Cockroaches

Cockroaches present one of the most significant public health risks, carrying diseases such as dysentery, gastroenteritis, diarrhea, typhoid, poliomyelitis and salmonella.
They are most commonly found in commercial premises in which food is produced or handled, such as restaurants and catering establishments. However, they are not uncommon in domestic situations where they live in kitchens and drains.
Cockroaches are nocturnal creatures, which spend the daytime hours hiding in cracks and crevices around sources of food and water such as cookers and sinks.
Complex pipework systems and underground ducts in larger buildings can make their control all the more difficult. Food contamination occurs when the cockroach moves from refuse to food preparation areas.
Cockroaches will eat practically anything from human food to leather, wallpaper and even other cockroaches.

Signs of Cockroach Infestation

Cockroaches are nocturnal insects. They prefer to live and feed in the dark, so a cockroach seen during the day is a possible sign of infestation. Cockroaches tend to prefer dark, moist places to hide and breed and can be found behind refrigerators, sinks and stoves, as well as under floor drains and inside of motors and major appliances. Because they can flatten their bodies to fit into narrow areas, cockroaches may also be found hiding beneath rubber mats, behind wallpaper and within wall cracks.

Cockroach feces will be visible during an infestation. Small roaches produce feces that resemble coffee grounds or black pepper, while larger roaches expel cylindrical droppings. The quantity of visible feces is oftentimes a good indicator of the level or duration of infestation.

Some species emit unpleasant smells. In the event of serious infestation, a strong oily or musty odor may be present. The bodies of dead cockroaches can also be found throughout the house. Oval-shaped egg cases, known as oothecae, are sometimes visible behind furniture and in other hidden locations, such as the spaces between books.

If you believe that you have identified a cockroach infestation within your home, contact Kill a Bug to discuss inspection and extermination options.