Detection of Infestation of Cockroaches & Crickets
Cockroaches - Detection of Infestation
- Live insects
- Dead insects
- Cast nymphal skins
- Smell
- Smear marks
- Faeces
- Insect fragments
- Oothecae
- Damaged food/paper
The presence of live insects is more easily determined at night as during the day cockroaches will be hiding. They can be flushed out of harbourages with a suitable aerosol containing a Pyrethroud.
Inspection during the night will reveal cockroaches foraging for food, sudden illumination will not disturb them as much as vibration will.
Insect monitors can provide us with indication of the species and the extent and severity of an infestation by catching insects on a sticky surface. The number and nature of the cockroach stage visible will indicate the extent and severity of the infestations. These traps are not used as a control measure but as a monitor. Once the extent of infestation has been assessed, then insecticidal treatment commences. It is vital that the true extent of the infestation is discovered in order that treatment will be successful. Monitors clost to harbourages will show the greatest number of cockroaches.
Crickets - Detection of Infestation
Distantly related to the cockroach. True crickets belong to the family of insects called Gryllidae and there are three species native to Britain. Acheta domesticus - house cricket, Gryllus campestris - the feild cricket and Nemobius sylvestris - ground cricket. Only Acheta domesticus is liable to invade ductings, buildings and boiler houses.
Look for the following signs:- Live insects
- Dead insects
- Cast nymphal skins
- Noisy chirruping
- Droppings - these are ridged and very distinct
- Insect fragments
- Damaged food/paper
Crickets have long antennae and the females long ovipositors. Wings are carried flat on the back and folded down over the sides. The males chirp and both sexes jump. Crickets exhibit incomplete metamorphism.
Crickets do not pose a health hazard as such but are a nuisance with their presence and noise. Colonies in rubbish dumps can migrate into houses in the vicinity, causing great distress. They are also prone to damage fabric and foodstuffs.
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