Cockroaches

While cockroaches are one of the more common pest problems we get called to, they can also be one of the most difficult. Infestations are hard to get rid of because the insects hide in a host of different areas, they breed quite quickly, have a very high reproductive potential and can develop resistance to pesticides.

Cockroaches often can infest food with Salmonella bacteria, so it’s not safe to ignore a Cockroach infestation. Exposure to cockroach feces and the body parts of dead Cockroaches over time can even trigger health problems such as allergies and asthma.People are quick to blame a cockroach problem on poor cleanliness around the house. While mopping, cleaning & getting rid of food scraps can help prevent a Cockroach infestation, they may get inside for other reasons. These pests can hitch a ride on food products brought inside from stores, get indoors via cracks and gaps in the home’s exterior, enter through drains or even fly in through an open window or door.

The length of time it takes to eradicate a Cockroach infestation in your home largely depends of the species. German Cockroach infestations can take up to 4 weeks to completely gain control, while other species such as Australian, Brown banded, Smokey brown etc usually take no more than a week or so.

In Commercial settings such as restaurants, bars, hotels & other types of food & hospitality venues Cockroach infestations are generally ongoing. These types of premises will need an ongoing Pest management program that is done regularly to ensure the property is kept pest free.

Female cockroaches produce egg cases, known as oothecae. Oothecae contain many eggs and are enveloped by a protein substance that gradually hardens into a strong, protective casing. Some cockroach species drop the egg case, while other species carry it until the eggs are ready to hatch.

Nymphs

Cockroach eggs hatch when the pressure of the hatchlings within becomes too much. Upon emerging from the egg case, or ootheca, this immature form of cockroach is known as a nymph or a baby cockroach. Nymphs are bright white in color initially, some can be a little darker. They enlarge and will harden and darken within hours.

Cockroach nymphs are grayish-brown in color and darken as they progress onto the next nymph stage. The nymphal development to adult ranges in length from months to over a year.

Adult

Once the nymph stage is complete, the Cockroach is now fully matured. Adults of many species can be distinguished from nymphs by their larger size and the presence of wings. However, a few species of cockroach, like the Madagascar hissing cockroach, lack wings even as adults.