Cockroaches
Dictyoptera
Topics:
Cockroaches are an extremely resilient
insect. By examining fossils, it's been
determined that they have been around for
over 300 million years. These days, there
are more than 4,000 species crawling around.
About 60 exist in the United States and
around a dozen cause us to get out the
insecticide.
The fact that cockroaches have been able to
survive for as long as they have has made it
extremely difficult in the past to control
their population. Years and years of
evolution have given them tough flat bodies
and large legs for fast running and easy
maneuvering. Other factors contributing to
their enduring presence are the rapidity and
frequency that they lay eggs and their
possession of good climbing abilities.
Where you find cockroaches is
many and
varied but all species have one thing in
common--they like the heat. In the South and
Southeast, you will find a good number of
cockroaches that prefer the outdoors. Some
of these include the American and Smoky
brown cockroach. In the Southwest, the
Oriental cockroach is an abundant outdoor
roach; however, in the Northeast, the
Oriental roach thrives indoors in basements,
septic systems, drainage pipes, and other
damp areas. Another example of a roach that
changes its preference of habitat depending
on the climate is the Australian roach. In
warmer climates, it is an outdoor insect.
However, in the North, you can find them
primarily in greenhouses and plants located
in shopping malls and office buildings.
Of all the different roach species, one
takes precedence over all others--the German
cockroach. Probably the most outstanding
fact that separates the German cockroach
from its relatives is the number of
offspring that females can produce each
year. While the American cockroach hatches
approximately 800 baby roaches per year, the
German cockroach hatches 10,000. Consider
that if you see one roach in your house, by
the same time the following year, you could
have 10,000. If you see somewhere around ten
or fifteen, you could have 100,000 within a
year.
German cockroaches can be found just about
anywhere. They live in schools, homes,
hospitals, restaurants, hotels, airplanes
and offices.
We all know roaches aren't cute but besides
their repulsive exterior, why do they pose
such a problem? As mentioned before, roaches
frequent unsanitary places such as drain
pipes and sewers. These places are breeding
grounds for disease. Consequently, roaches
can pick up pathogenic organisms and carry
them on their legs, underneath their
bellies, and inside their bodies. When
roaches invade a home, they transfer these
organisms as they feed, defecate, and vomit
all over utensils, food, counters, and just
about any other kitchen and bathroom
surface. Roaches can invade a structure
simply by hiding in a handbag or suitcase
that's carried into a building.
Since cockroaches are nocturnal insects,
they spend most of their time resting in
dark harborages until the night comes. When
they are disturbed, they will quickly run
back to these harborages. As a result, the
casual observer rarely sees the full scope
of a roach problem. If you see a roach, it
is important that to consider all the
complications that come with them such as
disease and quick infestation.
Luckily, there have been major advances in
the pest control industry for the control of
roaches. Our main weapon in the fight
against roaches is a revolutionary bait gel
that has replaced the old method of spraying
and fumigating. Not only does the bait gel
provide an odorless and environmentally
agreeable alternative, it also is extremely
effective. However menacing the threat of
roaches may be, we now have a solution.
back to top
|
