FIVE things you need to know about the MASSIVE cockroach outbreak in SA

There is a MASSIVE outbreak of cockroaches in all communities in South Africa. Here are the five things you need to know about the outbreak.

THE MASSIVE COCKROACH OUTBREAK IS IN ALL COMMUNITIES IN SA

The Operations and Stewardship Manager, CropLife South Africa, Dr Gerhard Verdoorn, said the very wet and humid past summer brought about a near-pandemic outbreak of cockroaches in all communities in South Africa. 

Verdoorn further urged homeowners, the fast-food sector, the retail sector, and the hospitality industry should act quickly to stop the tide of cockroaches in South Africa. 

HOMEOWNERS, THE FAST-FOOD SECTOR, AND HOSPITALITY URGED TO ACT QUICKLY

“Cockroaches are usually ubiquitous but calls to the CropLife SA emergency line pointed to a massive surge in German cockroaches all over the country. It is not only climate that spurs their numbers but also unhygienic conditions that prevail in South Africa.” 

Dr Gerhard Verdoorn

HERE ARE FIVE THINGS YOU NEED TO KNOW

• A dirty kitchen that is littered with left-over food and freely available pet food needs serious intervention to deny these unsavoury critters from invading a home and setting up a colony.
• Refuse bags must be secured in plastic wheelie bins or drums out of access of cockroaches.
•  Floor surfaces, potential breeding spots, and hide-outs in kitchens, pantries, and bathrooms must be thoroughly washed and disinfected with a diluted solution of sodium hypochlorite (domestic bleach).
• Cockroaches are primarily active at night, but the current outbreak is of such magnitude that the insects are running around during the day in most homesteads. 
• Cockroaches enjoy the heat and humidity underneath electrical appliances and basins, and that is where they often set up breeding colonies.

“The cockroach outbreak does not warrant unlawful activities that pose a grave risk to people’s health.” 

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COCKROACHES ARE PRIMARILY ACTIVE AT NIGHT

He furthermore said the surge in cockroach infestation triggered a large-scale unlawful use of pesticides that are not registered for indoor use, with possibly disastrous effects.

Verdoorn warned the public to abide by the statutes of the country and only use registered pesticides strictly according to their label instructions to avoid health impacts on themselves, their families, or their clients.

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COCKROACH CONTROL STARTS WITH A SERIOUS EFFORT TO SANITISE HUMAN HABITATION

“Cockroach control starts with a serious effort to sanitise human habitation of refuse and left-over foodstuffs.” 

Dr Gerhard Verdoorn

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