American cockroaches (Periplaneta americana) are among the most common and resilient pests in Ipswich and Brisbane’s Western suburbs. Known for their large size and adaptability, these pests can invade homes and businesses, especially during the warmer months or after heavy rainfall. This guide will explore everything you need to know about American cockroaches, including their identification, behaviour, health risks, and the most effective treatment options available at Jets Pest Control.
What Are American Cockroaches?
American cockroaches are the largest common species, measuring 30 to 50 mm long. They have a reddish-brown colour with a yellowish figure-eight pattern on the back of their heads. Unlike some other cockroach species, American cockroaches are capable fliers, though they prefer to scurry along the ground.
Why Are American Cockroaches So Hard to Control?
American cockroaches are notorious for their ability to survive in harsh conditions. They thrive in warm, moist environments, making sewers, basements, and crawl spaces their preferred habitats. When these areas flood, as often happens after heavy rainfall, cockroaches can escape through open drains and enter homes. Their ability to fly and tendency to seek shelter in hard-to-reach places make them particularly difficult to control.
Health Risks Associated with American Cockroaches
American cockroaches are more than just a nuisance—they are a significant health hazard. They can carry a variety of pathogens, including bacteria such as Salmonella, E. coli, and Staphylococcus. These pathogens can contaminate food and preparation surfaces, leading to foodborne illnesses. Additionally, cockroach droppings, shed skins, and saliva can trigger allergic reactions and exacerbate asthma symptoms, particularly in sensitive individuals like children and the elderly.
Our American Cockroach Treatment Process
Jets Pest Control offers a comprehensive and effective treatment process to manage American cockroach infestations. Our approach includes using residual insecticides (synthetic pyrethroids) in liquid and dust forms, applied to critical areas around your home.
1. Inspection
We thoroughly inspect your property to identify problem areas, focusing on damp locations, sewers, basements, and crawl spaces where American cockroaches are likely to reside.
2. Residual Insecticides
We apply residual insecticides to the exterior of your home, internal skirting boards, roof voids, wall cavities, cracks, and crevices. These insecticides are not repellents; instead, they require the cockroaches to crawl through the treatment to receive a lethal dose. Although death is inevitable, it is not instantaneous, so you may see increased activity before the population declines.
3. Dusting
In addition to liquid insecticides, we use dusting powders in roof voids, wall cavities, and other inaccessible areas where liquid treatments may not reach. This ensures that cockroaches come into contact with the insecticide as they move through these spaces.
4. Environmental Considerations
It is important to note that external treatments are fully adequate for 12 weeks but will deteriorate over time due to UV exposure and weather conditions. Internal treatments can last 6 to 9 months but may be diminished by cleaning chemicals.
Pricing and Warranties
Regular Pest Control Service: $249 (including GST)
Warranty: Three-month warranty on external treatments and a six-month warranty on internal treatments for crawling insects.
So, as you know, there is a legal limit to how frequently insecticides can be applied each year. This ensures the safety and effectiveness of the treatment.
Top 10 Frequently Asked Questions About American Cockroaches
1. How do American cockroaches enter homes?
American cockroaches typically enter homes through open doors, windows, and cracks in the foundation. They can also enter through sewer pipes and drains, especially after heavy rainfall when sewer levels rise.
2. What attracts American cockroaches to my home?
These cockroaches are attracted to moisture, warmth, and food sources. Poor sanitation, standing water, and food crumbs can create ideal conditions for an infestation.
3. Are American cockroaches harmful to my health?
Yes, they can spread harmful bacteria such as Salmonella and E. coli, which can cause food poisoning. Their droppings can also trigger allergies and asthma.
4. Can American cockroaches fly?
Yes, American cockroaches have wings and can fly short distances. However, they prefer to run and are often seen scurrying along walls and floors.
5. How does Jets Pest Control treat American cockroach infestations?
We use a combination of residual insecticides and dusting powders in critical areas around your home. Our treatments are designed to ensure cockroaches come into contact with the insecticides, leading to their eventual death.
6. How long does the treatment last?
External treatments are effective for up to 12 weeks, while internal treatments can last 6 to 9 months. The effectiveness of these treatments diminishes over time due to environmental factors like UV light and cleaning chemicals.
7. Will the treatment keep cockroaches away?
The treatment is not a repellent to American cockroaches. They must crawl through the treated areas to receive a lethal dose. Increased activity may be observed as the flushing treatment affects the cockroaches.
8. Why is there increased cockroach activity after rainfall?
American cockroaches reside in sewers and drains, and when water levels rise due to heavy rainfall, they may escape through open drains and enter homes. Their flight capabilities also allow them to bypass some treated areas temporarily.
9. Do you offer a warranty on American cockroach treatments?
Yes, we offer a three-month warranty on external treatments and a six-month warranty on internal treatments for crawling insects with a regular pest control service.
10. What should I do if I see cockroaches after treatment?
Some activity is expected after treatment, as the insecticides affect the cockroaches. However, if the problem persists, please get in touch with us for a follow-up service.
Conclusion
American cockroaches are persistent and challenging but can be effectively controlled with the right treatment plan. At Jets Pest Control, we provide expert services tailored to the unique challenges of American cockroach infestations in Ipswich and Brisbane western suburbs. Our treatments are designed to be thorough and practical, ensuring long-term results.
Ready to eliminate American cockroaches from your home? Contact Jets Pest Control today for professional, reliable service. Call us at 1300 566 569 or request a booking online.
