Does the sight of cockroaches make you uneasy? Are you tired of the pesty insects intruding on your house? If so, this blog is for you. New Zealand is home to over a million cockroaches with over 20 species. Of these, some are more commonly seen around houses and restaurants such as; the American cockroach, the German cockroach, and the gisborne cockroach. To get rid of the uninvited guests you need to know your enemy first. In this blog post, we will explore everything you need to know about cockroach NZ pest control. Read along!
What are the main types of cockroaches in New Zealand?
The first step of cockroach control is knowing the types of insects you are dealing with. Each species has a favorable area to reside, which is why identifying their types is important. Here are some of the common types of cockroaches found in New Zealand:
- German Cockroach
The German cockroach is the most common species of cockroach worldwide. Although small in size, they can breed in great numbers. It is an indoor species that favors dimly lit spaces with access to food and moisture. They contain infectious germs and may trigger allergic reactions in people. They are commonly found in food processing areas, hotels, and restaurants.
- American Cockroach
Despite the name, American cockroaches are natives of Africa and are the largest species of cockroaches spread worldwide. They prefer warm, humid environments and can be found in sewers, steam tunnels, and boiler rooms in large numbers. These cockroaches can fly, travel between buildings, and thrive in the outdoors.
- Gisborne Cockroach
After coming to Gisborne from Western Australia in 1949, the Gisborne cockroach has since expanded throughout the whole country of New Zealand. These 30-35 mm-long, wingless adults are usually found outdoors, particularly in woods. They do not commonly contaminate food, although they frequently enter buildings, yet their presence is nonetheless seen as undesirable.
- Brown-banded Cockroach
The brown-banded cockroach is a relatively new species to New Zealand and is not yet widely distributed. It gets its name from the yellowish-brown bands that cross its forewings. This species is extremely adaptable to a variety of situations because it likes starchy meals and uses less water than other cockroach species. Cockroaches with brown bands can be found throughout a building, with a preference for elevated hiding spots.
Standard Lifecycle of Cockroaches
It is important to comprehend the entire lifecycle of cockroaches to implement efficient pest control and management. The three primary phases of a cockroach’s life cycle are the egg, nymph, and adult. a female cockroach deposits an egg case at the start of the cycle and can hold anywhere from 10 to 50 eggs, depending on the species.
Depending on the species and the surroundings, nymphs emerge from the eggs after they hatch and go through multiple molts over six weeks to six months. These nymphs can molt six or seven times before becoming adult cockroaches. A typical adult cockroach’s lifespan is between 20 and 30 weeks, during which time it can reproduce and lay additional eggs.
Are Cockroaches Harmful?
Cockroaches can transmit diseases and pose serious health risks, even though they do not directly hurt humans through bites or stings. Food and surfaces can become contaminated by germs carried by cockroaches in their droppings and on their bodies. Diseases like salmonella, E. coli, and dysentery may spread as a result. Furthermore, certain people may get allergic responses including asthma due to cockroach allergens. It is crucial to treat these insects as soon as possible because their presence in the house might jeopardize general cleanliness and health.
What to do When You Have a Cockroach Infestation?
The cockroach’s reproductive cycle is short. As the previously deposited population matures, there will be a fresh incursion every month. The cycle keeps going. This implies that monthly treatment from cockroach NZ pest control services would capture the adults before they lay eggs. You can take the following actions between pest-control treatments:
- Keep Your Home Clean:
Make sure to clean your kitchen and dining rooms regularly. Make sure that every food item is kept in airtight containers, and wipe up spills and crumbs right away. Cover trash cans and remove waste from them often.
- Remove Cutter:
Clear out as much junk as possible from your home, especially from places where cockroaches could hide, like beneath sinks, in cupboards, and near appliances. Cockroaches can find hiding places and places to breed in clutter.
- Seal Entry Points:
Examine your house for gaps, cracks, and crevices that cockroaches might use to enter. To stop fresh cockroaches from entering, caulk or other suitable materials should be used to seal these entry points.
- Use Baits and Traps:
Set up cockroach baits and traps in key spots throughout your house, particularly in warm, humid, and gloomy areas. While traps can assist in keeping an eye on the extent of the infestation, baits draw in and kill cockroaches.
- Use Natural Remedies:
If cockroaches are bothering you, you may want to use natural remedies like diatomaceous earth, which you may sprinkle around. Cockroaches can be killed using diatomaceous earth, a non-toxic powder, by breaking their exoskeletons.
- Resolve Leaks and Cut Moisture:
Since cockroaches are drawn to damp areas, make sure that all pipes, faucets, and appliances are leak-free. To lower the humidity levels in your home, use dehumidifiers in moist places and make sure you have enough ventilation.
- Vacuum Often:
Regularly vacuum your house, making sure to concentrate on cockroach hiding places including under furniture, along baseboards, and in corners. Cockroach eggs, nymphs, and adults can be eliminated with frequent vacuuming, gradually lowering the population.
Conclusion
Cockroaches are annoying insects that can be quite difficult to get rid of. However, with proper management and control, you can eliminate these pesky intruders to a great extent. Follow the above-mentioned tips to prevent and control cockroach infestation in your house. If you need professional help in controlling the cockroach infestation, contact BugZero.