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If you’ve lived in Cape Town long enough, you’re bound to have had a few nasty encounters with the city’s most unwelcome guest: cockroaches.
Whether that’s jumping around the freaky little critters in the streets or sipping on a nice cup of tea at home only to realise it’s been tainted by a dead roach at the bottom of the mug this whole time – yes, that did happen to a friend.
I, for one, will never forget that time when I lived in a dingy granny flat in Mowbray surrounded by so many cockroaches I almost considered taking Art at UCT just so that I could do something creative at least with all the carcasses. Or how my boyfriend shot out of bed when one decided to get the night zoomies, flying over our sleeping bodies, only to reassure me with “Don’t worry, darling, it’s just a quiet fly”.
He did his best to placate me, but it is almost never a quiet fly, folks.
That’s all to say that if you’ve been startled by the shadow that is a cockroach in your home, you’re not alone. While my tidbits mostly revolve around American roaches – the big flying ones- homes in the Mother City are also often plagued by German Cockroaches – the smaller, more introverted ones – which happen to be among the most common household pests worldwide.
The problem is, besides being an annoyance (the bane of our existence, really) these roaches pose serious health risks, so it is rather important to get them under control as soon as possible. Take it from me, your mental, spiritual and physical health will thank you.
I basically have VERM-TECH, a top-notch pest control and fumigation company in Cape Town, on speed dial at this point.
The number is 060 220 6732 if you want to save it too.
Why Are Cockroaches So Common?
You might wonder, why German cockroaches are so prevalent. One reason is their incredible reproductive rate.
A single female can produce hundreds of offspring in a year, leading to rapid infestations. In fact, they can breed up to six generations per year, which means that if you see one, there are likely many more hiding nearby.
Where Do German Cockroaches Live?
German cockroaches thrive in warm, humid environments. They prefer areas close to food and water sources, making kitchens and bathrooms their favourite hangouts. They often hide in:
- Cracks and crevices: Behind appliances, under sinks, and in wall voids.
- Cardboard and paper: They love to nest in cardboard boxes and paper products.
- Heat sources: Near refrigerators, stoves, and other heat-producing appliances.
The little bastards are not picky eaters, either, so they’ll manage with whatever you have left lying around, from food scraps to soap, glue, and even toothpaste.
This adaptability makes them particularly challenging to control.
While they are not exactly dangerous, they do pose serious health risks, including diseases and allergic reactions. They can carry harmful bacteria and pathogens, which they pick up from decaying matter and these germs can contaminate food and surfaces in your home. Meanwhile, their droppings, saliva, and shed skin can trigger allergies and asthma, especially in children. VOM!
How to Spot If You Have a German Cockroach Problem:
- Sightings: Spotting one during the day is a red flag, as they are nocturnal and prefer to hide.
- Droppings: Small, dark droppings resembling coffee grounds or black pepper.
- Egg cases: These are small, brownish capsules that can contain 30 to 40 eggs each.
How to Control German Cockroaches:
Now that we’ve established that German cockroaches are unwelcome guests, how do we get rid of them?
VERM-TECH suggests eliminating their food and water sources.
1. Sanitation
- Clean up crumbs and spills: keep kitchen counters and floors clean.
- Seal food: store food in airtight containers.
- Fix leaks: repair any leaky faucets or pipes to eliminate water sources.
2. Inspection and Monitoring
Regular inspections can help catch infestations early. Look for signs of cockroaches in kitchen cabinets, behind appliances, and under sinks.
3. Exclusion
Seal off entry points where cockroaches can enter your home. This includes caulking cracks and crevices, repairing gaps around windows and doors, and ensuring that screens are intact.
4. Chemical Control
If you have a severe infestation, you may need to resort to chemical treatments. Here are some options:
5. Professional Help
Sometimes, the best option is to call in the professionals. VERM-TECH has the tools and expertise to handle cockroach infestations effectively, with a team that understands the unique challenges of pest control in Cape Town, able to tailor a solution to your specific needs.
If you suspect a German cockroach infestation or any roach issues for that matter, don’t hesitate to reach out to VERM-TECH Pest Control in Cape Town. They’re the perfect company to help you tackle your pest problems with effective, environmentally friendly solutions.
No more unwelcome guests, kitchen raiders or toothpaste munchers, thanks!
[source:verm-tech]
