| Cockroaches present one of the most significant
public health risks, carrying diseases such as dysentery, gastroenteritis,
diarrhoea, typhoid, poliomyelitis and salmonella. They are most
commonly found in commercial premises in which food is produced
or handled, such as restaurants and catering establishments. However,
they are not uncommon in domestic situations where they live in
kitchens and drains.
The three most important species are the Oriental cockroach (Blatta
orientalis), the German cockroach (Blattella germanica) and the
American cockroach (Periplaneta americana).
The Oriental cockroach reaches 20-24mm in length in its adult stages,
is almost black in colour and is largely found in cooler, less humid
areas than its German counterpart, which, at 9-14mm long is markedly
smaller. Blattella germanica, yellowy-brown in colour, is a better
climber than the Oriental cockroach and thrives particularly well
in kitchens and canteens. The largest of the species, the American
cockroach, is red-brown in colour and can reach 30-35mm in length.
This species survives well in drains and sewers.
Cockroaches are nocturnal creatures, which spend the daytime hours
hiding in cracks and crevices around sources of food and water such
as cookers and sinks. Complex pipework systems and underground ducts
in larger buildings can make their control all the more difficult.
Food contamination occurs when the cockroach moves from refuse to
food preparation areas. Cockroaches will eat practically anything
from human food to leather, wallpaper and even other cockroaches.
Pest information supplied by Sorex.
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