The Ultimate Guide to Cockroach Prevention, Treatment and Control in Singapore
Cockroaches have been around on earth for more than 300 million years. They are one of the most common insects infesting households. There are more than 4500 cockroach species in the world, but less than 1% of them are known as pests.
Most cockroach species are in the wild. The ones that are associated with human habitats are classified as pests. Cockroaches play essential roles in the natural ecosystem. Some people even regard them as pets.
Types of Cockroaches in Singapore
As mentioned earlier, only less than 1% of cockroach species are pests. Here are three species commonly found in Singapore:
- American cockroach (Periplaneta americana)
- German cockroach (Blatella germanica)
- Brown-banded cockroach (Supella longipalpa)
American cockroach
The American cockroach may be the most commonly seen cockroach in Singapore. It has a reddish-brown body and a yellow band at its pronotum (plate-like structure behind the head). The size of an American cockroach can reach up to 40 to 50mm in length. American cockroaches are active both indoors and outdoors as they infest the sewer system.
German cockroach
German cockroaches are around 20mm big. They have a light brown or tanned colour. Adult German cockroaches can be recognised by the two dark stripes on their back.
These are some places where you’ll commonly find German cockroaches:
- Indoors
- Kitchen
- Food preparation areas
Large German cockroach infestations cause nightmares to owners of restaurants and F&B outlets. The control strategies for this species is more challenging compared to the other species. This is due to the development of insecticide resistance and its high reproductive rate.
Brown-banded cockroach
The body size of brown-banded cockroaches is similar to that of German cockroaches. The males are light yellowish or brown, while the females have a darker colour. The brown-banded cockroach gets its name from the transverse stripes that are present on its body. This species is also responsible for cockroach infestations in homes and offices.
Life Cycle and Biology
Cockroaches undergo incomplete metamorphosis. They develop from egg and a few instar stages to adulthood. Newly emerged nymphs are miniature wingless adults. They will need to moult several times to reach the adult stage. Different species of cockroaches will have varying development periods and amounts of moults.
In common areas, they prefer to move or venture along the side of the wall. An interesting thing about cockroaches is that they feed on almost every organic material, preferably starchy food. They can feed on moist cardboard and even a piece of paper! Cockroaches are often reluctant to forage food far from their nesting area unless being deprived.
Medical Importance
Mechanical vectors of diseases
The living and feeding habits of cockroaches are commonly associated with poor hygiene and sanitation. This exposes them to a wide range of pathogens. They pick up the pathogens with their body and legs and transmit them to food, kitchen utensils and food preparation areas as they crawl past the surfaces.
Cockroaches are known to carry pathogens that cause diseases such as:
- Food poisoning
- Salmonellosis
- Cholera
The pathogens are invisible to the naked eyes so we must eliminate their vectors to avoid being infected by them.
Asthma and allergy
The body parts, excretory waste and even saliva contain allergens that may trigger allergic reactions. Typical allergy symptoms include:
- Sneezing
- Coughing
- Nasal congestion
- Wheezing
- Skin rash
Cockroach allergies are a common cause of asthma in both adults and children. If you have a cockroach infestation at home, you are at risk of developing prolonged allergic reactions that may lead to other medical problems.
Katsaridaphobia
Katsaridaphobia, more commonly known as cockroach phobia, is the irrational and extreme fear of cockroaches.
Katsaridaphobia is not the same as being disgusted after seeing a cockroach. People with katsaridaphobia have unwarranted fear towards cockroaches that may cause them to:
- Stay frozen
- Have an elevated heart rate
- Have difficulty breathing
- Get panic attacks
One of the causes of katsaridaphobia is a bad or traumatic experience with cockroaches in the past. Katsaridaphobia is a mental disorder that can be overcome via psychotherapy, such as exposure therapy and cognitive behavioural therapy.
Signs of Cockroach Infestations
Cockroaches are nocturnal insects, most active at night. During the daytime, they hide in dark and moist areas. Hence, we often don’t notice their presence until the infestation becomes severe. Here, we’ll describe the tell-tale signs of a cockroach infestation.
1. Droppings
Cockroach droppings look something like black pepper with a cylindrical shape. Their droppings are usually scattered along the wall or at the corners and edges of the cabinets. These are their main pathways and hiding areas.
2. Shed skins
Cockroaches go through moulting to reach a mature stage. Therefore, they will need to shed their skins periodically, around 5 to 8 times. If you see brownish shed skins at the potential areas mentioned above, that’s probably the evidence of a cockroach infestation.
3. Oothecae (cockroach eggs)
Oothecae are oval-shaped casings (inside full of multiple eggs), which are bigger and much more evident than cockroach droppings. It is vital to remove the ootheca before it hatched. The hatching of one cockroach ootheca can worsen a cockroach infestation.
4. Unpleasant smell
The scent released by a cockroach is usually undetectable by human beings. However, when it comes to a major cockroach infestation, a musty odour can be present.
How to Prevent Cockroaches from Invading Your Home
1. Identify their entry points and hiding places
Inspection is a key activity in identifying the entry points and hiding places of cockroaches. Since cockroaches are nocturnal insects, it would be best if the inspection is carried out at night.
Cracks, crevices or gaps formed around the utility line and pipes are their potential entry points. Silicone-based caulk can be used to seal those entry points found. Besides, remember to inspect, clean and ventilate areas underneath the kitchen sink and refrigerator as these are the humid places that can become cockroach harbourages.
2. Eliminate food and water sources
Food and water are the primary necessities of cockroaches. One of the best ways to prevent cockroaches from entering your property is to remove all available water sources. Maintaining the housekeeping of the house is vital.
We cannot forget to clean stains, grease and food scraps left in the kitchen as these can act as the food and water sources for cockroaches. Furthermore, make sure all stored food is sealed correctly to deny access. Cockroaches can squeeze their bodies through a gap as small as 2mm wide.
3. Clean and organise your home
Messy and cluttered areas, especially those with paper and cardboards, are ideal harbourage and nesting sites of cockroaches. The paper products do not only serve as their hiding place. They also serve as food in case other food sources are not available.
It is essential to keep your home tidy and remove clutters regularly. The use of carton boxes for storage may allow cockroaches to hide in them. Thus, other alternatives, such as plastic boxes, can be used to prevent cockroach infestations.
DIY Methods
Traps can capture and remove cockroaches from your home. The most common method is a sticky trap. These traps can be purchased from regular stores.
You may wonder about the effectiveness of using pandan leaves to prevent cockroach entry. Here, we tell you the truth. Pandan leaves release some pleasant smells which may serve as a weak natural repelling agent to deter cockroaches from coming near. However, when the leaves dried out, it can actually turn into a harbouring place for cockroaches! Hence, the use of pandan leaves is not a permanent solution for a cockroach infestation.
Professional Cockroach Treatment
Treating a cockroach infestation is more than just hitting them with your slippers or spraying insecticide aerosols on the cockroaches.
Insect monitoring stations are useful tools to detect the presence of cockroach infestations in Singapore. In premises with cockroach infestations, these stations can provide trained pest management professionals (PMP) with information such as the:
- Level of infestation
- Type of cockroach species
- Location of the nests or breeding sites
This information is important in determining a suitable treatment method. It has a tremendous impact on the effectiveness of the control programme.
Pro Tip: It is important to determine a suitable and effective treatment method depending on the type of cockroach infestation.
Residual spraying is the most common method used to eliminate crawling insects, including cockroaches.
The insecticides used in professional cockroach treatments are different from those available to the general public. Residual insecticides offer long-lasting protection against cockroaches. Its effect can last for months after application. Trained PMPs carry out residual spraying at locations where cockroaches are usually found, such as cracks and crevices.
Cockroach baits combine insecticides with food attractants to kill cockroaches. The bait does not kill cockroaches immediately, but it intoxicates the cockroaches once they feed on the bait. The intoxicated cockroaches may leave behind their toxic vomitus, faeces or even their own dead bodies.
Cockroaches feed on the faeces and vomitus of their nestmates.
This behaviour, together with the cannibalising behaviour of cockroaches, makes the transfer of toxic bait effective and efficient as cockroaches move back to their nesting site and die off after foraging and feeding on the bait.
Innovation is important in the pest management industry to keep up with increasingly challenging pest issues. Pests, including cockroaches, are continually evolving and developing resistance to the control methods and insecticides that are used to eliminate them.
One of the latest cockroach treatment methods used in Singapore is dry treatment using Mirakn, a gas cylinder filled with a mixture of carbon dioxide and an active ingredient. There are three types of Mirakn treatments, each with different active ingredients that are suitable for targeting different pests.
The dry treatment has various characteristics. They are:
- Stainless
- Residue-less
- Non-flammable
- Odourless
Furthermore, the gaseous chemical provides excellent penetration over the other treatments. Dry treatment is a popular cockroach treatment in cars. Cockroaches thrive in cars, but it isn’t easy to control them due to the complex internal structures of the car.
Mirakn provides the ideal solution for hard-to-access areas as it can penetrate all parts of the treated area and leaves no stains. Thus, home and car owners need not worry about the cleaning process.
Killem’s team of pest management professionals are trained and experienced in cockroach treatment programmes. Our professional knowledge and experience enable us to formulate a suitable solution to protect your property from cockroaches.
Frequently Asked Questions
Make sure to close all possible entries for cockroaches, such as cracks and crevices in the walls. Another thing you need to seal and store food properly.
We have been dealing with cockroach infestations in Singapore since 1993. You can count on us to treat your pest problem effectively and swiftly.
You can get a free quote by submitting a quote request (click the GET A QUOTE button on top of the page).
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Webinar Series: Innovative Pest Control in Singapore
Cockroaches
As part of our effort to educate our customers and the public about pests and the latest technology advancements in the pest management industries, we are proud to present our first three-part webinar series. In this article, we summarise the three webinars held in 2020. The first three Killem Webinars were specially designed for facility managers while remaining relevant to the general public.
Dengue, Disinfection and Distancing
The topic of the first webinar was “Dengue, Disinfection and Distancing”. In this webinar, we discussed the rising number of dengue cases in Singapore amidst the Coronavirus pandemic.
Topics include:
- The reasons behind the rise of dengue cases
- Ways to control the mosquito population
- The new norm (disinfection) that everyone is adapting now due to the pandemic
- Different types of disinfection methods
- The most critical areas to focus on during disinfection
- Things to consider when taking up a disinfection service
Q & A Session
Why is fogging still being carried out while misting treatment has a more prolonged residual activity?
Although misting is effective in areas around landscapes and plants, thermal fogging is still an effective method to kill mosquitoes present during the treatment. Thermal fogging is also used to comb a space to get rid of mosquitoes.
Can fogging be done around swimming pools?
The answer is no because the carrier of the insecticide used is usually kerosene or diesel. They cause the surface of the treated area to be oily and slippery. Therefore, carrying out thermal fogging near swimming pools may cause people to slip and fall. On the other hand, misting can be done near swimming pools since the carrier used is water and will not make the floor slippery.
Besides fogging and misting, mosquito treatment around swimming pools can be done by carrying out “Search & Destroy.” This method involves looking out for mosquito breeding sites and destroying them. Proper housekeeping around the swimming pool is also essential to eliminate harborage sites of mosquitoes.
How safe are the mosquito treatment methods?
The insecticides that we use are specifically formulated to affect designated pests. They are target-specific and will not affect other organisms like humans and animals. Proper personal protective equipment (PPE) needs to be used by Pest Management Professionals to prevent overexposure to chemicals. The small amount of chemicals that we breathe in during fogging treatment is not harmful to the general public.
What about the safety of sand granules used in mosquito control?
The sand granules are slow-releasing insecticides that can prevent mosquito breeding in locations with ponding water. They can also be placed at locations that may collect water to prevent mosquito breeding. Compared to larviciding using residual chemicals, sand granules’ action may be slower, but it can provide a longer-lasting effect.
What can be done to prevent mosquito breeding at public bin stations and bin centres?
Proper cleaning practices at these locations are important to prevent mosquito breeding. Gutters must be flushed daily to prevent the collection of water. Any uneven surfaces should be fixed so that water cannot build up. Another piece of advice from our operations director was to drill holes at the bottom of the rubbish bins so that water can escape from the bins to prevent water collection.
What are the effects of disinfectants on humans?
Inhaling small amounts of disinfectants will not have a significant effect on human health. However, we recommend avoiding overexposure to the disinfectants as much as possible. Thus, we need to ensure all safety precautions are in place and ensure no one is on-site during treatment. A treated area needs to be ventilated for one hour after disinfection is carried to allow the disinfectant particles to escape.
Is it true that certain disinfectants can last up to months or even years?
It may be true that a disinfectant can stay effective for a promised timespan. However, other factors may cause it to lose its effectiveness. For example, when people frequently touch a surface, the disinfectant on it may be wiped off. Besides, other pollutants such as dust and dirt may also contaminate the surface.
Cockroaches and Termites
In the second webinar, we discussed cockroaches and termites. These two insects are commonly encountered in our lives.
Topics include:
- Biology
- Prevention tips
- Technologies and treatments for the pests
Q & A Session
What is the hatching time of cockroaches’ ootheca?
The time needed for the ootheca to hatch differs between species. However, the typical household species take approximately 20 to 30 days to hatch into young cockroaches.
What is a suitable cockroach treatment method for a pneumatic waste collection system in high-rise buildings?
One of the latest treatment methods for cockroaches is using a product called Mirakn. Mirakn is applied using a dry spraying treatment. It consists of only the active ingredient and carbon dioxide as its carrier, making it an environmentally friendly insecticide that is stainless, odourless and non-combustible.
The carrier gas allows the insecticide to have excellent penetration. In addition, it can reach narrow gaps that are inaccessible via other treatment methods. Mirakn is safe for humans and pets, but the treated area should be left vacant to minimise exposure to chemicals.
Pro Tip: Methods used by professional pest control companies offer long-lasting protection against cockroaches.
All our Pest Management Professionals have undergone specialised training before they could become certified applicators of Mirakn. The frequency of Mirakn treatments at bin chutes can be affected by several factors. Depending on the infestation level and sanitation level, premises may need more frequent treatments to keep the cockroach population under control.
How to differentiate between subterranean termite and drywood termite infestations?
The signs given off by the infestations of these two groups of termites are different.
For subterranean termite infestations, the most distinguishable sign is the presence of mud tubes or soil-like materials in the infested area. The mud tubes are passageways constructed by subterranean termites to travel from one point to another. The most common sign of infestations by drywood termites is the presence of faecal pellets that resemble sawdust around the infested items or structures. The exit holes where the faecal pellets are pushed out of the infested wood can also be seen on the surface.
What are the effects of termiticides on plants and the surroundings?
The termiticides that Killem uses are Green Label certified. This guarantees that they are environmentally friendly. Besides, we strictly follow the termiticide’s recommended dosage to prevent harm and pollution to the environment.
What are the potential risks of the baiting treatment program for pets?
The active ingredient of the baits used for subterranean termite treatments targets the moulting process of termites. Animals with endoskeletons, such as dogs and cats, do not undergo a moulting process. Thus, pets are not affected by the baits.
How many bait stations need to be deployed in a heavily infested unit?
Subterranean termites live underground. Mud tubes are used for foraging. Therefore, although many mud tubes are found in a unit, they may belong to the same colony. Just one bait station is needed to control the termites in this unit. The termites will feed on the bait and bring the bait back to the nest. In turn, the bait is shared among the colony members.
Rodents: The Year of the Rat
In the third and last webinar, we focused on rodents. In this webinar titled “Rodents: The Year of The Rat’, we were honoured to have Dr How Yee Fatt as one of the speakers. Dr How is one of the leading entomologists in Singapore who is also the Business Support Manager (Technical R&D) of Bentz Jaz Singapore.
During the webinar, we discussed the biology and signs of rodent infestations. The speakers also shared several innovative prevention and management solutions. Killem Pest offers a special rodent monitoring and control system known as IPM square.
Q & A Session
What are the advantages of choosing IPM Square systems over other rodent monitoring systems?
There are many rodent monitoring systems in the market. The IPM Square Rat differs from the others as it incorporates snap traps with the use of sensors. While the system is detecting rodent activities, it simultaneously traps rodents and protects your house from infestations.
The IPM Square Rat is the camera used in rodent monitoring. It is highly intelligent and is able to recognise rodents using technology similar to facial recognition for humans. This technology enables accurate monitoring of rodent activities.
How do the monitoring systems work when there is a breakdown in the power supply or Wi-Fi networks?
The monitoring sensors and cameras are battery operated. Thus, they can function without a power supply. The outage of the Wi-Fi system may disrupt the monitoring systems since the data is continually being uploaded to the cloud servers.
However, the monitoring cameras have memory cards in them. Thus, they are still able to record the footage and store them in the local device storage. Users can also still review the footage by retrieving the local memory card and going back to a timeframe in the past.
How often should the rodent flush-out program be carried out?
The rodent flush-out program is an intensive program to manage rodent infestations. Depending on the infestation level, we have clients that require rodent flush-out programs with frequencies ranging from twice a year to monthly. Premises with heavy rodent infestations require more frequent rodent flush-out program applications. Routine maintenance can also help keep rodent populations under control.
Are glue boards safe for use in childcare centres?
Proper treatment methods are the key to ensuring treatment is safe. Glue boards should be strategically placed. Examples include the false ceiling or inside tamper-resistant bait stations (only accessible to Pest Management Professionals). The glue board method is applied to:
- Ensure the effectiveness of the control program
- Minimise the impact on the residents
Besides cages, are there any other rodent prevention methods for the garden or other outdoor spaces?
The tamper-resistant rodent bait station is a useful tool for rodent control. Rodenticides or traps are placed inside the station. Then, the station is placed in the garden. The bait stations prevent other animals, such as cats and dogs, from consuming the bait or activating the traps. Fallen leaves can serve as a home for rodents. Thus, keeping your garden and outdoor area clean and tidy is also important.
What is the rodent sealant?
During the webinar, we introduced a rodent sealant. This sealant can remain on the treated surface as long as there is no external disturbance. However, the sealant should be replenished or reapplied if it is disturbed by rodents or even humans. The sealant has a mild smell that repels rodents and is not detectable by humans during daily activities. The sealant has a shelf life of approximately five years. To maximise its shelf, proper closure and storage is recommended.
Is it possible to have more than one rodent species infesting a house?
Yes, it is possible. However, the rodents will nest at different locations. Roof rats and Norwegian rats are commonly found in Singapore. Roof rats (as their name implies) spend their time at higher elevations such as attics and false ceilings. Norwegian rats form burrows on the ground, or they nest in the sewers. The two species will not have the same nesting site as they are territorial.
What is the difference between shrews and rodents?
Shrews are animals that resemble rodents. Unlike rodents, shrews will not chew on wires or other items as they have different body structures. Shrews feed mainly on insects and other small animals such as birds, snakes and even rodents. Shrews are less likely to carry diseases because their behaviours are different from rodents. Rodents feed on a wide range of food, including rubbish and waste. They are commonly found in areas with poor sanitation such as the sewer and waste collection sites, which increases their chances of contracting various pathogens.
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Fumigation Treatment: All You Need to Know
Cockroaches
The never-ending battle between humans and pests has led to the rapid development of pest management services in Singapore, including fumigation treatments. The wide-ranging pests and their nature of behaviour can interfere with human activities.
The difficulties of controlling pests – due to the limitation on certain treatments’ application – has led us to using fumigation treatment to deal with severe pest issues.
Fumigation treatment in Singapore is usually carried out in the freight, shipping, storage and food manufacturing industries. All fumigators must apply for training and licence from the NEA (National Environmental Agency). Beyond that, pest management companies are also responsible for the application of fumigation permits before they are allowed to carry out fumigation treatments in Singapore.
Fumigants in Singapore
Fumigation treatment is a unique form of action for pest management.
It is usually adopted by pest management companies and clients when there are no other feasible forms of control to the target pest. However, most fumigants such as hydrogen cyanide, methyl bromide and hydrogen phosphide are toxic to pests as well as humans. Nevertheless, fumigation treatment has effective killing effects and has become an inevitable pest management method in Singapore.
Mode of Action of Fumigation Treatment
Fumigation treatment is a process of release or dispersal of toxic chemicals onto the targeted pests. It can be very fast as the volatile nature of fumigants is able to pass through inaccessible spaces. It has almost no limit to penetrate any object as long as tiny pores are present on the surface of the treated object. In other words, the entire structure is secured with the fumigation treatment. The toxic chemicals enter the pest body mainly through its breathing system.
Target Pests in Fumigation Treatment
In general, fumigation treatment is helpful in dealing with all types of pests including stored product pests, wood borers, subterranean and drywood termites, bed bugs, cockroaches and even rats. It is often carried out in enclosed shipping containers, vessels and warehouses.
Fumigation on smaller structures such as infested wood and furniture is usually done for targeting drywood termites and wood borers. In this case, infested wood has to be removed and placed in an air-tight space to allow the proceeding of fumigation treatment.
What Pest Control Treatment Methods Can You Use To Eradicate Pests?
Disadvantages of Fumigation
One main disadvantage of using fumigation treatment is that there is no residual effect on the treated structure. Therefore, no residues remain in the treated spaces once the areas have been ventilated and cleaned properly. Hence, it does not help in protecting the treated structure from future pest infestations.
Since the knockdown effect of target pests depends on its respiration rate, low temperature of the treated environment may make the pest less susceptible. This is due to the fact that the lower the temperature of the surrounding, the lower the respiration rate of the pest.
Pro Tip: It's better to hire professional pest management services to ensure the fumigation treatment effectiveness.
Factors Contributing to Fumigation Failure
Fumigation failures are common. It can be due to the improper application and pest resistance. In addition, inappropriate choice of fumigants and loss of fumigant through leakage in treated spaces can also affect the effectiveness of the treatment. Hence, a leak detector is sometimes utilized before the treatment.
Final Note
Fumigation treatment, while seen to be effective because of its volatile and gaseous nature to target pests, can actually be harmful to human and pets. The excessive use and misuse of the fumigants not only pose harmful effects on human’s health but cause adverse effects on the treated commodity and property.
The use of it must be handled by trained and certified fumigators as they will have enough knowledge on its application and precaution steps before and after the treatment.
Careful planning and application must be adopted before the treatment is carried out. The appropriate choice and use of fumigants are vital as it may cause fumigation failures and hazards to the environment.
Frequently Asked Questions
Fumigation treatment is usually required in freight, shipping, storage and food manufacturing industries. Businesses in these industries must avoid the spread of pests and minimize the risk of damage to the goods or people’s health.
Fumigation treatment usually lasts for years, but it is recommended to have regular inspections to keep the areas protected.
It is important to remove plants and pets before fumigation, and also all the food and medicines that are open and/or are not sealed.
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Cockroach Infestation: What are the Signs and Prevention Methods?
Cockroaches
There’s nothing worse than a cockroach infestation. Just think about it: what is the most terrifying insect you may see in your house? We believe most people would answer a cockroach!
The cockroach is always described or depicted as a disgusting creature.
Its existence often gives an indication of dirt or decay. The presence of it in food and beverage outlets poses health issues. In fact, it is very rare to encounter someone who sees a cockroach as an adorable or lovable insect.
Most people who live in urban or city areas cannot withstand the existence of a cockroach infestation in their house. Some may even get depressed. Indeed, controlling cockroaches requires knowledge and technique. Here we will look at the signs of a cockroach infestation before making a treatment decision.
How to Keep Cockroaches Away
- Use a humidifier
- Keep your house clean
- Seal and store food
Signs of a Cockroach Infestation
1. Unpleasant Smell
Do cockroaches carry a smell? Yes! Scent from cockroaches is normally undetectable by humans. However, when it comes from a big cockroach infestation, the smell will be present. The smell is considered stinky for most people but when it comes to cockroaches, it carries important means!
2. Cockroach Droppings
You may wonder how cockroach droppings look like? Well, the appearance of cockroach droppings resembles black pepper with a dark colour and cylindrical shape. Their droppings are usually gathered around the corners and edges of cabinets as those places are their common hiding areas and pathways.
3. Cockroach Eggs (Ootheca)
When it comes to comparing the size of droppings and eggs, their eggs are bigger and more obvious than their droppings.
A scary fact is that one ootheca can incubate more than 20 cockroaches inside!
Therefore, if you find an empty ootheca in your house, you may have to accept the fact that cockroaches have already built its family inside your home.
4. Shed Skins
Cockroaches molt just like other insects. Molting is a step in their growing process to reach the mature stage. Hence, if you see their skins shed inside your property, you must start taking controlled action against them.
The best way to prevent them from harboring is by keeping your house clean. Other aspects such as techniques of storing food and structural defects inside a property cannot be neglected.
Cockroach Prevention Tips
1. Identify Hiding Places and Entry Points
Inspection is a critical step in controlling cockroach infestations. It would be best if you can carry out the inspection at night as cockroaches are nocturnal insects. Get yourself a torchlight and search for signs of their activities as mentioned above.
Furthermore, you should also check cracks or crevices and gaps formed around the utility lines or pipes to reduce potential entry points for cockroaches. You may use silicone-based caulk to seal those entry points.
2. Make the Infested Area Less Conducive
After the inspection, keep in mind to remove, vacuum or wipe areas where cockroach eggs (ootheca), droppings and their carcasses were found. Remember one egg case can harbor 20 cockroaches inside, so remove it before it hatches to prevent a cockroach infestation.
You might not believe that cockroaches eat their own or nestmates’ droppings. Female cockroach droppings were seen highly attractive to nymph. The droppings also release pheromone (a chemical substance used to affect cockroach behavior and physiology).
The Ultimate Guide to Cockroach Prevention, Treatment and Control in Singapore
3. Eliminate Food and Water Sources
The main necessities for cockroaches to thrive are food, water and housing. Removing all these available sources for them is the best way to prevent them from entering your property.
Cockroaches are able to squeeze their bodies through a gap of only 2mm wide.
Hence, make sure your food is properly sealed.
Stains, grease or food debris are other important food sources for them so we cannot forget to clean these up. In addition, some humid areas such as underneath the kitchen sink or refrigerator are potential nesting areas for cockroaches. So remember to inspect, clean and ventilate these areas to prevent a cockroach infestation.
4. Keep Things Tidy
Cockroaches like to move and hide in cluttered areas, especially the areas packed with newspapers and cupboards as these materials act as their housing and food. Cockroaches are general feeders. So, it is normal for them to feed on paper if there are no alternative food sources for them. Always remind yourself to remove clutter in your home, keep things clean and tidy so that your home can be inspected regularly.
Pro Tip: Hiring pest control professionals may be the best way to get rid of cockroaches' infestation effectively.
5. Seek Professional Help
It would be an exhausting task to deal with a major cockroach infestation. Fear of cockroaches is the first barrier that most people will face. To deal with them, you may need to have plenty of time to fight. However, this is almost impossible for most people.
The short life cycle and high reproductive potential of cockroaches even make the control effort difficult. Hence, it would be easier to hand over this task to pest control professionals as they are more familiar with your enemy and has the best technique to manage the pest.
Frequently Asked Questions
Cockroaches can contaminate your food and carry pathogens that can cause allergies, asthma, diarrhea, dysentery, cholera and other diseases.
Cockroaches can get into your house through open doors and windows, cracks and holes in your building, or through shared pipes and holes in the walls.
Cockroaches prefer dark, warm and moist places, so they usually hide in narrow cracks, behind refrigerators, near plumbing fixtures, in dark drawers or in and around running electrical appliances.
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What You Need to Know About Cockroaches
Cockroaches
Cockroaches are amongst the most repulsive of pests, yet they are also one of the most prevalent types of pests which can be found in homes, restaurants, shopping centres and commercial buildings.
What Types of Cockroaches are There?
There are four types of cockroaches in Singapore: American (Periplaneta americana), German (Blattella germánica), Australian (Periplaneta australasiae), and brown (Supella longipalpa).
- The American cockroach is the largest breed, extending to 1.6 inches in length. They are reddish-brown, have tri-segmented bodies, are winged, and have antennae on their heads.
- The German cockroach is shorter, ranging from 1.1 to 1.6 inches in length. Various colors present themselves, going from a pale tan to black. Although it has wings on its back, it cannot fly. Another distinguishing characteristic is two dark lines that run from the base of the head to the beginning of the wings, looking like an equal (=) sign.
- The Australian cockroach is 0.9-1.4 inches in length. A mask pattern of dark brown and yellow near its head is the most defining feature, and it is able to fly. Its primary diet consists of plants, though it is willing to eat food from kitchens as well.
- Finally, the brown cockroach is the smallest of the four, growing to roughly 0.5 inches long. It is also a flier and is recognizable because of its light brown color and two long, brown bands that wrap around its body.
All cockroaches are indoor and outdoor pests, although the Australian cockroach prefers the outdoors. Three also prefer warm environments except for the brown cockroach, which likes dry spaces like cabinets.
The Ultimate Guide to Cockroach Prevention, Treatment and Control in Singapore
Signs of a Cockroach Infestation
Cockroach infestations are messy.
One sure sign of an infestation is finding cockroach droppings around the home.
Nymphs (young cockroaches) will leave feces that are small and hard to detect, looking like pieces of black powder. Droppings from adults are larger and cylindrical.
Other signs are unpleasant odors and finding shell fragments underneath furniture or in hard to reach places. Because they are small, cockroaches can easily slip under floor mats, behind wallpaper, and through cracks in windows, doors, and walls. However, if they come in contact with liquid, they will leave a distinctive, greasy smear along a surface. Since they are nocturnal, seeing a cockroach during the day is another bad sign as it is evidence of an infestation.
In Singapore, cockroaches are commonly found in kitchens (especially in sing drains and behind appliances) and bin chutes, since they prefer a dark and moist habitat.
What to do if you Spot a Cockroach Infestation
If an infestation is detected, immediate action should be taken. Each breed of cockroach produces 100-200 young from one mating pair, and they reach sexual maturation within a matter of days. It is likely for cockroaches to multiply exponentially into the thousands. People in flats should contact their landlord and pest control providers immediately to prevent the spread of cockroaches to other homes. If in a house, a pest control provider should again be called.
Cockroaches carry many diseases in their feces and on their bodies.
Gastroenteritis, typhoid fever, salmonella, listeria, cholera, leprosy, and dysentery can all be found in or on them, making it crucial for people suffering from an infestation to not touch them, their droppings, or any food that might have been contaminated.
How to Prevent Roaches?
- Store food in airtight containers
- Empty out the trash
- Seal off all possible entry points
- Keep the kitchen clean!
Pro Tip: People should contact pest control providers immediately to prevent the spread of cockroaches.
How are Cockroaches Removed?
Our Pest Control Operators (PCOs) will use a variety of techniques to control populations depending on the location of the infestations. For example, in kitchens our PCOs would use gel bait or spraying, outdoors our PCOs would use spraying and fogging.
Killem Pest has also pioneered a technique of bin chute flush outs for condominiums to ensure that cockroaches do not enter the internal areas of the buildings from bin chutes. Gel bait is a type of toxic gel (targeted specifically at and toxic only to cockroaches) that is applied in cracks and crevices, which are areas cockroaches are attracted to. Cockroaches will feed on the gel bait, return to their nest, and die. When this happens, the other roaches will eat his body and become poisoned themselves, dying and repeating the cycle.
To get in touch with Killem about a cockroach problem, call us or please fill in the form on our cockroach removal page.
Frequently Asked Questions
Cockroaches don’t use biting to attack or defend unless they see food. They can pick crumbs or eat dead skin and grease, which may feel like biting.
Cockroaches can spread harmful bacteria and diseases, so it’s important to take measures if you see signs of cockroach infestation in your home.
Since cockroaches feed on food, waste, and garbage in your house, they will rarely go away on their own.
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How to Carry Out Safe Pest Control with Children and Pets in Your Home
Cockroaches
Let’s be honest, no one wants to have pests in or near your home, especially when you have children or pets.
Infants and babies may be exposed to more pesticides than adults because they often spend more time closer to the ground, touching furniture bases or playing in the gardens where pesticides may have been applied. Infants and babies are also more likely to put fingers, toys and other objects that may have come into contact with pesticides into their mouths.
There are many different types of pests that can cause serious problems if they get out of hand, and you need to find ways you can control those pests safely and efficiently, without compromising the health and safety of your children and pets.
You can do some basic things that will help to keep the pests out of your home, but there might come a time when you need to call in the professionals.
What Are the Most Common Types of Pests?
While there are many different types of pests that could be plaguing your home, some of the most common and intrusive include:
Pests have the potential to destroy your home, get into your food and carry diseases. You should never have to live with pests. You should find ways to eradicate them.
What Are Safe Pesticides?
When it comes to choosing pesticides that you want, or you want your professional provider to use in and around your home, you need to be very careful. Many brands on the market are full of chemicals that could harm your children and your pets if it were ingested.
When you are choosing pesticides that you can use to deal better with the pests that you find, you should look for those that are organic and that do not have toxic chemicals in them.
One of the best things about working with Killem Pest for your pest control needs is that we use original, non-generic chemicals that are environmentally friendly and they have low mammalian toxicity. This means that even if children or pets accidentally ingest the pesticide, they would not become ill.
Pro Tip: To choose an effective pesticide, you need to know what pest you are dealing with.
In addition, you can do other things that will help to keep your children and pets safe. If you are putting out bait for rodents, for example, never leave it in an area where your children or pets could have access to it. They could put it in their mouth. Instead, put the bait into a locked bait station or in an area that cannot be opened or reached by children or pets so that only rodents can access it.
If the pest control company has come and sprayed, make sure that any of the residual spraying has dried before allowing children or pets into the area. Make sure your animals are not licking the plants or the walls where the chemicals were sprayed, too.
You should also always make sure your children wash their hands after they have been playing outdoors, and stress the importance of not touching any bait stations that you might have.
How to Keep Pests Away
The following are some very simple and basic tips that can help you to control some of the pests in and around your home:
- Keeping your food in airtight containers can help to control the influx of ants, as well as rodents and roaches.
- If you have fruit that is left out on the counter, check it regularly to see if there are any bad spots on it, as this can draw fruit flies and other types of pests.
- A natural type of pesticide that you can make at home is citrus oil. You can use equal parts orange peels and water, and simmer them. Remove the peels and put the water into a spray containers and then spray around the windows, doors, and other areas where pests might be getting into the property.
DIY Pest Control Methods to Try at Home
Call in the Professionals
Of course, when it comes to pest problems, sometimes, the DIY home pest control methods are simply not enough. You need to call in the professionals that can provide you with a thorough service and remove those pests for good no matter what type they might be.
Frequently Asked Questions
The safety depends on the products and quality of services that you use, but generally, products for household insects pose no threat to people or pets. That is of course if the products are applied correctly and at low concentrations.
Modern pest control methods are designed to target pests and remain safe for children and pets in your house. Professionals are trained in safe application techniques and use only safe and approved products.
Although it’s not always necessary, some people feel comfortable taking their children and pets out of the house during pest treatment. Overall, you need to give the products time to dry before letting your household members have free access to the treated areas.