[Update] How to get rid of cockroaches

This blog looks at the signs of a cockroach problem, and some tips for getting rid of this pest.

Cockroaches have been the bane of business owners for centuries. As masters of their craft, they excel at sending shivers down your customers’ spines and are one of the hardest pests to get rid of.

Most business owners and pest control companies struggle to get rid of this little critter as they can survive under the harshest conditions. You can read all about that in one of our blog: How to prevent a cockroach infestation: Home and business. Furthermore, their reproductive capabilities make it challenging to rid yourself of them completely -“if you cut one head off, two more will take its place”.

Why do you need business pest control?

The presence of cockroaches in your business can pose a serious health risk to your employees and customers. Cockroaches are known to carry a large number of serious diseases such as dysentery, typhoid, poliomyelitis, and gastroenteritis – to name but a few.

Many substances on which cockroaches feed are already contaminated. They feed on just about anything: from fermenting products to faeces and rotting food (with that bit of information imagine finding a cockroach scurrying around in front of your customers!)

It has been established that the presence of cockroaches in your business may induce asthma in certain people. Read our blog 10 facts about cockroaches you really should know! Additionally, cockroach faeces may cause eczema and an allergic reaction in some people. It’s important for the health of your employees and customers to quickly respond to any sign of cockroaches on your premises.

We offer some top tips on controlling these pests below

5 tips on how to get rid of cockroaches:

1. The first step is to find out whether you indeed have a cockroach problem. Look out for signs of a cockroach infestation such as droppings, cast skins and egg cases, coupled with an unpleasant odour in dark, undisturbed areas like cupboards, kitchenettes, or under refrigerators.
2. Find out where cockroaches are coming from. Cockroaches are nocturnal, meaning that they are active during the night time in search of food. Your pest control technician will need to do a little sleuthing to find the source of your cockroach infestation. Generally, cockroaches hide in cracks and crevices around your premises. They enter through drains or vents, preferring warm, humid areas such as kitchens as their prime infestation spot.
3. Sealing cracks, skirting boards and any other entry points cockroaches use to gain access will assist in getting rid of cockroaches and will help prevent cockroaches from entering your business.
4. The most effective way to exercise cockroach control is to prevent them from accessing food and water. Be sure to store food in sealed containers or in sealed plastic bags and clean food debris from under fridges or cookers. Make sure to not leave liquids standing overnight in kitchen sinks or buckets.
5. Clean all food waste and spillages immediately and keep refuse or compost in sealed bins. German Cockroaches tend to favour kitchens and can be attracted to crumbs. Be sure to disinfect kitchen surfaces as cockroaches are attracted to dirt and grime.

Professional cockroach control

These DIY methods should help control cockroaches to a certain degree. However, if the cockroach infestation is left untreated it can quickly escalate and spread to neighbouring properties. DIY methods should help address the immediate cockroach problem, although cockroach infestation will likely re-occur. This is partly due to surviving cockroach eggs hatching after one or two months.

It is important to seek the help of a over that. Using a qualified pest control operator will ensure that the insecticides used are environment-friendly and safe for your employees and customers.

Ensure a pest free business by downloading our Pest Prevention Checklist eBook for your Business. Or why not contact us today for a free pest survey for your business.