There are many types of cockroaches, we have all had that feeling of repulsion when we saw them in the street, in a bar or in our homes. They arise from any place and are tenacious when leaving the space they have begun to inhabit. But the most remarkable aspect to keep in mind is that they are a serious health risk.
The cockroaches are carriers of abundant bacteria and will eventually spread to various diseases such as salmonellosis, dysentery or gastroenteritis. But there is more. Recent studies, conducted by the National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences of the United States, have confirmed that some episodes of asthmatic crises have to do with cockroach droppings.
Cockroaches spread diseases in a simple way since it is enough to eat or drink something that has been in contact with them to get a disease. Likewise, if any kitchen utensil is used for eating or drinking that has been contaminated by cockroaches, there may be a high risk of becoming ill.
Morphology and types of cockroaches
They have three pairs of legs, large compound eyes, long antennae, a thorax divided into three segments and an abdomen divided into ten parts. The three most common types of cockroaches are:
- The American Periplaneta.
- La Blattella germanica.
- The Blatta orientalis.
The jacket has a length of 3.5 to 4 centimeters, is bright reddish-brown, its head is delineated by a yellow band and the wings completely cover its body, the male’s wings being longer than those of the females.
The German has a length of 1.2 to 1.5 centimeters, is light brown, has two dark and parallel stripes on the thorax and males are thinner and thinner than females.
The oriental ones are very similar to the American ones in size, they have a dark brown color almost black and the wings of the females are few developed, while those of the males cover the 2/4 parts of their body.
Prevention measures
Although they may have told you some urban legends or a multitude of home remedies, cockroach prevention basically involves maintaining a regular cleaning that eliminates any potential source of food, as well as places for nesting.
Anyway, if you want a more detailed explanation, from Rentokil Initial we have decided to prepare a series of tips that will help you keep these insects out of your environments:
Cleaning
The cleaning of your home and/or business, on an ongoing basis, can have a huge positive impact on the appearance or not of cockroaches on your property. What should you clean? Well, any surface you used to prepare food, floors, sinks, bathrooms, and showers. It is highly recommended using the vacuum cleaner regularly, as well as washing the kitchen utensils and dishes. Companies operating in the food industry should also ensure that both food processing, manufacturing and packaging machines are cleaned regularly to prevent cockroaches.
Food sources
Food is one of the main responsible for the appearance of cockroaches. Eliminating possible sources of food around your home and business will prevent these insects from proliferating. We recommend that you store food in airtight containers to reduce the smell that can attract cockroaches to your property. Also, make sure that all food is kept out of the reach of cockroaches, and this also includes your pets’ food. And don’t leave the kitchen without picking up at night!
Organic waste containers must always be closed and must also be emptied regularly.
Reduce the presence of liquids
Cockroaches can last a week or two without food, although this is only possible if they have a good supply of water, especially German cockroaches. Eliminate any potential source of liquid and moisture, such as bucket-stagnant water, and make sure drains and pipes are free of obstruction so that water can run freely.
Organization and order
The mess, like empty cardboard boxes, stacked magazines, and old furniture, provide cockroaches an ideal place to hide. You can help prevent cockroaches by regularly cleaning your home or business to eliminate clutter and accumulation of objects, especially in basements, as they are key points where cockroaches come.
Repair damage
Small cracks and grooves provide cockroaches with easy access to your property, as they can sneak through cracks 3 mm in size. Because of this, it is important to regularly inspect your property to detect possible cockroach entry points, such as walls, doors and windows, electrical outlets, skirting boards, and kitchen sink floor, as well as bathroom cabinets and shelves.