What are these black insects in my ceiling or on my roof?
That would be an Oriental Cockroach, probably the worst out of the 3 common cockroaches found around Cape Town areas such as Durbanville, Brackenfell, Parow and Stellenbosch.
They are generally around 25mm in size, not known to fly and their appearance is a shiny black to a dark reddish-brown colour.
Signs of an Oriental Cockroach Infestation
There are three telltale signs of an oriental cockroach infestation: sightings, egg capsules and odor.
Sightings: Especially during the warmer months of the year, oriental cockroaches may be seen outside near moist gutters, around landscaping beds, and coming in and out of sewers and storm drains during the night. During the day, Oriental cockroaches congregate in dark, moist and undisturbed spaces.
Egg Capsules: Aside from sightings of the cockroaches themselves, egg cases ranging in size from 8 to 10 mm in length will appear during an infestation. Oriental cockroach egg cases are usually dark brown or reddish in color. Each egg case can hold about 16 eggs.
Odor: Smells will also alert a homeowner to an Oriental cockroach infestation. Oriental cockroaches secrete chemicals to communicate with each other. The chemicals have a notorious musty odor.
So, the big question is how did I get Oriental Cockroaches and how serious are they?
These cockroaches prefer damp dark places to breed but are also known to feast on any decaying animals or debris. There might be a dead pigeon on your roof and that’s where your problems begin. Often, they travel through sewers and may come inside through pipes and drains. Leaking pipes are also a very attractive to Oriental Cockroaches.
They will feast on almost anything including decaying organic matter and trash. As they forage for food in homes, these pests may transfer disease causing bad bacteria on food items and counter tops.
In addition, they secrete very bad odours from their bodies. Theses odours are very noticeable in large populations.
How do you get rid of it?
Call Prime Pest Control ofcause, we will help manage and eradicate this problem. Keeping roaches out of your home is an ongoing process, not a one-time treatment. it’s all about Assess, Implement and Monitor. We will 100% provide you with the best solution at the most cost affordable prices
The following will be done.
Pest Control Service – Oriental Cockroach Treatment
- ULV Thermal fogging is a treatment which covers both space and surfaces. Ensuring nothing will survive wherever it might be harbouring. This process will be blown into the ceiling and garage roof.
- Residual treatment is the powdering of the ceiling which will stay active for a period of 3 – 6 months. Ensuring no further nesting in the ceiling.
- Cockroach bait to be carried to non-visible nests.
- Spraying of the outside area including the walls of the property, fascia boards and perimeter.
- Powdering of gulley’s, manholes and drains on the property.
- Aerosol foggers in the ceiling is optional depending on the level of infestation.
