Cockroaches: A vile and disgusting creature

They are among the most vile and disgusting creatures you could come across. These tough insects have been around since the time of dinosaurs and have evolved as some of the most adaptable pests on earth. Cockroaches can live up to one month without food, up to two weeks without water and up to one week without…their head! They snack on your food, damage your books, lay their eggs everywhere and make themselves at home in your house!

If you have noticed an unpleasant smell under the water sinks or in  your cupboards, it’s time to look for signs of these non-desired guests and get rid of them!

Associated risks to cockroaches

These nasty insects are known carriers of salmonella, gastro-enteritis, dysentery and typhoid and can spread up to 33 different kinds of bacteria. Their droppings can cause eczema and triggers asthma attacks. More associated risks to cockroaches are:

• Contamination: When they snack on your food, they contaminate it. The risk is higher with children, with the elderly and those fighting illnesses.
• Damage: To your health, your books, your food and your goods-They will eat almost anything.
• Breeding: Cockroaches breed rapidly and uncontrollably if left untreated.
• Unpleasant smell: Yes, what you smell is their urine and faeces. This strong odour “sticks” to any food and objects they come into contact with.

Signs of cockroaches’ infestation

Cockroaches are nasty. They hide in dark and moist places where they can breed peacefully, waiting for the night to come to take over your house and feed on your goods. If ever you suspect a cockroach infestation, these are the common signs you should look for:

• Live insects: Cockroaches are nocturnal, and you don’t usually see them, or maybe when turning on the bathroom light at night. If they are visible during daytime, this presence indicates a high level of cockroach infestation and a high density of hidden ones.
• Egg cases, cast skins and droppings: Cockroaches shed their skin 5-8 times as they mature. Their droppings are black, around 1mm wide, of varying lengths and look similar to coffee crumbs.
• Odour: An unpleasant smell from closed cupboards or under water sinks is unfortunately the sign of an established cockroach infestation.
• Damage: They will eat about everything, even their own kind. If you notice uncommon damages to your goods, leather, and books, it may be a sign of infestation.