Cockroaches

Cockroaches

The Australian & American Cockroaches are what you would normally refer to as the large cockroach that you may find in or around your house. This cockroach will grow to (40-60mm), about 4-5 times larger than the smaller German cockroach.

These cockroaches will gain entry to the house and walk to where they feel comfortable before cleaning their feet. This is when chemical is ingested, and the cockroach begins to die, as it will have already become contaminated from the residual chemical around the skirting boards and kick plates. Roaches like to travel on one surface while touching another surface which makes the skirting boards the ideal space for the chemical zone.

A cockroach WILL NOT walk onto the chemical and automatically jump on to its back and start dying, as seen in some commercials. Understand these commercials are designed for effect and special effects are employed. Simply electrifying the surface will entice a cockroach to flip on to its back.

Be sure to choose a reliable, reputable and professional company that is insured and licenced to complete treatments to your family’s home. Below is a copy of what is put forward at one of the regular tool box meetings Dunrite has with all technicians at some time or another, especially newer technicians as they come on board.

1. The first priority of any pest control treatment is to know what the problem is. This requires talking to the client to gauge the extent of their particular concerns. To gauge the extent of the infestation of the particular pest in question and the amount of chemical, and the type of chemical required to eradicate the problem.
2. A Good technician must be aware of the fact that, although some chemicals are labelled for control of various pests, they do not always have the same effect on different pests, and in some cases, are not as suitable as their manufactures like to make out. This is because the chemical is a ‘broad spectrum’ chemical. Only trials and observation will show you which chemical is best for a certain situation.
3. With Australian/American cockroaches, the most common areas of infestation are below the sink cupboards, bath cavities, wall cavities, fridges, dishwashers and washing machines, below concrete slabs (skillion areas, carports etc) and at times in brick veneer cavities near kitchens and bathrooms and in the roof voids.
4. An inspection will point out possible entry/access areas and the main aim of the treatment is to gain access to these areas by any means possible (any means acceptable to the client). Below sinks are usually easy by lifting the cover plate on the sink down pipes, but if this is not possible with heavy infestation, drilling small holes (3-5mm) in kick board shadow line and bath sides out of sight of normal observation to inject Coopex dust or aerosol flushing agent is a good option to eliminate the favoured breeding areas.
5. Inspect outside for piping through walls where the slightest gap can be susceptible to infestation, and treat accordingly. Look at slabs on ground for gaps in concrete or raised areas where concrete meets the soil, they will usually be there. Treat accordingly using either puffer, or with a large gap(s)/cracks, dust blower.
6. These species can be found in ceiling cavities, not to any great extent, preferring more secure enclosed areas as pointed out above, but ¼ (approx. 50grms) of a container of pyrethrin dust through the blower is usually sufficient to achieve total knockdown.
7. Remember these are the main areas, but not the only areas. Inspect around buildings for possible hiding (dark) areas, garden sheds with accumulated goods (junk) stored inside, and again, when the shed is on a concrete slab there is the possibility of infestation below the slab. Other areas such as subfloor or bar areas outside, there are usually cracks/crevices in the soil or gaps between the wall and external concrete which is ideal for infestation by these species. A quick blast with the dust blower, aerosol or rega will clean these places out.

German cockroaches are generally brought in with packaging and find a home close to food and water. The habitat most preferred will be a small closed in space, as German roaches like to be touched on all sides where possible. When the German roach dies, the mature will drop an egg casing. The egg casing will hold anywhere between 20-40 babies. These babies will hatch in approximately 3 weeks. The babies shed their shell 7 times as they grow to full maturity. The first shed is aprox 3 weeks after hatching. Dunrite use a growth regulator when treating German roaches which will stop the babies from shedding, resulting in their demise.

A treatment for German roaches can take up to 6 weeks to effectively work due to the life cycle, egg casing and the shedding habits. You should expect many babies at 3 weeks after treatment. It is best not to mop the floor with any treatment for at least 3 weeks to get the best results.