Disinfestations - Arthropod Control - Cockroaches
Biology
Most species live in the ground. They are cryptic, active during the night, and hide during the day. They prefer increased humidity and live in groups in suitable shelters close to food sources. The species found in buildings hide during the day in damp and dark places, such as cracks and crevices, for example between bricks, behind detached tiles, under old wallpapers, behind pictures, between furniture and walls, in drainage pipes, etc.
They are omnivorous species, but as a rule they are not predators. They are hemimetabolous insects, meaning they have three developmental stages: egg – nymph, with 5–13 instars – adult.
They feed on starch, sugary products, keratin, paper, and dead and living organic matter. They are dorsoventrally flattened, and their head is hidden by the pronotum, which is why they can pass through very small openings and cracks.
More than 4,000 species are known worldwide. In Greece, the species of public health importance that mainly concern us are three, with one additional species becoming a concern in recent years.
Public Health Importance
They are an unpleasant sight and cause phobias in modern people. Cockroaches are known carriers of pathogenic microorganisms that can cause infectious diseases, such as salmonellosis. They have been found to carry a large number of bacteria and fungi, while they are also associated with the transmission of viral infections with serious effects on humans.
They can contaminate food with pathogenic microorganisms through their molts, the infestations they cause, and their droppings. Very often, they are responsible for respiratory problems, such as asthma and shortness of breath, as well as dermatitis, itching, etc.
Treatment
In cockroach control, cleanliness and hygiene are important deterrent factors; however, cockroaches may appear even in the cleanest areas, whether professional or residential. From the moment you see cockroaches, it is most likely that there are others that are not visible, which means that proper cockroach control must be carried out. You should know that cockroaches are mainly active at night.
Indications of a problem include the detection of
Droppings and stains
Live cockroaches
Dead cockroaches, empty egg cases, and, more rarely, the presence of molts, etc.
Great care is required both in the prevention and in the control of cockroaches. By using the appropriate products, our company’s technicians can deal with all types of cockroaches in both outdoor and indoor areas. After an on-site inspection by specialists and the use of pheromone traps, a decision is made regarding the method or combination of methods to be applied.
Applications for Cockroach Control
Although cockroach control methods may be based on products whose use is safe for the urban and peri-urban environment, such as residual sprays, gel, placement of traps with special attractants, etc., their use must always be integrated and combine preventive actions, protection of the premises, and application of the appropriate products.
Main Species
Blattella Germanica
It is the most common species and the most difficult to control. Adult length reaches 13–16 mm. They have two almost parallel stripes on the pronotum, the dorsal section. It is the cockroach species with the highest egg-laying potential. It lives for several months, often exceeding twelve (12) months.
The female carries the eggs in sacs, known as oothecae, which contain thirty (30) to forty (40) eggs. Reproduction takes place throughout the year, but is particularly favored by a humid and warm environment. They produce 3–4 generations per year.
They are found in areas with human activity. Infestations often occur in food processing areas and food warehouses, as well as in homes, especially in kitchens and bathrooms. Their eggs can be transported inside food boxes, cardboard boxes, machinery and appliances, or materials that have been brought into buildings from unclean areas.
Blatta orientalis (Oriental Cockroach)
Adults are approximately 25 mm in size and range in color from glossy black to reddish brown. The female can live up to 2 years and deposits up to 18 oothecae during her lifetime.
Each ootheca contains around 10 eggs. The incubation period is 1 to 2 months, and the development period, up to the adult stage, is 12 months.
This species is found under household waste, stones, leaves, etc.
In buildings, it appears in basements, air ducts, and drainage systems. It can climb through water supply and drainage pipes to the upper floors of multi-story buildings. It prefers starchy foods as a food source. It migrates by walking.
Periplaneta americana (American Cockroach)
Adults are 34–53 mm in size and reddish-brown in color. Females deposit the ootheca 4 days after its formation in a protected area with high humidity. The biological cycle is similar to that of the previous species.
This species is found in homes, commercial buildings, restaurants, bakeries, areas with fruit and vegetables, hospitals, etc. During the day, it prefers to remain in places such as building basements, sewers, manholes, and other warm, dark, and humid locations.
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