Are there cockroaches in your home, apartment, cottage or warehouse and you don’t know how to control them? Check out our ultimate guide, which will introduce you to the life cycles of cockroaches, their behavior, but also, for example, the migration patterns of these pests. It will also introduce you to what attracts cockroaches, how they can get into your home and, of course, how to effectively get rid of them.
Article content
- What is a cockroach?
- Cockroach life cycle
- Cockroach behavior
- Cockroach migration
- Cockroaches in the Czech Republic
- Health complications caused by cockroaches
- What attracts cockroaches?
- How do cockroaches get into your home?
- How to get rid of cockroaches?
What is a cockroach?
Cockroaches are flying insects belonging to the order Cockroaches and the family Cockroachidae. Cockroaches are cosmopolitan (found worldwide) and are among the most common pests in many homes and other buildings. They forage at night in kitchens, food storage areas, garbage cans and sewers. Some people may be allergic to cockroaches. They can also play a significant role as carriers of intestinal diseases – such as diarrhea, dysentery, typhoid fever and cholera.
Cockroaches are flattened from top to bottom, usually with two pairs of wings folded flat across their backs. Most species rarely fly, but they walk very quickly. They usually vary in color from light brown to black, but also in size from 2–3 mm to more than 80 mm in length.
Cockroach life cycle
Cockroaches are relatively primitive and have only three life cycle stages: egg, nymph, and adult.
The female lays her eggs in groups, which are surrounded by a bean-shaped or capsule-shaped egg case (ootheca). Some species, such as the German cockroach (Rus domesticus), carry the ootheca attached to the posterior end of the body for several weeks. Most others lay their ootheca after one or two days. The ootheca is very distinctive and can often be used to identify the exact species. Depending on the species, temperature, and humidity, the eggs hatch after 1–3 months.
Young cockroaches, or nymphs, are wingless and usually only a few millimeters long. They hatch white but darken within a few hours. They grow in stages by repeatedly shedding their skin. They grow to adulthood over several months and sometimes over a year, depending on the species. Adults may or may not have wings, consisting of a single outer leathery pair beneath which a membranous pair is folded.
Cockroach behavior
Cockroach pests live in close proximity to humans. Although they are of tropical origin, in temperate zones most species live in parts of houses and other buildings where there is plenty of food, warmth and moisture.
Cockroaches usually live in groups. They are mostly active at night, hiding during the day in cracks and crevices in walls, door frames and furniture and in safe places in bathrooms, closets, steam tunnels, animal shelters, basements, drains and sewers, as well as televisions, radios and other electrical appliances. If the lights are turned on at night in an infested kitchen, the cockroach will run towards the shelter.
Cockroaches feed on a wide variety of foods, including human foods. They prefer starchy and sweet foods. They drink milk and nibble on cheese, meat, baked goods, grain products, sugar and sweet chocolate. They also feed on cardboard, hardback books, ceiling boards containing starch, the inner lining of shoe soles, their own discarded skins, dead and mutilated cockroaches, fresh and dried blood, excrement and fingernails.
Cockroach migration
Mass migrations have been reported for some species, possibly due to overcrowding. Migrants move to new areas by crawling or flying. They usually enter homes in cartons of packaged drinks and bags of potatoes, onions, or other foods that have become infested in poorly maintained grocery stores or warehouses. Long-distance migration of pests can occur via transport aircraft, ships, or trucks.
Cockroaches in the Czech Republic
Cockroaches are probably one of the oldest species of flying insects on the planet. It is estimated that they have been on the planet in a practically unchanged form for about 350 million years. There are about 3,500 species of cockroaches worldwide, with about 5 native species living in the wild and 6 introduced species living exclusively near humans living in the Czech Republic. They can therefore be divided into:
- cockroaches living in the wild – Czech wood cockroach, wood cockroach, Lapland cockroach, fire cockroach, reticulated cockroach,
- Cockroaches living near humans – common cockroach, brown cockroach, American cockroach, Australian cockroach, brown-striped cockroach and domestic rus (German cockroach).
There is also one protected species in the Czech Republic that is classified as vulnerable: the red-eared slider (Ectobius erythronotus nigricans).
Health complications caused by cockroaches
Cockroaches are very important pests because they spread dirt and spoil food, fabrics, and even book bindings. At certain intervals, they excrete parts of their partially digested food and excrete feces. They also release secretions, both from their mouths and from glands opening on their bodies, which cause a long-lasting offensive odor.
Cockroaches move freely from building to building or from sewers, gardens, drains and latrines into human dwellings. Because they feed on human feces and human food, they can spread germs. Cockroaches are not usually the most important cause of disease, but like houseflies they can play a complementary role in the spread of some diseases. They can cause, for example:
- diarrhea,
- dysentery,
- cholera,
- leprosy,
- plague,
- typhoid,
- viral diseases such as poliomyelitis (polio).
In addition, they carry the eggs of parasitic worms and can cause serious respiratory illnesses and allergic reactions, including dermatitis, itching, or swelling of the eyelids.
What attracts cockroaches?
Whether it’s cockroaches, ants, termites or rodents, they’re all likely looking for food and water sources. And they’ll easily find them in your home. Cockroaches are particularly attracted to warmth, moisture and the following sources:
Dirty dishes in the sink
Dirty dishes in the sink often contain food scraps, which is exactly what cockroaches are looking for. They are in your home for two reasons – they are looking for shelter or they want food. If you leave dirty dishes in the sink, they will be happy to come and get them.
Crumbs on the floor
Crumbs on the floor are another source of food that will attract cockroaches. So limit any opportunity to give these pests a chance to find food. Sweep the floors, wipe down the countertops. Do it regularly, not just once.
Garbage
The key is to have a well-insulated trash can. So that no larger pests can get inside. Don’t forget to take it out and disinfect it regularly and consistently. There are also trash bags that repel pests.
Pet food
Pet food placed on the floor is a big attraction for cockroaches. If you have a pet that often doesn’t eat all of its food and saves it for later, it’s better to place it in a sealable bowl or simply place the bowl in a safe place where cockroaches can’t get to it.
Excess moisture
Cockroaches need moisture to survive. Dripping faucets or cracked shower doors are some of the most common factors that attract cockroaches to residential homes. If your home has high humidity, try to reduce it by using a dehumidifier.
How do cockroaches get into your home?
Cracks and fissures
Cracks and crevices in your windows and doors are some of the most common ways cockroaches find their way into your home. The biggest problems we see with homeowners are doors that don’t seal properly or windows that don’t close completely.
Holes in vents and pipes
Another common way these pests get in is through vents and pipes. This is especially common with older vents that don’t seal properly. So check them and watch the pipes under your sink for any potential entry points.
Transfer station
Although it’s not as common, cockroaches are known to get into things like old furniture you’ve just bought at a thrift store or pulled out of a basement or attic. It’s a kind of transfer station for them. Before you bring such furniture into your home, check it for signs of pests.
How to get rid of cockroaches?
There are basically only two ways to get rid of cockroaches – on your own or through a professional who will carry out a professional disinfestation . Below are some tips and advice on how you can deal with them. However, it requires a certain amount of precision.
1. Thoroughly clean your home
The truth is, cockroaches are persistent creatures. Even if you follow all the tips below, you may not be able to get rid of them. If you’ve tried these tried and true tricks and they haven’t worked, you’ll probably need help from a professional.
As mentioned above, cockroaches are attracted to dirt and food scraps. They are constantly looking for new sources of food. The easiest way to try to get rid of cockroaches on your own is to keep your home clean. Therefore, take the following precautions:
- Always wash the dishes after each meal and put them back in their clean place.
- Do not leave crumbs, food scraps, and spilled liquids in the kitchen.
- Before you go to bed, take out the trash and disinfect the bin.
- Remove grease from the hob or stove.
- Place all food in airtight containers.
- Mop the floor and wipe down the countertop regularly.
2. Cockroach traps
One effective method of eliminating cockroaches is to use traps containing pheromones or other baits that cockroaches love and are attracted to. Once they get inside the trap, a sticky surface awaits them, which will not let them out. The result can last up to two weeks, so the traps should be checked regularly.
3. Insecticidal baits
Another common way to get rid of cockroaches is to use chemical baits that disguise the insecticide (poison) as a food source. The cockroach swallows the poison and returns to its nest, where it later dies. Some cockroaches also spread the poison to the rest of the nest, poisoning the rest of the colony. Place chemical baits near garbage cans, trash cans, and under sinks and cabinets in kitchens and bathrooms.
4. Liquid concentrates
Another product available in stores is a liquid concentrate designed to repel cockroaches. Once diluted, the liquid can be sprayed into cracks, gaps, crevices, and other areas where cockroaches like to hide. You can also use this product to mop the floor and wipe down counters and countertops. If you are wondering how to get rid of cockroaches overnight, this is probably one of the best solutions.
Tip: In our e-shop you can buy cockroach control products for professional use. For home use, for example, insecticidal dust (Cytrol Dust) is suitable .
5. Ecological cockroach extermination
If you want to get rid of cockroaches in a more environmentally friendly way, you can try the following tips. However, the results are not always 100%.
Boric acid
Boric acid is one of the best home remedies to get rid of cockroaches naturally. Mix equal parts boric acid, flour, and sugar to make a paste. Roll this paste into balls and place them around your house. The flour and sugar attract the cockroaches, while the boric acid kills them. Simply place the paste where you know cockroaches are common, such as under the refrigerator, stove, or in the back of cabinets and drawers. The boric acid will kill the cockroaches, which will then become food for other cockroaches. While this method of extermination is very effective, keep in mind that boric acid can also be extremely dangerous for your pets . If you have a furry friend at home, we do not recommend using boric acid!
Baking soda
Baking soda, similar to boric acid, is also deadly to roaches. If you want to use this method to get rid of roaches, combine baking soda with something they won’t be attracted to, like sugar or onions. Place this mixture in high-traffic areas and wait a few days. Once the roaches get into this mixture, you’ll find dead bodies over time.
Citrus fruits
Citrus doesn’t kill roaches, but it does deter them. If you want to take preventative measures before roaches show up, mix citric acid with a little water and add it to high-traffic areas. Roaches will avoid the area because they don’t like the smell of citrus. You can even leave a few citrus peels in the kitchen to keep the scent lingering.