Oriental cockroach/black beetle
(blatta orientalis)
Adult size (approx.): 1.7cm-3cm
Cockroaches - Are a serious problem and are to be dealt with straightaway, they carry diseases such as dysentery, typhoid and poliomyelitis, as well as gastroenteritis.
The German cockroach prefers warm, moist environments, particularly heating systems in large buildings. It can swim, fly, climb smooth surfaces easily and hide in inaccessible places.
The Oriental cockroach is found mainly indoors in heated buildings like hospitals, hotels, restaurants, prisons and blocks of flats. It is sometimes found outdoors around dustbins and rubbish tips. It is dark brown to black in colour, very shiny, and has long flexible antennae and a flattened body. It cannot fly or climb smooth surfaces but can move very rapidly.
Essex & Herts Pest Control use the latest gels and pesticides to remove cockroaches and are treated with two visits approximately 4-6 weeks apart. Good house-keeping is also required in conjunction with treatments.
We provide a one-off Cockroach removal service for both residential and commercial properties.
Habitat
A pest that enjoys warm environments but can also be tolerant to colder conditions. Nymphs (young Cockroaches) and Adults, cluster in groups when inactive. They forage on a wide range of foods needing access to water. They can be found indoors in heated buildings, underground heating ducts, drains, refuse tips and externally near buildings. They can survive outside over the winter period in sheltered conditions but are unable to breed. They do not tolerate extremely hot and dry conditions.
Biology
Egg – Nymph - Adult
Egg: The eggs are carried in a case called the Ootheca approx per Female with an average of 16 eggs per case, being laid at intervals.
Nymph: the Nymph can moult from 7 to 10 times at this stage, taking 6 to 15 months to reach maturity.
Adults: dark brown in colour with partial wings/wing buds but are incapable of flying. They are a robust Insect living up to 6 months.
Importance
The Cockroach can be a serious pest in heated buildings such as launderettes, hotels and multi occupational dwellings, particularly in urban areas. The Oriental Cockroach has been known to carry disease organisms.
Control
A difficult pest to eradicate unless dealt with correctly. Surveys should take place using monitors and possible night inspections. A thorough treatment is needed to include a residual spray treatment with gel bait being placed in harbourage areas. Repeat treatments may be necessary until total control or eradication is achieved.
German Cockroach/Steam Fly
(blatta germanica)
Adult size (approx.): 1.2cm-1.5cm
Habitat
A nocturnal pest that tends to find warm, humid conditions. This pest is found indoors in heated buildings and heating ducts. When inactive, Nymphs and Adults are found clustered together in harbourages attracted by a pheromone they release. Harbourages are normally close to food and water sources. They forage on a wide source of foods and need free access to water. They are able to climb smooth surfaces such as walls.
Biology
Egg – Nymph - Adult
Egg: carried in a case called the Ootheca, each containing 30-40 eggs. The eggs are carried by the Female for 2-4 weeks before hatching.
Nymph: the Nymph moults 5-7 times during a 2-6 month period when they reach maturity. They live and feed with the adults.
Adults: the Adults are small and inactive. Their colouring is a yellowish brown. They have wings but do not normally fly, living approx 6 months.
Importance
They can carry disease organisms and are capable of spreading rapidly in the correct conditions, becoming a serious pest.
Control
Surveys to take place using monitors with the possibility of night inspections. A thorough treatment is needed with a residual spray to the infested areas. Gel bait will also be used paying particular attention to cracks and crevices where there could be possible harbourages.
