Pest Control
Cockroaches
Cockroaches are large insects which range in size from 10 - 23
mm in length, they have long whip like antennae and two pairs of
wings. The two most commonly found species in the British Isles
are:
- The Oriental Cockroach
- The German Cockroach
They can be distinguished by their size and colour, the Oriental
Cockroach being larger and darker brown in colour. The Oriental
Cockroach unlike the German variety is unable to climb smooth
vertical surfaces.
Cockroaches can be found in premises where food is stored or
handled. They are nocturnal insects and will spend most of the day
hiding in cracks and around drains and service ducting.
Infestations may be introduced into premises in laundry and food
deliveries.
Cockroaches carry food poisoning germs on their bodies and are
responsible for the spread of dysentery and gastroenteritis. They
will feed on almost anything including faecal matter and food for
human consumption. Contamination will occur when the insect comes
into contact with food or work surfaces or through faecal
contamination of foodstuffs.
The female cockroach produces up to eight purse-like egg cases
at monthly intervals. The egg cases are thick walled and are 6-12
mm in length and may contain up to 30 eggs. The nymphs of the
German Cockroach emerge from their eggs in 2-4 weeks and those of
the Oriental Cockroach in 6-12 weeks. The nymphs are similar in
appearance to the adult but smaller. As the nymph develops and
grows it moults. This usually occurs 5-10 times during its
development which may take up to two years to complete until the
insect reaches maturity. The life cycle is complete in a further
four months for Oriental Cockroaches and nine months for the German
Cockroach.
Control
You will need professional help in treating a cockroach
infestation particularly if you run a commercial food premises. You
can assist by ensuring that your premises are clean and that there
is no food source and hiding places for cockroaches. You will need
to employ the services of a reputable Pest Control Company whose
technicians will treat your premises with an insecticidal spray
around the boundary between walls and floor, behind equipment in
vents and ducting. The treated areas should be left undisturbed for
as long as possible. It will be necessary for them to re-treat your
premises to kill any new nymphs as they emerge from their eggs.
Successful treatments may take several visits.
Contact Customer Services
Team Telephone: 01304 872428
E-mail: customerservices@dover.gov.uk
