What are cockroaches and how to get rid of them?
Cockroaches can be called one of the most unpleasant pests that inhabit dwellings and other premises. However, they pose a serious danger, spreading infections. Moreover, some species also bite. Taking into account the potential risks, the owners of apartments and private houses are advised to know what kind of indoor and outdoor cockroaches are, and how you can quickly and effectively get rid of them.
general description
Insects belonging to this family love moisture, warmth and darkness most of all. Moreover, they are characterized by truly record endurance. Having appeared around the Paleozoic era, cockroaches were able to live for millions of years.
So, in comparison with humans, they are 15 times more resistant to radiation. These insects are able to survive without food for up to 3 months, while adapting to any habitat.
Like all pests that feed on waste, cockroaches are a source of increased danger as they carry germs. According to the current WHO statistics, these insects are second only to flies in the context of distribution:
- diphtheria;
- helminthiasis;
- tuberculosis;
- salmonellosis;
- hepatitis and other dangerous diseases.
Among other things, all cockroaches tend to shed. According to scientists, shedding products are the cause of severe allergic reactions.
Apart from the fact that cockroaches eat and spoil food, their rustling and the mere fact that they live in an apartment or house causes discomfort.
Ways and causes of appearance
To understand where cockroaches appear more often and how exactly cockroaches appear in apartments, wooden and stone houses and other premises, it should be borne in mind that a person's dwelling is almost an ideal place for pests. For a comfortable stay, these insects require a number of conditions, in addition to a sufficient area.
- Access to water. Baleen parasites can go without food for a very long time without harm to their body. But the lack of water can be fatal within a matter of days. However, it is worth considering that the cockroach needs a minimum amount of life-giving moisture. And we can talk about drops of water in a bathtub or sink, as well as condensation on water pipes. They can get their own water even in flower pots after watering.
- Enough food. It is important to remember that the described creatures feed on almost everything, which allows them to survive even in the most difficult conditions.
- Warmly... In living quarters, including even basement floors, the temperature is quite high, which is suitable for life and active reproduction of parasites.
- The presence of secluded places for arranging the nestwhere you can lay eggs.
If you know exactly where the cockroaches came from, you can theoretically take more effective measures to combat them. There are 4 main options for the settlement of these pests.
- Getting into an apartment, house or basement from neighbors... Quite often, cockroaches successfully use garbage chutes, plumbing and sewer risers, as well as ventilation systems for relocation. One of the reasons for this migration is attempts to poison these reptiles in neighboring rooms.The use of effective modern means in the framework of the destruction of insects forces them to actively move.
- From retail outlets and catering points along with purchased goods... By the way, an insect can get into not only a bag with food or things. Often, it is transported to the home in boxes with household appliances.
- In things and suitcases when returning from trips.
- Via postal items. This option is especially relevant if the parcel goes from afar and ends up in many warehouses along the way. By the way, it is believed that it was the development of communication lines that contributed to the active spread of the described pests around the world.
In fairness, it is worth noting that after the appearance in an apartment or house, cockroaches do not always take root. In such situations, everything will depend on conditions that may be unsuitable for the habitat and reproduction of pests.
Species overview
At the moment, there are more than 4,500 species of insects in question in the world. Both very small and very large cockroaches are known, which, among other things, can be with wings. At the same time, other varieties, in addition to the well-known red and black pests, turn out to be neighbors of people.
- Egyptian - a cockroach, which, despite its name, is found mainly in Central Asia. And also in the southern regions of Kazakhstan, in the Caucasus and in the Republic of Crimea. The males of these insects are winged and have a body up to 2.5 cm long. The wingless representatives of the species look like small turtles.
- American Periplanet - the largest type of pest that can live near a person. The size of these insects reaches 5 cm, and the body has a color from red-brown to dark brown (chocolate). One of the important features is the ability to fly.
- Turkestan cockroaches - quite rare (most often in Central Asia) species.
- Turtle cockroach - an insect that lives in Central Asia, Africa, as well as in the southwest of North America.
It should be noted that, despite all the diversity of these insects, in the Russian Federation and in the predominant part of the post-Soviet space, two types of parasites have become the most common.
Redheads
The people of these representatives of the described family of parasites are also called "Prusaks". They are the most common inhabitants of apartments. In length, the body of an adult reaches 17 mm, and its color can vary from light red to dark brown. Such cockroaches live for about six months, experiencing up to 6 molts during this period.
A female red cockroach is capable of laying up to 3 hundred eggs in her life. By the way, for this, a single pairing will be enough for her.
It is worth noting that the Prussians are actively breeding, and 25-35 individuals hatch from one egg. These larvae, called nymphs, come out light, and darken with age. As a rule, the share of adults in colonies is about 25%.
Black
This cockroach species is more adapted to its natural habitat. They can often be found under the floors of households, as well as in the voids of the walls and in the porch area. In cities, they choose sewerage systems and storm drains. As well as basements. They can move into apartments with the onset of cold weather.
The main differences from red "relatives" are red-brown or black body color, as well as its size. The length of males and females reaches 25 and 32 mm, respectively.
Another important feature is that when such a cockroach enters a dwelling, it moves exclusively on horizontal surfaces.
Habitat and breeding areas
Cockroaches can hide literally anywhere in the apartment or house they have seized. In this case, the favorite location is, of course, kitchen... Here they are attracted by the abundance of potential food, as well as the availability of vital moisture.By the way, these insects are able to secrete pheromones, thanks to which their relatives learn about the presence of food.
As noted, cockroaches reproduce very actively and rapidly. At the same time, they try to choose warm and humid places for nests. And also one of the key conditions will be darkness and safety.
What are insects afraid of?
Data that cockroaches do not like most of all, can play a key role in their effective extermination. Such information will help get rid of parasites in the apartment and any other room once and for all. It is important to be able to destroy or guaranteed to scare away insects painlessly for other animals and, most importantly, safe for humans.
One of the most effective ways will be to deprive parasites of access to food and water. As already noted, the most destructive for them is the lack of water.
It is important to remember that cockroaches are omnivorous, which in itself makes this method practically unrealizable.
One of the popular and proven folk remedies is This is a bait made on the basis of boric acid. To prepare the mixture, you will need powdered acid, white flour and sugar in equal proportions. Small balls of this dough are laid out around the house or apartment in places where parasites most often appear. Flour with sugar plays the role of bait, while the third component is able to kill the pest.
When it comes to driving out cockroaches, then one of the effective means will be ammonia. It has an extremely negative effect on insects due to its pungent odor with an irritating effect. It will be enough to add two cups of ammonia to a bucket of water, after which the resulting solution is simply poured into the sink and toilet.
It is important to take into account that it will not be possible to get rid of unwanted "roommates" in this way in 1 day.
Microclimate
Cockroaches have an extremely negative attitude towards extreme cold, and also do not tolerate excessive heat poorly, since they are cold-blooded arthropods. By the way, German cockroaches often gather in groups in order to bask in tangible cold snaps. At the same time, these rather highly developed pests are able to adapt almost to frost.
In some cases, you can try to remove these intruders. by raising the temperature... As practice shows, in this way it is possible to quite effectively fight harmful insects on their own and without the use of chemicals. However, it should be borne in mind that the heat of the street is unlikely to achieve the desired results. It will be much more successful to kill cockroaches, for example, with a jet of hot steam or boiling water.
Applying this method of getting rid of pests on your own, it is important to remember about safety precautions.
Physical impact
The main feature of the domestic cockroach is its avoidance of light. Many people use its intolerance as an effective tool. Insects-parasites try to show maximum activity in the dark. As a result, light can become a tool for repelling pests.
The list of technical means includes spirals and fumigators... However, the most effective measures of physical influence are now special ultrasonic devices. Such sources of sound waves in the range from 38 to 44 kHz, perceived by cockroaches, are harmless to humans.
Smells
The described representatives of the fauna are very susceptible to different aromas. This feature can be successfully used in the fight against them. The most effective are the following smells:
- eucalyptus oil and leaves;
- mint;
- cedar;
- tansy;
- honeysuckle;
- red elderberry;
- tea tree;
- Bay leaf;
- clove oil;
- lemon;
- solutions of pepper, garlic and onions;
- needles and bleaching agents.
In addition to all of the above, mouthwash can be added to the list of remedies that help against cockroaches.Essential oils such as menthol and thymol are effective in repelling these pests.
Excretion means
First of all, it should be remembered that Most insecticidal products can be potentially harmful to pets and even humans.
Based on this, starting to remove parasites in the apartment with the help of various drugs, including special tablets and adhesives, it is recommended to first study the manufacturer's instructions.
Gels
The use of funds of this type shows the highest percentage of achieving a positive effect. The main thing to remember when choosing is that the gel should not dry out for a long time. If the product you bought has dried up after being applied to the surface after a few days, it should be replaced, since in this state it no longer lures cockroaches. To date, the following gels have proven their effectiveness:
1. Gel-bait HECTOR - the agent causes a domino effect and deprives cockroaches of the opportunity to reproduce. This means that the cockroach who has tasted the remedy, returning to its healthy relatives, spreads poison among them. Thanks to this, it is possible to get rid of cockroaches without re-processing. Also, many people note that the gel does not dry for 1.5 months.
2. Gel series "Clean house" - a universal drug that allows you to get rid of not only cockroaches, but also ants.
3. Dohlox - a drug based on fipronil, which affects the nervous system of potential victims and causes paralysis.
4. Supergel "Combat" Is a popular parasite control agent. The formula is based on the non-addictive insecticide hydramethylnone.
5. Global - German gel with the active substance chlorpyrifos, the effect of which is relevant for 12 months.
6. Gel "Raptor" with a duration of 8 months.
7. "Trap" and "Fas" - effective poisons with two different poisons.
Crayons
In this case, we are talking about one of the most common ways of dealing with domestic pests. At the moment, the production of crayons is carried out by many manufacturers. At the same time, the following options are in deserved demand:
- "Mashenka";
- "Clean house";
- "Brownie".
Naturally, this is not a complete list of cockroach control agents currently available in the corresponding market segment. But it is worth noting that, judging by the reviews, some consider crayons to be far from the most effective.
On the other hand, the key point can be reduced to vitality and the ability of parasites to adapt to almost any conditions.
Aerosols
At the moment, in the considered market segment, the leading manufacturers of the industry present a wide range of cockroach products in the form of sprays. When using them It is imperative that the instructions and safety regulations are strictly followed. The potential danger of the insecticides used must always be kept in mind.
Of course, it is necessary first of all to ensure safety for children and pets.
Today, the most popular are samples of products from leading manufacturers.
- Spray can Combat - an effective, versatile tool for removing the described pests.
- Spray "Raptor", which has proven its effectiveness in the destruction of both adult crawling insects and their larvae.
- Raid - aerosol, the main competitive advantage of which is instant action.
- Dichlorvos brands "Clean house", which is a universal remedy, like all representatives of this line of drugs for pest and parasite control.
Fumigation
This method is quite effective, as it allows you to influence pests lurking in the voids of walls and other secluded places. In addition, it is worth noting that fumigators are a quick solution to cockroach problems. The hardware currently available on the market can be divided into three categories.
- Smoke bombs, used in nature, in the courtyards of private houses and in summer cottages.
- Electrical devices with liquid and "tablets", plugged in through sockets.
- Aquafumigators.
Today, representatives of the Raptor and Raid product lines are in high and well-deserved demand.
Professional pesticides
If there is an excessive presence of cockroaches in a house or apartment, the only way to get rid of them may be the use of extreme measures. And we are talking about professional tools.
- "Sinuzan" - a highly concentrated caramel-colored emulsion with a pungent odor.
- Sichlor - a concentrate of light yellow color with a pronounced chemical odor, acting on insects, regardless of their stage of development.
- "Averfos" - systemic insecticide used for the treatment of residential, domestic, as well as industrial and medical premises.
- "Ksulat S-25" Is a new generation drug manufactured in Spain.
- "Tetrix" - an effective remedy for combating synanthropic insects in human dwellings.
Top drug manufacturers
As already noted, today there is no shortage of goods for breeding and repelling cockroaches on the market. Domestic, Chinese, American and European manufacturers offer their products in the corresponding segment. At the same time, well-known brands occupy the leading positions in the current ratings.
- Raid - a brand that is part of the famous American holding "Johnson and Son". This company has specialized in household chemicals since the middle of the last century.
- Dohlox Is a Russian manufacturer whose products have been well known over the past 20 years.
- "Raptor" Is another domestic brand enjoying a good reputation and corresponding demand.
- "Agrovit" - the developer of the legendary crayon from cockroaches "Mashenka", specializing, among other things, in insecticides.
- Gektor - a company that produces modern anti-parasite products that meet all applicable standards.
In addition to all of the above, the products of the Tekhnoexport company should be attributed to the clear leaders of the industry. It is well known to the consumer under the brand name "Clean House".
Prevention measures
The indisputable fact is that it is always much easier to prevent a problem than to deal with it later. Naturally, situations with cockroach attacks on dwellings are no exception. In order to prevent the creation and reproduction of a colony, it is strongly recommended to consider several important points.
- In apartments located in old buildings, special attention must be paid to ventilation ducts and waste chutes.
- All food products, including bulk, should be stored in closed containers.
- Leftover food must be removed in a timely manner... In this case, we are also talking about bread crumbs remaining on boards and countertops. And also it is worth focusing on the cleanliness of the sinks.
- If you have pets, it is required monitor their habitats.
- Garbage should be collected in sturdy bags and buckets with tight-fitting lids, which prevents insects from accessing waste.
Summing up, it is worth reminding once again that one of the key conditions for the life of cockroaches is the presence of moisture. That is why it is highly recommended to thoroughly dry the dishes after washing, and to remove as much water as possible on tables and kitchen sinks.
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