COCKROACH TREATMENT AND ADVICE

Oriental Cockroach

Cockroaches in Food Businesses

To control cockroaches, you need a regular pest control treatment programme with a reputable private company.
This leaflet includes advice on what you can do to help prevent problems arising

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Description

Generally two pairs of wings, although these may be reduced or even absent, forewings have well developed veins and tend to be hardened, they overlap down the mid-dorsal line; membranous hindwings are folded below forewings; long whip-like, many-segmented antennae; omnivorous, with mouth parts adapted for biting; 5-segmented body; incomplete metamorphosis, with egg and nymph stages. There are two common species: GERMAN or ORIENTAL

german cockroach

German Cockroach (Blattella germanica)

Adult, 10-15mm long, yellowish-brown colour with two longitudinal dark marks; wings well developed in both sexes; can readily climb rough and polished vertical surfaces.

oriental cockroach

Oriental Cockroach (Blatta orientalis)

Adults, 20-24mm long; dark brown/nearly black colour; wings of male cover two-thirds of abdomen, females do not have developed wings; unlike the German variety, can climb rough but not the smooth vertical surfaces often used in food rooms. Nymphs (young) The nymphs of all species are similar in appearance to the adult, but smaller. Immediately after hatching or moulting the nymphs are white, but the cuticle soon darkens to the normal colour.

Distribution

Cockroaches are common in commercial premises associated with the production or handling of food. Also in public buildings and domestic premises, eg. apartment blocks. Gregarious and nocturnal, they spend the day hiding in cracks and crevices around such areas as sinks, drains, cookers, the backs of cupboards and in refrigerator motor compartments. They especially favour buildings with service ducts and complex plumbing installations. Infestations may be introduced as egg cases or adults in incoming laundry, on raw materials, in crates and packaging, or arise as the insects enter buildings via such routes as drains or refuse chutes.

Public Health Significance

Cockroaches can cause the spread of diseases such as dysentery, gastroenteritis, typhoid and poliomyelitis. Their diet is omnivorous and includes fermenting substances, soiled septic dressings, hair, leather, parchment, wallpaper, faeces and food for human consumption. Food may be contaminated either by the mechanical transfer of causative agents of disease from the insect's body, or by transmission of the faeces. Cockroaches and their faeces may cause allergic reactions, especially amongst sensitive individuals, eg. asthmatics. Exposure may result from ingestion or through the inhalation of materials derived from cockroaches in airborne dust. In addition, food may be tainted with the characteristic smell of cockroach, which is produced by faeces and salivary/abdominal gland secretions, or by the dead insects.

Control Measures – How Can You Help?

Hygiene/management
Prevention should always come before cure. A high standard of hygiene is important in the control of cockroaches and involves the following components:

• Deny access to food and water

Ensure foods are stored in containers with close fitting lids, and promptly clean and remove spillage, crumbs and waste. This will increase cockroach activity and movement making them more likely to encounter insecticides.

• Deny access to harbourage

Deny access to all potential harbourage in buildings or equipment which would otherwise provide hiding places, ensure service pipes or conduits passing through walls, are effectively sealed and panels tight fitting. Promptly remove any redundant equipment from food preparation rooms. Buildings and equipment should be designed to minimise the accumulation of debris and facilitate ease of cleaning. Keep drains and refuse areas well maintained. Surveillance of incoming goods and materials including packaging and laundry.

• Environmental controls

Cockroaches like warm, moist environments. Keep food rooms well ventilated. Ventilation accelerates dehydration of the insects and interferes with the operation of their antenna.

Advanced Pest Control Services (Part of the Sussex Technical Products Group)

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