COCKROACHES

Common Forms:
Oriental Cockroach (blatta orientalis)
German Cockroach (blatella germanica)

Importance:
A serious pest in heated buildings (though the oriental cockroach can tolerate cooler temperatures), cockroaches are primarily nocturnal (cockroaches seen during the daytime can indicate a serious infestation) and cluster in large groups. Cockroaches are known to carry and spread human disease organisms but are also a serious financial pest due to the contamination of foodstuffs. The element of human revulsion assocciated with cockroaches means that most people have a zero tolerance of them.

Control:
Residual insecticide treatments are usually effective although serious infestations may require more than one treatment. In sensitive areas where spraying is not appropriate, gel baits may be used.