Cockroaches Control Treatment
These insects are oval, flat-bodied, dark colored, with chewing mouth parts, three pairs of legs and usually two pairs of wings. All roaches have three stages in their life cycle -- egg, nymph (young) and adult. Females carry a bean-shaped egg capsule (ootheca), which is full of eggs. The newly emerged nymphs are identical to their parents except for their smaller size and lack of wings. The nymphs grow into adults by periodically shedding their skins, and may appear white for a few hours until their new skin darkens.
Cockroaches can be present in almost any place inhabited by humans. They move quickly and are especially active at night.
Characteristically, most roaches hide in cracks and crevices or between surfaces that provide darkness and cover. Inside buildings, roaches move freely between rooms or adjoining apartments using wall spaces, plumbing and other utility installations. They can be carried into structures in food and beverage boxes, grocery sacks, animal food and other household goods. Cockroaches can eat almost anything, but they are especially partial to starchy foods and meat products. They feed on such diverse items as cereals, pastries, chocolate, milk products, beverages, cooked potatoes, glue, book bindings, wall paper, animal food, fresh or dried blood, excrement, dead animals and leather products.
Allergy
Roaches can cause allergic reactions in some people. Roach “allergen” that is ingested with contaminated food or inhaled when a dried fecal particle causes the response and fragments of ground-up bodies of dead roaches are mixed with house dust.
Prevention
Entry and establishment of roach coloniescan be prevented by close inspection of incoming merchandise, such as food boxes, beverage cartons, appliances, furniture andclothing. Caulking or puttying areas such as cracks and crevices around kitchen cabinets, bathtubswater and plumbing pipes, cracks on floors and walls, and exterior windows and doors can eliminate most hiding places and help reduce the cockroach population. Other structural modifications, such as weather stripping and pipe collars, also help to reduce cockroach entry and establishment.
Sanitation
Good housekeeping is the most important factor in preventing and controlling cockroach populations. Cockroaches cannot live without food, water and shelter. Do not allow food particles to remain on shelves or floors. Dishes should not be left unwashed after a meal, particularly overnight. Clean areas under refrigerators, stoves, sinks and furniture regularly to remove bits of food that have accumulated. If pets are fed indoors, do not leave food in their dishes after feeding, especially overnight. Store pet food in tight containers, and clean litter boxes frequently. Keep all food items covered or in a refrigerator at all times between uses. Empty garbage and waste containers frequently and keep refuse in a covered container away from the residence. If possible, prevent cockroach access to water sources. Common sources include leaking faucets and pipes, drains, toilet tanks, washbasins and sink traps, aquaria and water-filled tubs. Pets' water dishes, beverage bottles or cartons, and pipe condensation can provide an adequate water supply for roaches. Roach breeding is encouraged by clutter. Avoid unnecessary storage of corrugated paper boxes, piles of paper bags, newspaper, magazines, and soiled clothing and rags.
Chemical Control
If cockroaches become established, chemical control may be needed in combination with good sanitary practices. The insecticide spray is needed frequently to control roaches; it is advisable to spray our chemical formulations in all areas where cockroaches are seen, especially in kitchens and bathrooms. Prime locations include under sinks and toilets, drainage chambers, beneath refrigerators, dishwashers and stoves, next to trash containers and inside cabinets and storage areas. It's essential to apply insecticides at where walls meet ceilings & floors and walls junctions, since these are the paths commonly traveled by roaches. If cockroaches are seen in other areas like bedrooms and utility rooms spraying should be carried out at behind cupboards, under the furniture, small gaps between the wall & furniture and junction of wall and pipelines etc., and for constant effective control measures the treatment should be repeated at a periodical interval.