Cockroaches/roaches are the most common pest we find around us. Cockroaches belong to Blattodea order. There are mostly 7 well known species.
- German
- American
- Asian
- Oriental
- Tropical
- Carboniferous Archimylacris (extinct)
- Permian Apthoroblattina (extinct)
Only 30 species of cockroaches can infest urban life. Cockroaches are generally omnivores except Cryptocercus which feed on wood. Cryptocercus cannot digest cellulose, they have a symbiotic relationship with a protozoan that digests the cellulose, allowing them to extract the nutrients. This makes Cryptocercus similar to termites. Some species are in close association with human life and widely found around trashes or in the kitchen.
Cockroaches have incomplete metamorphosis. Most species of cockroaches lay eggs in an ootheca (egg case) that is either deposited on or under suitable substrate, or carried attached to the genital region. The egg stage lasts from a few weeks to a few months. The young are active from hatching and resemble the adults but are usually lighter in color and lack wings. The young cockroaches develop through a number of nymphal instars, which may range from 2 to 12 depending on the species and may take from a month or so up to 12 months to reach maturity. Some species may live for several years.
Entry Points/ Hiding Spots Of Cockroaches In A Premise
Cockroaches can hide in any corner. Generally they prefer dark isolated corners during daytime and as soon as it gets dark cockroaches come out of their hide outs. You can spot them under the sink, cracks in a wall, garbage cans, under the stove, Sewer lines and any dump area where they are comfortable.
Damages Done By Cockroaches
Cockroaches as we know love to remain in dark, dump and dirty areas, they carry many harmful bacteria and germs along with them. Cockroaches feed on the food left outs spilled on the ground, kitchen slab, etc. They can even contaminate uncovered foods, vegetables, fruits, etc. Cockroach litters are also harmful. Cockroaches sometimes lay their eggs on the clothes we wear which can cause many allergies and skin disorder.
Control & Prevention Tips
We can prevent cockroaches from entering our premise by following some tips.
1. Always keep your surrounding clean.
2. Wipe off food remains spilled on the ground, kitchen slabs, dining tables, etc.
3. Keep your toilets and bathrooms clean. Treat them with germicides.
4. Spraying around the corners of premise can give you temporary effect.
5. Dispose any old garbage, clothes and other waste materials.
6. Wash all fruits and vegetables as they may carry eggs of cockroaches and other pest.
7. Go for a well maintained pest control service for long run maintenance.