Cockroach pest control in Adelaide
As resilient survivors that have roamed the Earth since the days of the dinosaurs and with their incredible ability to adapt, successful cockroach pest control for the home or business can be a challenging task. These pests have developed a reputation for being challenging to eradicate with DIY cockroach pest control solutions offering only short-term benefits. This is why, for a holistic approach, it is best to call professional pest control experts.
Cockroaches are a highly successful group of insects whose origins extend back at least 300 million years. They breed rapidly and are highly resilient, transmitting bacteria and infecting food items where food is prepared and consumed, which increases the risk of salmonella, staphylococcus, and streptococcus. A cockroach infestation also creates a nasty odour that permeates through the area, but the risk can be reduced by not leaving waste or uncovered food in the kitchen area and minimising moisture from untidy floors.
Cockroaches can carry microorganisms inside their gut. Tiny parasites, like giardia, can cause illness in the intestinal tract of humans when food soiled by cockroach faeces is consumed, or when foods are prepared on surfaces that have been contaminated by cockroach faeces.
Since cockroaches use air conditioning ducts as a way of navigating through man-made structures, they can also create airborne contaminants. When they leave their feces, body parts, and saliva in air ducts, it can exacerbate respiratory issues for everyone living in the home.
Allergies can also be an issue for some people. Skin contact with cockroaches leads to an allergic response that results in a rash. Multiple rashes can break out in a single night if a curious cockroach finds its way into bed with someone who has such an allergy.
However, as part of a healthy outdoor ecosystem, cockroaches are an important part of an ecological cycle, since they consume dead plant and animal matter and are then eaten by animals and other insects.
Signs that you may have a cockroach infestation include seeing multiple cockroaches (especially during the day), the appearance of cockroach egg cases in the area, and a musty odour. This distinct odour is caused by the chemicals cockroaches secrete when communicating with one another.
Several species of cockroaches are commonly found in homes and properties in South Australia, including the German cockroach, Oriental cockroach, American cockroach, and Smoky brown cockroach. Each species has its own unique behaviours and characteristics, which can affect how they are treated and eradicated from a home. Only after a professional cockroach pest inspection will you know if you’re dealing with a cockroach problem or a cockroach infestation.
German Cockroach
The German cockroach, introduced locally from Africa, is one of the most common species found in homes. Adults are light amber brown with a body length of 12-15mm. They are known for their rapid reproduction rate of up to six generations. They will eat anything that humans do plus, they will also eat wallpaper, curtains, leather, and any other organic material! They are always found indoors and tend to stay where food and water are freely available, such as kitchens, pantries, and bathrooms. It’s because of this behaviour that these are the areas where we start our cockroach pest inspections. German cockroaches cannot fly and carry their egg capsules until maturity, unlike the other pest species. When treated with over-the-counter products they will detach their egg capsule so you may think you have eliminated the issue but find that the cockroach infestation is still a problem.
Oriental Cockroach
Oriental cockroaches are larger and darker in colour than German cockroaches and can grow up to 25mm. Generally, oriental cockroaches are an outdoor species but when they do venture inside, they prefer damp, dark areas such as cellars and crawl spaces. Oriental cockroaches can bite so if the thought of a cockroach biting you in the middle of the night while you are sleeping is enough to give you nightmares, professional cockroach pest control treatment for your home will help you sleep easy.
American Cockroach
The American cockroach is the largest species of cockroach found in and around Adelaide and South Australian homes. Growing up to 40mm they are reddish-brown in colour and are often found in and around the garden, in drains, and crawl spaces. American cockroaches are attracted to food sources and therefore increase the risk of transmitting bacteria in the kitchen. As they are one of the biggest and most robust species we encounter, they can be the most difficult to eliminate with over-the-counter sprays. This is why it is highly recommended to get a thorough and professional cockroach pest control treatment.
Smokybrown Cockroach
Smokybrown cockroaches are dark brown and are commonly found in outdoor areas such as gardens and mulch piles. They can also infest homes, particularly in humid climates, but generally prefer to be outdoors surrounding the property. To eliminate smokybrown cockroaches from the home completely, it is necessary to conduct a professional cockroach pest treatment to reduce moisture levels, remove clutter and leaf litter from around the edges the home, and seal up any entry points.
How Greens can help with cockroach control in Adelaide
Our pest technicians will conduct a thorough cockroach pest inspection and make hygiene recommendations to help avoid the return of cockroaches. We undertake a cockroach pest control treatment around cracks and crevices and will spray for heavy infestations. Our cockroach pest control treatments also utilise a special gel that we apply to cupboard door hinges as well as in and around crevices. These treatments target known cockroach areas with a focus on the kitchen, and in places such as under the sinks, around the dishwasher, pantry areas and behind the fridge and microwave.
Greens Environmental Pest Control may not have 300 million years of evolution behind us, but we do have 40+ years in the industry of successful cockroach extermination in Adelaide and SA.
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