Cockroaches

Common pest species - German Blatella germanica, American Periplaneta americana , Black Platyzosteria novaeseelandiae and Gisborne Drymaplaneta semivitta (not to be confused with the native Bush Cockroach Celatoblatta spp.)

German Cockroaches, thought to have originated in North East Africa, are by far the most widely distributed disease spreading cockroaches worldwide. The Gisborne (see opposite) is also commonly associated with people and can be distinguished from the German by its distinct pale stripes down either side. The native Bush cockroach can be mistaken for Gisborne but its stripes are less distinct and it is much smaller the the adult Gisborne. For more information on identifying cockroach species check out the Landcare Research website.

Roaches prefer warm, moist and sheltered areas close to food and water. They can however, survive in extremes of heat (Bakers ovens), extremes of cold (Deep freezes) withstand over 2000 times more radiation than human beings and still reproduce and adapt.

It has been reported recently (Campbell Live 18/05/09) that a large proportion of coffee machines in our cafés are infested with cockroaches. Here they find hot moist conditions and nooks and crannies to hide. The NZ Herald have reported (18/08/09) that the winter has been a good breeding season for the pest insects in Auckland with moist conditions and cool weather that has driven the cockroaches into buildings where they find food and warmth. More information.....

How to get rid of Cockroaches

Treatment of a cockroach infestation can be difficult because the eggs and egg cases are often laid in difficult to treat cracks and crevices. Egg cases also provide protection from insecticides. Therefore, it is important that treatment is maintained for at least one month after you stop seeing cockroaches.

Carry out treatment as follows:

1. Place NO Cockroach Gel Bait in areas such as behind fridges and freezers, in rear of cupboards and areas where cockroaches have been seen. The bait will kill feeding cockroaches, those that these individuals regurgitate food for and those that cannibalise them after they die.
2. Knock down adults and immature cockroaches using NO Cockroaches (or NO Bugs) fumigators in each affected room. The fumigant penetrates into the nooks and crannies where cockroaches hide. Remove all dead cockroaches after treatment as females may be carrying eggs that could still hatch.
3. Spray around likely cockroach hiding places such as behind, ovens, fridges, freezers, cupboards etc. with NO Cockroaches or NO Bugs Super residual surface sprays. These give long lasting protection.
4. You can also spray accessible cracks and crevices with NO Bugs Crack and Crevice Spray or NO Borer Injector to flush out cockroaches and deny them these harbourages.
5. Also set NO Cockroaches Traps and NO Cockroach Gel Bait in affected areas. These will give early indication and control of any re-infestation.

Testimonial - Learn how Rachael got rid of cockroaches from her home.

NO COCKROACHES FUMIGATOR

The NO Cockroaches fumigator is ideal for a quick knockdown of cockroach numbers. It produces a vapour that penetrates into the cracks and crevices where cockroaches hide. It should be followed up with residual treatment using the bait, traps and sprays below.

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NO COCKROACHES CONCENTRATE

Interior and exterior use – safe and effective.

After diluting with water this product offers long term control of cockroaches.  The cockroaches die by dermal contact after they have walked across the sprayed areas.  Spray cupboards, drawers, skirting, scotia, under sink, around fridges, ducting, rubbish disposal areas and any warm, moist area favoured by cockroaches. No Cockroaches will be effective for 2 months after spraying. Once the spray is dry it is not hazardous to humans or pets, does not stain or have lingering odour.

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NO COCKROACHES TRIGGER PACK

Same as No Cockroaches concentrate but in a handy, ready to use spray.  Quickly and easily spray any areas where cockroaches have been noticed.  Sprayed area will continue to kill cockroaches for 2 months after spraying.

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NO COCKROACH  TRAPS - BioGro certified

A single trap can capture up to 80 or more cockroaches.  The baits are effective for up to 3 months. Place in areas where cockroaches have been observed. By catching females with the egg sacs, NO Cockroach Traps begin reducing cockroach numbers immediately. 

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NO COCKROACH GEL BAIT

Clean, easy to use Cockroach Gel Bait kills within 3-10 days.  Squeeze a few drops of NO Cockroach Gel Bait onto a metal, glass or plastic and place where cockroaches feed or have been noticed. Cockroaches (like flies) regurgitate when feeding themselves or their young. The regurgitated secretions, which contain the toxin from the Gel Bait, are then eaten by newly hatched cockroaches.  Replace the Gel Bait as it is taken, or if it has hardened, until all signs of cockroach activity has ceased. Complete control may take up to 2 weeks. Leave the Gel Bait in place so that cockroaches moving into the area are killed before they can become an infestation.

More information…..

Classroom Clips

• Blatella germanica "The Ultimate Survivor".
• Each female produces 4 - 8 egg capsules in her lifetime.
• Egg capsules are 8mm long, chestnut brown, with about 18 segments, and are produced at 3 - 4 week intervals.
• Each capsule contains 30 - 40 eggs.
• Capsules are carried on the abdomen of the female until they hatch. She will occasionally deposit the capsules prior to hatching.
• The larval stage egg - nymph lasts 40 - 128 days dependant on the environment.
• There are usually 6 nymph stages during development.
• Full development takes 6 - 7 weeks, adult life span is up to 300 days.
• Adults are pale, brown and about 12mm long with 2 dark stripes on the thorax.
• Both sexes have wings but rarely fly.
• Nocturnal and omnivorous roaches damage many articles other than foodstuffs; i.e. books, tapestries, leather goods, paintings, often leaving behind a musty, stale, characteristic odour.
• Fruit and veges often provide an adequate supply of water.
• There are over 3,500 species of cockroaches worldwide.
• Although New Zealand has some roach species of its own, only the 4 imported ones - German, Gisborne, American and Australian - are of any significance, particularly Blatella germanica.
• U.S.studies (cited by Agricultural Dept) show that millions of people worldwide are allergic to cockroaches (particularly asthmatics). Up to 61% of roach shells, feces, blood & digestive enzymes contain proteins which cause allergies. These proteins linger long after the insects are gone.
• Cockroaches produce filth, contaminate food, pollute water supplies and are vectors of many diseases such as salmonella food poisoning, gastroenteritis, staphylococcus, diarrhoea and typhoid.
• Cockroaches (particularly Blatella germanica) are public enemy No. 1 in hospitals, health and food premises.
• Cockroaches appear to have reached the ULTIMATE stage in the evolutionary scheme of things. Fossils many millions of years old have been found to show that the cockroaches today are still identical to their prehistoric ancestors.

Kiwicare - Yellow How To Guide