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To control cockroaches, first we must understand them.
Fossil evidence suggests cockroaches have been around
for 300 million years. It is probably safe to say they will
not be wiped out any time soon. There are over 3500 species world
wide but only a few are a pest to humans. These few
co-habitat with humans in nearly all parts of the world
where people dwell. There reputation as a pest is well
deserved as they harbour many diseases that humans can
catch. Here in Auckland, the most common
cockroach pests
are the German, American, Gisborne and Native cockroaches.
Each of these has unique habits and is eradicated using
slightly different control methods.
Cockroaches can be omnivorous and indeed cannibalistic
when food sources are low. They are exceptional survivors
and most young cockroaches that are born will survive to
aduithood. They are social creatures and with no control - can
go from one pair to an infestation in a matter of months.
Infestations can be hard to spot at first as they are
nocturnal and spend up to three quarters of there life in
cracks and crevices (for protection). It may take days for a
cockroach to emerge to a treated area so infestaions do not
disappear overnight.
The myth.
There is some confusion regarding cockroaches and whether
they should be stepped on. It is thought this spreads the
eggs and makes things worse. It will help to control
cockroaches to briefly look into this. Firstly; how many
eggs will be spread standing on a male cockroach? Answer:
NONE! Secondly; the ootheca (egg case) is made of
hardened protein not titanium. Cockroaches tend to
get away from being stepped on because they are small and
fast - not bullet proof. Please test this theory
yourself.
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