Cockroaches have been scurrying around the Earth for over 300 million years, outlasting even the dinosaurs. While there are thousands of cockroach species worldwide, only a handful are considered pests, and these few species wreak havoc in our homes, especially in our kitchens.
When it comes to cockroach control, prevention is always better than cure. Let’s discuss how you can protect your kitchen from these pesky creatures.
Common Species of Cockroaches You May Find
You are likely to encounter three primary species of cockroaches. Let’s have a closer look at each.
American Cockroach (Periplaneta americana)
This is probably the most commonly seen cockroach in Singapore kitchens. These cockroaches have a reddish-brown body with a distinctive yellow band just behind the head on their pronotum.
They’re the largest of the common household cockroaches and can reach an impressive 40 to 50 mm in length. American cockroaches are versatile; they can thrive indoors and outdoors and are known to infest sewer systems, which means they can enter homes through drains.
They are excellent flyers, so it might be challenging to catch them.
German Cockroach (Batella germanica)
German cockroaches are a nightmare for restaurant owners and can quickly infest home kitchens. They have a light brown or tan colour with two dark parallel stripes running down their back.
Smaller than their American cousins, German cockroaches usually measure around 20 mm in length. They prefer warm and humid environments. In kitchens, you’ll often find them near refrigerators, under sinks, and in areas where you prepare food.
German cockroaches are known for their rapid reproduction rate and their ability to develop resistance to insecticides. They can be a real headache.
Brown-banded Cockroach (Supella longipalpa)
This species is less common than the previous two but can still be a nuisance.
As their name suggests, these cockroaches have distinctive light brown bands across their wings. Males are usually lighter in colour than females. They are similar in size to German cockroaches (about 20 mm long).
Unlike other species that prefer moist areas, brown-banded cockroaches can tolerate drier conditions. You might find them in upper cabinets, behind picture frames, and in electrical appliances.
They are known to be more active during the night and are excellent climbers.
Why Cockroaches are Attracted to Kitchens
Kitchens are like paradise for cockroaches because they offer everything these pests need to thrive.
Abundant Food Sources
Even the tiniest bits of food left on counters or floors are a feast for cockroaches. Cooking residues like grease and oil are also attractive to these pests.
Cockroaches will feed on almost any organic material including cardboard and paper. Remember, they can survive on very little. Any drop of grease or a few crumbs can sustain them for days.
Moisture and Humidity
The tropical climate already provides a humid condition that cockroaches love. Kitchens offer even more moisture sources.
- Leaky pipes under sinks
- Condensation around refrigerators
- Standing water in dish racks or sinks
- High humidity in poorly ventilated areas
Cockroaches need water to survive. A moist environment helps them thrive and reproduce.
Warmth
The warm temperature during cooking and in appliances like refrigerators and ovens is ideal for their survival and egg development.
Abundant Hiding Places
Kitchens offer many hiding spots for cockroaches.
- Behind and under appliances
- In cupboards and drawers
- Cracks and crevices in walls or floors
- Inside electrical outlets and appliances
These spots provide them safety during the day and easy access to food and water at night.
Entry Points
Kitchens also often have multiple entry points for cockroaches.
- Gaps around pipes and utility lines
- Cracks in walls/floors
- Spaces under doors
- Vents and drains
Cardboard and Paper Products
Many kitchens store items in cardboard boxes or have piles of papers or magazines. Cockroaches are attracted to these not just as hiding places, but also as food sources. Paper products are a viable food option when other sources are scarce because cockroaches can digest cellulose.
Health Risks Associated with Cockroach Infestations
Here are some significant health concerns that you should know, brought about by cockroach infestations.
- Their droppings, saliva, and shed body parts can trigger allergic reactions and asthma attacks, especially in children and sensitive individuals.
- Cockroaches can contaminate food and kitchen surfaces with bacteria such as Salmonella and E. coli and cause food poisoning and gastrointestinal illnesses.
- These pests can carry and spread various pathogens causing diseases like diarrhoea, dysentery, and typhoid fever.
- Contact with cockroach allergens can cause skin rashes and other irritations.
Signs of Cockroach Infestation in Your Kitchen
The following are signs of an infestation that, when noticed, might cause you to take immediate action to control it.
Your kitchen is likely infested if you…
- See cockroach droppings in cabinets, along walls, or near food sources. How to spot? The droppings are small, black, and grainy; they resemble coffee grounds or black pepper.
- Notice brown, irregular smear marks on horizontal surfaces and wall-floor junctions.
- Notice egg cases (oothecae) that cockroaches leave behind. You may find them in hidden, secluded areas and they are small, dark brown, oval-shaped casings.
- See brownish skins near their breeding sites.
- See signs of damage on food packaging and organic materials like leather and books.
- Spot live cockroaches, especially at night.
Prevention Strategies
Preventing cockroach infestations, especially in a tropical climate like Singapore, involves a combination of cleanliness, proper food storage, and sealing entry points.
Maintain Cleanliness
- Clean kitchen countertops, sinks, and floors regularly.
- Wash dishes promptly. Don’t leave them overnight.
- Use tightly sealed trash bins and dispose of garbage daily
Proper Food Storage
- Store dry foods in tightly sealed containers or plastic bags.
- Keep perishable items in the refrigerator to avoid attracting pests.
Eliminate Moisture
- Repair any leaky pipes and faucets.
- Make sure that the areas under sinks and around appliances are dry.
Seal Entry Points
- Use caulk to seal cracks and gaps in walls, floors, and around windows and doors.
- Place mesh screens over vents and drains.
Regular Inspections
- Look for droppings, egg cases, and odorous smells as indicators of cockroach presence.
- Consider hiring professional pest control services for regular inspections and treatments.
When to Call in the Experts
It is generally a good idea to call in pest control experts if you notice any signs of their presence and when DIY efforts are not effective. Infestations can escalate quickly due to the warm and humid climate, so you may want to outsource pest elimination to professionals.
How They Eliminate These Pests
Experts use various methods. Here are some of the techniques they use.
- They place gel baits in areas where cockroaches are likely to travel. These pests consume the bait and then return to their nest, where they die and are eaten by other cockroaches (the poison spreads).
- They apply insecticides to surfaces where cockroaches are likely to walk. These insecticides remain effective for a long time and kill cockroaches that come into contact with them.
- They also use sticky traps to capture cockroaches.
- They use boric acid and liquid concentrates to deter and kill cockroaches. Boric acid is applied in powder form in areas where cockroaches are active, while liquid concentrates can be mixed with water and sprayed.
Avalon Services Takes It From Here
If you have noticed that these pests have been roaming your kitchen lately, don’t wait until it’s too late. An insecticide might temporarily solve your problem, but there’s a possibility that the cockroaches you’re dealing with are immune to your pest solution.
Trust Avalon Services to get rid of this pest concern. We care for the health and safety of everyone at home, that’s why we do our best at what we do best.
Talk to us today for tailored recommendations!
