Cockroaches: Why These Primitive Pests are Quickly Becoming Invincible
Although the commonly-held belief that cockroaches can survive nuclear fallout is just a myth, scientists have recently discovered a different reality that inspires equally frightening thoughts. Researchers at Purdue University have found evidence that German cockroaches are developing cross-resistance to some of the most common insecticides used in the pest control industry, and that could spell disaster for homeowners and business owners alike.
Keep Ahead of Cockroaches
Cockroaches are bad news everywhere -- houses, apartments, hotels, hospitals, nursing homes, offices, retail outlets and restaurants. Anywhere people gather, cockroaches will try to invade. German cockroaches, the kind studied at Purdue, are the most common species in the world. This means that, if these scientists are right, fending off the creepy creatures is about to get a lot more difficult.
Sounds like Sci-Fi, but Consider These Real Health Implications
Insecticide-resistant cockroaches present a huge problem for allergy sufferers and asthmatics, the two groups of people most sensitive to cockroach infestations. But even if you don’t suffer from allergies or asthma, cockroaches spread filth and contaminate food, and have a strong role in the secondary transmission of diseases.
Invest in Integrated Pest Management
A potential resistance to insecticides is just another in a long list of reasons why home and business owners should consider an approach to pest control known as Integrated Pest Management, or IPM.
With IPM, the focus is on prevention, and the methods for doing so typically prioritize less invasive forms of prevention, such as exclusion and removal of hiding places.
The first step to an IPM approach to cockroaches, however, is to remove their water and food sources. Once that’s accomplished, then it’s possible to exclude them, i.e. seal up cracks and openings in walls, install door sweeps and weather stripping, close up cracks in cupboards and remove paper, cardboard and other clutter.
A licensed, certified commercial pest control company is well-versed in dealing with your particular pest, staffed by experts who know how to take all these steps and more without using chemical pesticides.
If push comes to shove and an imminent infestation requires a strong offensive, licensed pest control professionals have access to materials and techniques unavailable to typical consumers.
For example, although the German cockroach is the most common cockroach in the world, it isn’t the only one. In fact, there are more than 4,000 species of cockroaches in the world, all of which have slightly different behavioral and dietary characteristics and respond differently to various types of treatment options.
In fact, you may have an entirely different species plaguing your home or business and not even know it. Many species of insect; including water bugs, June bugs, beetles and crickets can resemble cockroaches to the untrained eye. These pests, too, often require IPM techniques and pesticides different from cockroaches.
Whether you already have a full-blown infestation or just want to stay ahead of it, leave these problem pests to the experts. Contact us today to schedule a free consultation with a licensed pest management professional.
