The largest cockroach you will probably ever come across in the Brisbane area is the American Cockroach (Periplaneta Americana). Also known as the water bug or misidentified as the Palmetto Bug,it is placed in the kingdom of Animalia of the family Blattidae. It’s Phylum is Arthropoda and is of the Genus Periplaneta;Burmeister, 1838
Adults range in length up to 53mm and have a “complete life-cycle”.
Their habitat is commonly a place of poor sanitation and can affect human health in many ways including food contamination and allergens.
Treatment and control can be achieved in various ways including integrated pest management procedures like physical proofing,glue boards,ensuring grease and food waste is removed and pesticide application.
CONTROL METHODS American cockroaches usually inhabit grease pits, drainage pits and septic situations. They are a serious disease vector carrier and should not be tolerated. The old saying goes if you see one there are more than likely another 10 atleast in close proximity. Insecticide application should include a thorough inspection of voids such as roof voids, subfloors and grease traps. Application of a dust to roof voids and wall cavities often flushes out american cockroach populations in houses that have not been treated in this way for several years. In addition to the dust application, spraying of external wall foundations and internal skirting boards ensures all flushed out cockroaches are exterminated. In the case of kitchen cupboards I usually install gel to hinges as a safe option while at the same time delivering a very long-lasting solution. the outcome of this set of procedures produces lots of very satisfied expressions from new first time clients. CONCLUSION In order to control an American Cockroach infestation successfully, treat all voids [such as roof voids and wall cavities} then apply barrier spray treatment and gel coverage in sensitive areas such as kitchen cupboards. Re-treatment may be required after 12 to 24 months.