Why Fear the Cockroach in Melbourne?

There is a special kind of disgust among people for the common cockroach. This fear—known as Katsaridaphobia when experienced at its worst—might stem from several reasons. Perhaps it’s the unfathomable idea that cockroaches will outlive humans, as they can withstand 2000 times the radiation levels people can. Or the fact that these insects can live for days on end without food. It might very well be the diseases spread by this hardy mite. Or just the ever-surprising way a roach can scurry across the floor late at night when we are least expecting it. For whatever reason, the cockroach is one of the world’s most skin-crawling pests, and they are prevalent in Melbourne’s suburbs.
Cockroaches belong to the insect order Blattodea. There are more than 4,000 species of cockroaches worldwide, yet only a small number are considered pests. However, the cockroaches “high pest status” comes from their wide distribution, close association with humans and human environments and potential to carry disease. One of the more disturbing characteristics of the cockroach is a pheromone contained in the insect’s faeces that is spread when the roach presses or smears its excrement onto surfaces to mark feeding and gathering sites.
The most common species of cockroach found in Melbourne’s northern and eastern suburbs are the German, American, Oriental and Australian varieties. While the smaller common shining cockroach (Drymaplaneta communis) is a native and does not spread disease or feast on left overs, the other varieties can cause more than just repulsion. These pests can contaminate your home environment by leaving droppings and bacteria scattered around, including antibiotic-resistant strains. These bacteria, such as salmonella, can even cause food poisoning should the roaches be taking up residence in kitchens. Secondly, cockroaches can leave behind tiny parts of their body when grooming themselves. These particles remain in the dust in your home or property, contributing to allergies, asthma and other respiratory problems.
So how can we avoid cockroach outbreaks in our homes and properties in Melbourne? Cockroaches are most likely to infest places where abundant food, water and shelter is present. Cockroaches eat almost any animal or vegetable material, including paper, fabric, leather, starches and grease particles, so it is important to keep a clean and tidy space. Bins and rubbish should be removed from inside as soon as possible, and children should be taught to touch or pick up these diseased pests.
Should you find yourself with cockroaches in your Melbourne home or property, call the expert cockroach removalists at Right Pest Control on 0478 308 361.

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