Cockroach control

A cockroach infestation in your home or business can cause health risks as cockroaches are carriers of pathogens that may cause food poisoning. Their droppings and moulded skin can cause allergic reactions to people with sensitive skin and in some cases, may trigger an asthma attack when the allergen is inhaled or consumed in contaminated in food.

One of the business impacts of a cockroach infestation is stock contamination, which may damage your business reputation. Any disruption to the business operations or breach of hygiene regulations may result in loss of revenue and customer trust.

There are numerous ways to tackle a cockroach infestation, however, the challenge is that cockroaches are difficult to get rid of entirely, and they breed rapidly. If you spot cockroaches in your home or business premises, there could be many more hiding and multiplying in the dark.

An inspection by professionals will help identify the correct species, locate where the cockroach infestation originates, and ensure that the most effective solution is being carried out.

How to spot the signs of a cockroach infestation

If you have a suspicion that cockroaches are wreaking havoc in your house or workplace, look out for the  following signs, which indicate a cockroach problem:

• Cockroach droppings - cockroaches leave a dust of black droppings behind them, less than 1mm wide and of varying lengths, resembling coffee crumbs.
• Smear marks - check for marks on horizontal surfaces and at wall-floor junctions where cockroaches are active. If water is readily available, cockroaches will produce brown and irregularly shaped smear marks.
• Egg cases and cast skins - look for these in locations where you suspect cockroaches may be sheltering. Cockroaches shed 'cast nymphal' skins 5-8 times as they mature into adults.
• Damage - look for unusual signs of damage, not just on food packaging. Cockroaches are omnivorous and will eat just about anything; from organic goods to leather, books, cardboard and paper. Did you know that cockroaches even eat their own kind?
• Odour - an established cockroach infestation produces an unpleasant, musty smell. The reason for this is that cockroaches produce pheromones, acting as a signal to find each other.
• Seeing live cockroaches - German cockroaches need warmth and humidity and may be found around bathrooms, laundry rooms and kitchen areas. Because of their sticky footpads, cockroaches are good climbers; moving easily across smooth surfaces like glass and polished metal. You might see them at night time when turning on the kitchen light.
• Cockroaches in the basement - Oriental cockroaches can cope with cooler, damper environments and can be found in basements or drains. If conditions are favourable, they can survive outdoors in areas such as rubbish tips. Although not as agile as German cockroaches, they can climb surfaces like rough brickwork.