COCKROACH

MEET THE PEST

Cockroaches have been an insect pest for about four million years. The German cockroach is the most prevalent species in the Atlantic Provinces. It is one of the smallest but most troublesome. This cockroach is 9/16 inch (14 mm) long, light brown and has darker stripes extending across the back.

Cockroaches will inhabit any area where food, water and shelter are available. They are attracted to buildings because of the warm, damp conditions offered by kitchens, bathrooms, basements and plumbing areas. Their presence does not necessarily mean unsanitary conditions exist. They can be introduced into a building in various objects including used furniture, food items, empty beer and soft-drink bottles and shipping cartons. Once inside a building they can travel throughout quite easily. Because cockroaches are most active at night, they may go unnoticed for some time.

Cockroaches are attracted to food sources which contain starches, sugars and protein but will eat anything when hungry. Food sources not only include garbage and stored food, but also include book bindings, glue, paper, plants and dead animals.

Cockroaches rarely cause household damage, however, they can contaminate food, spread disease and are hated by people. Cockroaches contaminate food and spread disease (salmonella, dysentery) by walking over and excreting on food, or food preparation areas, after having travelled through garbage and/or sewers.

LIFE CYCLE

The life cycle of the German cockroach consists of an egg, nymph and adult stage. The female produces an egg case and carries it for about four weeks. The brown, purse-shaped capsule which contains 30 eggs is dropped in a protected area. In about three weeks, the nymphs emerge and experience several growth stages before becoming an adult. The nymph stage could take up to three months before completion. Nymphs are similar to adults but smaller and white in colour.

CONTROL

Physical

The best approach to preventing any pest infestation is to eliminate favourable conditions. Preventing access to food, water, shelter and maintaining a clean home are important steps to achieve this. However, this will not guarantee exclusion, but it will help minimize the possibility of an infestation. Reduce excess moisture in plumbing areas by insulating pipes and fixing leaks. If you suspect a piece of furniture is infested, have it steam cleaned. Reducing the temperature may help lower cockroach activity and limit reproduction since they thrive in moist, warm conditions.

Other options are available. Seal all cracks, crevices and pipe openings to prevent cockroach hiding places. Place barriers around entrance points. Put a fine mesh screen over cracks and crevices, vents, open pipes and drains to reduce their access to your home. Store garbage in metal or heavy plastic containers and remove regularly. Store food in heavy plastic containers or glass jars. Regular vacuuming will remove food sources, cockroaches and egg cases.

Cockroach traps can be bought or easily built. Build one by spreading petroleum jelly on the interior of a small jar and sticking masking tape on the outside for grip purposes. Place a small piece of bread or other food item inside the jar. Once a cockroach crawls in, it will not be able to crawl out. Cockroaches that have been caught can be killed by dumping them into a bucket of soapy water. Commercial traps come in a rectangular or triangular shape and contain a layer of glue on the inside.

BIOLOGICAL

There are natural enemies of cockroaches, however, these controls would not be as effective in our geographic location. In their natural environment, rodents, ants, nematodes and parasitic wasps prey on cockroaches.

CHEMICAL

If physical and biological control measures are not effective, use a pesticide which will have a minimal impact on both you and the environment. Boric acid dust is one example of a pesticide to use against cockroaches. It may take a week before reduction of the population is seen, however, boric acid is effective. Diatomaceous earth and silica aerogel are some other insecticidal dust options. Both act as an abrasive to cut the outer layer of the cockroach's body causing it to dehydrate and then die. Another option is to use a hydramethylon bait station which contains a stomach poison.

If the above measures are not effective, consult with an expert at a garden center for additional pesticides available. Before using pesticides, consult the Backyard Bug Brigade Brochure which contains information on safe pest control.

Always use a registered domestic class pest control product labelled for cockroach control and carefully follow the label directions.