Cockroaches - A Threat To Human Health

 Cockroaches are a continuing topic of discussion as one of the major pests that invade homes and commercial establishments such as restaurants, supermarkets, including food processing plants and even hospitals in the five boroughs in New York and Long Island. In addition to being one of the most common pests, they are one of the most difficult to control in our communities! They will continue to be problematic as long as sanitation issues along with crowed living conditions exist in our neighborhoods.

Worldwide, approximately 4,500 species of cockroaches have been discovered, but about 70 species are found in the United States. Out of the 70, German Cockroaches are the most common type found within structures. Not only are they a nuisance but they, like all inner city roaches, are responsible for spreading germs and illness like asthma, leprosy, urinary tract infections, conjunctivitis, and food poisoning just to mention a few.

What's In Your Kitchen?

                            

What makes cockroaches such a formidable foe is its high reproduction rate and adaptability within structures. They are mostly found in kitchens, bathrooms, and basements in both homes and businesses. Infested areas include cabinets, behind refrigerators, under sinks, baseboards, loose wallpaper, furniture etc. They can also be found in bathrooms in high numbers because of water and moisture.

Any crack or crevice located near a source of food and/or water is prime harborages, and they spend nearly 75% of their time in these harborage areas. If roaches are seen during the day in high numbers, this is an indication of a bad or high infestation. Most home owners and business owners/managers report sightings of roaches at night, often seeing them scatter when the lights are turned on.

Another challenge they present is the fact that they have an expanding diet. Not only do they eat what we eat, but they also eat glue from wallpaper, hair, soap and toothpaste! When they crawl on food, food surfaces and cleaning material and utensils the spread of germs and diseases usually follows.

But don't worry! If you suspect you have an infestation in your home or commercial property call us, we have what it takes to get rid of roaches - for good!

EM Pest Control, Inc.

www.empestcontrol.com

516-491-2768

516-455-6742

Brooklyn and Bronx: 646-523-4037

Management of Blow/Bottle Flies

                                                                     

Blow flies and Bottle flies are common out door/indoor pest. The blue bottle fly is slightly larger than the house fly and is commonly seen in early spring. The green bottle fly which is about twice the size of the house fly is usually seen during the summer months. Both flies breed in decaying flesh such as rodents, animal waste, and garbage. Both flies are comparable to the house fly in that they present similar health hazards as the house fly.

Some of the diseases they carry can affect both humans and animals such as intestinal tract problems like Escherichia coli (Migula) and Shigella dysenteriae (shiga) which cause diarrhea and Vibrio comma which causes cholera. They also carry non - intestinal diseases tuberculosis.

                                                                   Management/Treatment

 If found out doors keep lids on garage cans sealed. Regularly clean and dry the interior of garbage cans to eliminate breeding. Remove any excrement around the property. Keep screens to doors, windows and vents in good repair. If found indoors check attic spaces, chimneys, dryer vents and other voids for carcasses of bats, raccoon, mice and birds. If voids are not accessible call a pest control professional who will then drill holes into voids and apply an insecticide which is effective in eliminating these disease carrying pest.