Cockroaches become established in homes after being brought in with grocery bags, laundry or in some cases they wander in from outdoors. Once they're in, cockroaches are prolific breeders, capable of producing several thousand offspring in a year. Cockroaches, like bacteria, prefer to live where there is food, warmth and moisture so hygiene is an important step in prevention and control of their establishment.

Unlike many household pests, cockroaches are prevalent all year-round meaning home owners will eventually have to seek some form of control. There are many products in the form of sprays and baits available, but major pest problems may need to be eradicated by a professional.

A Natural Approach Pest Control has been operating since 1997. The company aims to minimise the use of pesticide while providing a reliable service, and is safe to children, pets, chemically sensitive people and non-target plants and animals. Apart from cockroaches large and small, A Natural Approach Pest Control are highly successful at controlling ants and termites.

The treatment for large cockroaches begins using Integrated Pest Management (IPM) which is a practical approach to solving all pest problems and includes thinking before deciding how the best tackle the pest problem. IPM incorporates a number of steps:
1 Investigation
Evaluating the causes and sources of the cockroach and common ant problem by talking to client, inspecting the house and environment. This allows for the identification of the pest and the reason for the infestation.
2 Action
Chemical control includes dusting the roof void, wall cavities, sub-floor and other havens with pyrethrum. Visible exterior and sub-floor nests are sprayed and/or dusted. NB: there is no chemical treatment to the exterior of the house. Non chemical control includes explaining to the client that clean facilities can become infested with cockroaches but populations of these pests are larger where hygiene is not practiced. Glue Boards are placed in problem areas of the house interior to control minor problems.
3 Follow Up
The client is contacted two weeks later to see if the problem has been solved or to answer any queries. If the pest problem has not been solved Graham will re-inspect and take appropriate action.

The use of pyrethrum, the product used by A Natural Approach Pest Control, is increasing in urban pest control for a number of reasons, including:

• Low toxicity to humans, pets and the environment
• Low residue levels
• Non target species not affected
• People are being educated on the effects of pesticides and are becoming more environmentally conscious.

TIPS ON PREVENTING THE INFESTATION OF COCKROACHES

Clean

• Sweep, mop, and clean floors, benchtops, and other surfaces where food crumbs and grease can accumulate.
• Clean regularly behind electrical goods.
• Keep sinks clean. Disinfect sinks and counters with a diluted liquid bleach solution. If using a sink disposal unit run it long enough to ensure that no food is left.
• Regularly clean gutters.

Vacuum

• Vacuum regularly, placing a narrow tube on the end of the vacuum hose to extract cockroaches from crevices. NB: Vacuuming will not kill live cockroaches - they will eventually escape an unattended vacuum, so it is necessary to dispose of the vacuum bag promptly.

Control Moisture

• Dry pots and dishes immediately after use.
• Repair leaking pipes, taps and plumbing fixtures.
• Cover drains with small mesh screens.
• If your dwelling is excessively humid, consider using a dehumidifier to reduce the humidity.

Other important tips

• Close food packages tightly.
• Keep lids on garbage bins - especially at night.
• Move wood piles, storage bins and garbage bins away from house.
• Empty soft drink bottles, cardboard boxes and paper bags should not be left to accumulate in or around the outside of the house.
• Where possible, fill cracks, gaps and crevices around foundations and at any observed points of entry, especially in kitchens and other food preparation areas.
• Keep overgrowth clear of house.