Cockroaches – A Serious Threat
Cockroaches are common in commercial premises associated with food production or handling. Residential and Commercial buildings also suffer infestations.
Cockroaches pose a serious threat to human health. They transmit pathogens and spread allergens. According to WHO studies, cockroaches are also associated with asthma in children. Some common diseases transmitted by cockroaches include:
• Gastroenteritis
• Typhoid
• Dysentery
• Poliomyelitis and other ailments
Identify the invader
Before control measures are taken, assess the infestation. Identify the species and the extent of the infestation.
A high standard of hygiene is important in cockroach control. It denies a cockroach access to food, water and suitable harbourages. Ensure you have a clean environment and survey incoming materials including packaging cartons.
Achieve fast, efficient cockroach control
Effective insecticide treatments include surface sprays and insecticidal baits.
For surface sprays, apply in and around cockroach harbourages, and along routes where cockroaches typically travel. Most surface sprays are cockroach repellent so shouldn’t be applied in the same location as bait, as they will deter cockroaches feeding on the baits.
For Insecticidal baits, place small spots of the bait gel should be applied in infested areas. Baits provide control over an extended period of time; fewer products are required and can be used in sensitive environments (e.g. kitchens, schools, etc).
For outdoor applications such as along external walls, door and window frames, and around drains, use a contact residual spray to provide fast knockdown and long-term control.
For indoor infestations, use a bait Gel as it is discrete, highly effective, easy to apply, can eliminate colonies, and has no odour.
Termite Treatment - All About Termite
Termites are social insects, working and living together in groups called colony. Each colony contains several types of termite individuals (castes) which differ in body shape and behaviour and each caste performs different tasks. These castes are identified as:
• Workers
• Soldiers - distinguished by their heavily armoured and pigmented heads
• Reproductive’s (i.e. Queen and King)
Subterranean termites are the most destructive termites in India. They build their nests underground and can also construct mounds that go above ground level. Mature colonies may consist of more than 2 million individuals and the queens are capable of laying 2000 eggs per day. Termite colonies may exist for as long as 50 years.
Behaviour
The Reproductive Caste has eyes, a functional reproductive system and wings. They usually swarm (leave the colony) before the onset of monsoon. After swarming (also called as mating flight), they seek out a suitable place to form a new colony. The king alters little in shape but the queen’s abdomen becomes enormously distended with eggs.
Risks
Termites are hidden invaders, they can cause serious structural damage to buildings and significant damage to crops. Termites feed on anything consisting of cellulose such as wood, paper, clothes. In search of food they also damage non-cellulosic material such as rubber, plastic, nylon, etc. Their ability to conceal themselves provides the necessary time to do considerable damage before they are discovered.
Signs of Termite Infestation
• Any cracked or bubbling paint on the wall
• Small holes in the drywall
• Floor, wall, ceiling and foundation damages
• Maze-like patterns in furniture, floorboards or walls
• Tunnels in wood structure
Prevention
1. Eliminate any moisture problem on your home
• Repair any leaking taps, water pipes, and AC units.
• Keep gutters and exit of water clean.
• Make sure water does not stand on the water roof.
• Keep all openings clear.
• Seal any entry point around water and utility lines or pipes.
2. Remove termite food sources
• Don’t keep junk such as old cardboard boxes, old books, newspaper and magazines at your home.
• Regularly check dark areas, damp areas, and garages and make them clean.
• Make sure wood in your home does not make contact with soil.