Galway has the third-most callouts for dealing with cockroach infestations, according to Rentokil, Ireland’s leading pest control provider. Eight per cent of all Rentokil calls to deal with cockroaches come from Galway, and now the company is warning homeowners to be on the lookout for signs of cockroaches as they prepare for the festive period.
The company recorded a 39% increase in callouts for cockroaches during the period September - November 2018, when compared to last years figures during the same period. Rentokil is also warning the public to be aware that if they experience blocked sinuses or a sore throat, it may be due to cockroaches and not the cold weather.
Dr Colm Moore, Area Technical manager for Rentokil said: “Cockroaches leave traces of their saliva, faeces, and body parts in the space they occupy. These traces contain certain proteins which act as allergens and can cause blocked sinuses, ear and sinus infections, irritation around the nose and eyes, and a persistent cough. as it gets colder this time of year, many people may mistake these symptoms for a cold or flu”
The top four counties accountable for callouts for cockroaches during the period September - November were:
Dublin 61%
Cork 12%
Galway 8%
Kerry 8%
Cockroaches typically spend the cold months hiding behind cupboards and doors and in cracks around cabinets and closets. These pests can be difficult to detect. Home and business owners may be experiencing and infestation and not even know about it. However, one sign you can watch out for is a foul smell they produce when gathered in large numbers. Other indications include the presence of cockroach skins, cockroach droppings, and brown, irregular shaped smear marks on horizontal surfaces and wall-floor junctions.
As cockroaches can trigger asthma attacks and can spread bacteria such as E. coli and salmonella, they pose a serious health risk. Dr Colm Moore gives advice on how to prevent or eliminate the presence of cockroaches in your home or business:
Eliminate food sources: Do not leave liquid in sinks or buckets. Don’t leave food out on counters. Store dry food in tightly sealed containers. Rinse food or drink containers before putting them in the recycling bin. Empty rubbish bins daily.
Clean: Ensure to clear all food and liquid debris and spillage around the home. Remove pet food, and litter trays before nightfall.
De-clutter : Ensure to remove old stacks of newspapers and magazines, old cardboard boxes and general clutter from around the premises. This type of clutter is where cockroaches leave their droppings, which release an aggregation pheromone which lets other cockroaches know they’ve found safe shelter
Preventative measures: To prevent cockroaches from entering your premises you must ensure to keep key areas sealed such as cracks in walls. around skirting boards, behind electrical sockets, under kitchen sinks and bathroom cabinets.
