and place in the middle of the room, cover with a sheet or blanket. Items include all dishes and food items.
- Remove all items from bathroom vanity and cabinets. Place items in the middle of a room besides the bathroom and cover with a sheet or blanket.
- Clean or wipe out all cabinets and drawers before treatment.
- Remove all items out of closets and place on bed or place in the middle of the room. Cover with sheet or blanket.
- Extinguish all pilot lights for oven, furnace, hot water heater, etc.
- Fish tanks need to be covered with a damp towel and the aerator needs to be unplugged.
You should also be notified that all occupants of the house, including pets, need to vacate the premises for approximately 3 hours. Due to the life-cycle of the most common cockroach, any follow-up treatment should be done approximately 10 days after the initial treatment. The pest control company should guarantee treatment for 30 days!
What can I do to prevent cockroaches in the future?
You can follow these cockroach prevention measures to better ensure a cockroach-free home for you and your pets:
- Sanitation efforts will help to eliminate food and moisture available to the cockroach population, thereby stressing the cockroaches, leading to better control results.
- Eliminate cockroach harborages by caulking or by similar structural repairs.
- Discard of cardboard boxes from grocery stores.
- Throw away all bags that come from grocery stores.
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