Cockroaches can affect commercial properties and become a household’s nightmare. It is usually the species of cockroach and the severity of the infestation which are important considerations when strategising an effective cockroach control programme. 

Cockroaches are nocturnal creatures. The cockroach population thrives in areas where food, water and shelter are readily available. They venture out from their breeding and resting places at night in search of food and water. They regurgitate fluid from their mouths while feeding and at the same time excreting faecal pellets. These filthy habits cause food contamination. Food is also ruined by the repulsive odour emitted from the glands on their bodies.

Cockroaches may carry disease-causing bacteria, spreading salmonellosis, dysentery, cholera, typhoid fever and diarrhoea among others. The organisms causing these diseases are carried on the legs and bodies of cockroaches, and are deposited on food and utensils as cockroaches feed and move about.

Common species of cockroaches in Singapore:

• American Cockroaches 
• German Cockroaches
• Brown-Banded Cockroaches

 

American Cockroaches

• Largest species amongst those commonly found in Singapore
• Commonly found in bin chutes, sewers, drains, bin centres
• Often forage from sewers or drains to the lower floors of buildings
• Have wings and can fly short distances
• Can live up to 15 months

 

German Cockroaches

• Most common species found indoors, in food service establishments, kitchens and bathrooms

• Likes to hide in cracks and crevices, under the sink, near food and water source, rubbish bins.

• Lifespan of about 200 days

• Looks like the nymph of American Cockroaches

• Has 2 dark brown parallel stripes at the back of the head to the wings

 

Brownbanded Cockroaches

• Commonly found in homes, offices, kitchen and storage areas

• Tends to hide in areas that are less humid and warmer

• Likes to hide near refrigerator motor housings, furniture, pictures, clocks, electrical appliances and other drier areas

• Have wings and can fly short distances

• Have distinctive yellow bands

 

Cockroach Treatment

• Gel Baits
  The gel baits act as an attractant and a food source for cockroaches. After being consumed, the bait interrupts the breeding cycles through cockroaches transferring the bait to each other via Necrophagy (feeding on the dead body of the affected cockroach) and Coptophagy (consumption of the faeces of the poisoned cockroach). Hence a ‘domino effect’ is achieved whereby an infected cockroach subsequently kills a lot more cockroaches wherever they are hiding.

 

• Residual Spraying
  Residual Spraying is the quick knockdown aspect of cockroach control. It also leaves a residue when dry. Even after our specialist is long gone, this residue creates a ‘kill zone’ whereby cockroaches are infected when they trample on the treated areas. When used correctly and in conjunction with each other both products provide effective long term control of cockroaches.

 

Coupled with the above treatments, exclusion and hygiene issues cannot be taken lightly in order to prevent reinfestation, as well as inspection and quarantine measures to check incoming goods in an effort to minimise the possibility of a cockroach infestation being introduced into the premises.