Cockroach prevention cleaning guide

Cockroaches… they have been around for over 300 million years and at present, there are about 3,500 species. These are fascinating facts but people generally just want to know how to get rid of cockroaches. We’d like to suggest that you also consider how you can prevent these pests from making their home in your workplace and home.

Like all living creatures cockroaches seek harbourage, food and water. If these three factors are secured then they thrive and multiply quickly, producing 600 offspring a year. Because they are nocturnal it is more difficult to pick up an infestation during normal office hours.  If you do notice cockroaches in your workplace during the day there is a high likelihood that you have an infestation, because the more common reason they would be out is because the nest is overcrowded.

Learn more about cockroaches and why they can be harmful to humans.

Prevention is better than cure

Cockroach infestations can be hard to get under control and even after DIY solutions, many call a professional pest control provider.  We recommend that you follow a cleaning regime to minimise the risk of cockroach infestations on your premises.

Cockroach prevention cleaning guide

Limit food sources

• Ensure that your kitchen is cleaned regularly and educate your staff (or household) about best practices like disposing of food scraps in the dustbin.
• It is important to wash dishes regularly to limit attracting cockroaches from the environment including the drain.
• If you don’t have one already, buy a dustbin with a tight-fitting lid to stop cockroaches from feasting on your garbage.
• Check your cleaner’s weekly cleaning schedule to ensure that office desk dustbins are regularly emptied and that floors and desks are regularly cleaned to get rid of crumbs.
• If your business includes the preparation of food and you have grease traps on site, we recommend that you have them cleaned regularly.

Limit water sources

• Check kitchen and bathroom taps for leaks.
• Speak to your daily cleaner about how often waste water from cleaning activities is disposed of and where to ensure stagnant water sources are limited.

Limit harbourage opportunities

• Cockroaches like warm, humid environments.  Ensure that you regularly clean under and behind appliances.
• They will also find the rubbers of your fridges, freezers and other appliances inviting.  If you have a canteen or your business includes the preparation of food, we recommend you consider a regular CaterClean service for your appliances.
• Clean out your kitchen cupboards in regular intervals.  The corner behind the good crockery could be a great harbourage as it is left undisturbed for long periods of time.

Remember, the is never just one.  It is important to take note of any cockroach activity and to ensure that you take steps to eliminate them as quickly as possible to prevent an infestation.  Subscribe to our monthly insights for more information on pest prevention and remember that Rentokil is always a phone call away.