Keeping Cockroaches Away From Your Business
Cockroaches are the stuff of nightmares. They are especially a nightmare for business owners. If you see one of them inside your facility, it is likely that many more are around. This means it’s time to call a pest control specialist to check your doors, vents, windows, and anywhere else these pests like to hide.
In this article, we will go over how cockroaches are a health risk, how to keep them away from your place of business, as well as what to expect during your inspection.
In this article, we will go over how cockroaches are a health risk, how to keep them away from your place of business, as well as what to expect during your inspection.
What are some of the main health risks and concerns?
Cockroaches can act as a mechanical transmission of pathogens (bacteria, fungi, and parasitic worms) when they walk across food contact surfaces. Additionally, cockroach eggs, shed skin, feces and dead cockroaches are a source of allergens and can aggravate asthma conditions.
What are the best practices to keep cockroaches away?
Inspection and sanitation are keys to keeping both German and Peridomestic cockroaches away. German cockroaches are skilled hitchhikers and can be brought inside from a grocery run or dinner take out and easily move between units in apartment settings. Peridomestic cockroaches can get inside through openings along the exterior perimeter walls and entryways.
How important is sealing entry points?
German cockroaches like to hide in cracks and crevices once inside the residence. Caulking any gaps along the baseboard in the kitchen, utility room, and bathroom and sealing openings into any void areas will eliminate the conditions that facilitate breeding inside. Sealing or caulking gaps along the exterior perimeter wall and weatherproofing entryway doors will prevent Peridomestic cockroaches from entering inside.
What are some important treatments?
Treatment starts with a good inspection to identify entry points, sanitation conditions, and breeding locations. For German cockroaches, use a flushing agent in cracks and crevices to find the harborage/breeding, followed by baiting and liquid application. Dust application should be made to void areas, particularly around electrical outlets. Vacuum dead cockroaches, cast skins, and egg cases after material application. For Peridomestic roaches, identify the potential entry point and seal or caulk it. Using granular bait inside the bait station will be an effective option inside. Thinning excess vegetation/mulch along the exterior perimeter adjacent to the building, perimeter liquid, and granular applications are the best options for exterior treatment.
How would an inspection be conducted?
Start the inspection by telling your pest technician about any ongoing pest issues. They will then use a flashlight to inspect the susceptible areas, including the kitchen, pantry, dining room, living room, and bathroom. As part of the inspection process, your technician will look for sanitation conditions, where they are harboring, how they are getting in, and areas they are breeding.
Cockroaches are not just unsightly, but they can also pose serious damage to your business reputation. Whether you operate a restaurant, office space, or retail store, eliminating cockroaches from your business is essential for maintaining a clean and welcoming environment. As you have already read, keeping cockroaches out of your business requires a proactive and multifaceted approach that addresses potential entry points, eliminates food and water sources, and promotes a clean and hygienic environment. By implementing these tips, you can safeguard your business against the threats posed by cockroach infestations, thus ensuring the comfort and satisfaction of your customers and employees alike.
Understanding this dangerous pest threat, and using effective preventive techniques are major keys to avoiding health inspection fines, but when all else fails, you can count on Massey Services’ Pest Control Specialists to come to the rescue.