I hate cockroaches

I hate cockroaches. But usually we hear (especially from girls) that cockroaches are horrid and hideous creatures. But the problem is that they are everywhere! Cockroaches can be found in homes and offices where food is stored or handled. They are night riders! and most active at night. Like some people who scare of them, cockroaches scare of us. If a light is turned on at night, they will escape away to hide. They spend most of the day hiding in cracks, crevices and warm places. During cold seasons and especially in winter, they invade our homes and warm buildings looking for shelter and food as unwelcome guests.

Cockroaches can carry organisms that cause human diseases such as food poisoning and Salmonella. They can contaminate foods and water resources. Allergies are also an important issue caused by cockroaches. Cockroaches also can spread very fast and in most cases it is very difficult to control and remove them. The female cockroach can produce up to eight purse-like egg cases monthly, each containing up to 30 eggs and nymphs hatch in two to four weeks. Young cockroaches look the same as adults, only smaller.

Prevention is the best way to control cockroaches. Sanitation is a key measure for this purpose and cannot be neglected. Following are some prevention tips for cockroaches control:

• Open food should be kept in a refrigerator
• Sweep and mop floors as often as possible to remove a possible food source
• Cover rubbish bins with a tight fitting lid
• Never leave food items in desks, lockers or anywhere exposed to them especially overnight
• Store all food items in air tight containers
• Reduce overall clutter to eliminate shelter options.
• Dirty crockery, cutlery and cooking utensils should be washed and stored away as soon as possible after use
• All goods, especially the cartons and packages should be closely checked for live cockroaches
• Seal doors and windows.  Fit mesh on drains and check that there are no gaps around service pipe entry points
• Cracked or loose tiles, laminates, and wall coverings should be re-adhered or replaced