Cockroaches are one of the most common and unwanted urban pests, known for their adaptability and rapid reproduction. Besides being repulsive, they pose a serious risk to public health, as they are vectors of various diseases and can contaminate food and surfaces. Cockroach pest control is essential to maintain safe and hygienic residential and commercial environments.

Common Types of Urban Cockroaches

• German Cockroach (Blattella germanica): Small, light brown, prefers warm and humid environments, such as kitchens and bathrooms. Reproduces very quickly and is the most difficult species to control.
• American Cockroach (Periplaneta americana): Large, reddish-brown, prefers sewers and damp places. Can fly and is often found in garbage areas and drains.

Risks Associated with Cockroaches

• Disease Transmission: Cockroaches can carry bacteria, viruses, fungi, and protozoa, transmitting diseases such as salmonellosis, gastroenteritis, diarrhea, typhoid fever, hepatitis A, and poliomyelitis. They travel through sewers and garbage, contaminating food and utensils.
• Allergies and Asthma: Fragments of their bodies, feces, and saliva can trigger allergic reactions and asthma attacks in sensitive people.
• Food Contamination: By walking on food and surfaces, cockroaches leave a trail of dirt and microorganisms.
• Commercial Losses: In establishments such as restaurants, bakeries, and hospitals, the presence of cockroaches can result in fines, interdiction, and loss of customers.

Cockroach Pest Control Methods

Professional cockroach pest control is a process that combines different techniques to ensure the effective elimination of the pest:

1. Detailed Inspection

The professional performs a thorough inspection to identify the cockroach species, the foci of infestation, the hiding places (cracks, crevices, behind appliances, inside cabinets), and the entry points.

2. Gel Bait Treatment

Characteristics: It is one of the most effective and safest methods, especially for the German cockroach. The gel is applied at strategic points, such as cracks, baseboards, cabinet hinges, and behind appliances. Cockroaches feed on the gel and carry the poison back to the nest, contaminating other cockroaches through cannibalism (necrophagy) and coprofagy (ingestion of feces).

Advantages:

• Odorless
• Non-toxic to humans and pets (when applied correctly)
• Does not require environment evacuation
• Eliminates the entire colony

3. Spraying

Characteristics: Application of liquid insecticides with shock and residual effect in drains, sewers, external areas, and cockroach passage areas. The product acts by contact and ingestion.

Use: Most suitable for American cockroaches and in areas where gel is not enough. Requires environment evacuation for a few hours.

4. Dusting

Application of chemical dust in dry and hard-to-reach places, such as electrical conduits, grease traps, and false ceilings, where cockroaches can hide.

5. Sewer and Gallery Treatment

For cockroaches coming from the sewer system, a specific treatment is done on drains and sewer boxes to create a barrier and eliminate the pests that shelter there.

Cockroach Prevention: Essential Measures

Prevention is the key to avoiding cockroach infestations and complementing pest control:

1. Rigorous Hygiene

• Keep the kitchen and bathroom always clean, free of food scraps, crumbs, or grease
• Clean countertops, floors, and appliances regularly
• Store all food in hermetically sealed containers
• Empty the trash daily and use trash cans with lids

2. Elimination of Breeding Grounds and Shelters

• Seal cracks and crevices in walls, floors, and baseboards
• Repair leaks and infiltrations, as cockroaches are attracted to moisture
• Keep drains and sinks clean and, if possible, with protective screens
• Avoid the accumulation of cardboard boxes, newspapers, and debris

3. Proper Garbage Disposal

Garbage should be disposed of in tightly sealed plastic bags and placed in lidded trash cans, away from the house.

4. Purchase Inspection

Check food packaging and boxes that enter the house, as cockroaches may come hidden in them.

By combining professional pest control with continuous preventive measures, it is possible to keep your environment free of cockroaches and protect everyone's health.

Signs of Cockroach Infestation

Be aware of the following signs that indicate the presence of cockroaches:

• Sighting: Seeing cockroaches during the day indicates severe infestation
• Feces: Small dark spots in drawers, cabinets, and corners
• Odor: Characteristic and unpleasant smell in infested places
• Oothecae: Brown egg capsules found in hiding places
• Bite Marks: On food, paper, or fabrics

When to Call a Professional

It is recommended to seek professional help when:

• You see cockroaches regularly, especially during the day
• Home methods have not worked
• There are signs of infestation in multiple locations
• You find oothecae (egg capsules)
• The problem persists after control attempts