Lots of diseases in the world today are caused by pests and cockroaches are no exception. Though at a glance they may seem harmless, studies show that they can cause very serious illnesses. Samantha Young a pest expert, talks about the illnesses they cause and how homeowners can stop them from encroaching into their homes. 

Cape Town South Africa, December 5th, 2018: Cockroaches are some of the most resilient insects which makes them hard to get rid of. With a short maturity period and an ability to survive in almost all climates around the world, their elimination can be a daunting task. With all the facts known about them, however, killing them has become quite necessary, especially in South Africa, where the environment is favorable for them to reproduce widely.

It’s hard to imagine, but a few millennia’s ago, cockroaches were appreciated in South Africa especially by the Zulu people. They had grass bowls which they used for eating and for obvious reasons, they couldn’t use water to clean them; instead, they left them in the open for the roaches to eat the food particles in the crevices of the bowls. However, a flashback to today, a battle has been waged against them and most South Africans will kill them on site without thinking twice about it.

The temperate climate found in the region provides an ideal breeding ground for cockroaches. According to Samantha Young, a pest expert in Cape Town, finding these cockroaches in clean homes is not uncommon. The German cockroach and the American species are the most common and can be found in most parts. She goes on to add that in the life of one female cockroach, which is about 6 months, hundreds upon hundreds of eggs can be laid. With each breeding cycle producing up to 48 eggs.

“Cockroaches are a bit mysterious preferring to lurk in the dark and only coming out to eat when it’s dark”. They will feed on anything from food crumbs that have dropped on surfaces, food particles in the drain, sinks and even fecal matter”. “As a home or business owner, what you can do is keep your food covered and all surfaces as clean as possible, she advises. If you make it hard for them to find water and food in your home, they will try and find it elsewhere.

Another reason roaches are hated and feared is because they are known carriers of many diseases from typhoid, cholera, plague, TB, asthma food borne illnesses and the list goes on and on. These diseases can be transmitted through their saliva, their droppings, inhaling certain proteins from their body and even through touch.

“One successful way that you can use to keep the cockroaches out of your home is to try and seal off any cracks and openings that they can use to enter your house" says Samantha. Another way is to use bait that has been poisoned." Leave this gel bait near the areas they can easily find. This can include where you find their droppings, body shedding and even egg covers. The adults will easily eat the bait and take it to the nymphs, killing them all.

Despite your best efforts, the cockroach population may keep increasing, especially in areas where there is food. In such instances you need qualified pest experts. Samantha concludes by adding, "As long as you work with reputable and qualified experts, your problem with cockroaches and the illnesses they cause will soon be forgotten.”

Written by: Dennis / MyPressportal
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