Red cockroaches: how to get rid of parasites

Cockroaches, especially red ones (commonly known as Prussians), are an inevitable evil that you'll definitely encounter if they show up in your neighbors' homes. It's a good thing these pests don't find food and move on to other hosts. But what if they linger? You need to recognize this enemy and be prepared to deal with it if it shows up.

Features of the appearance and life activity of cockroaches

At different stages of their development, red cockroaches have slight differences in appearance.

What does an adult look like?

An adult cockroach has an elongated, flattened body, which sometimes allows it to survive even a slipper kick. This shape also allows it to penetrate the tiniest cracks. The cephalothorax and abdomen, which make up the cockroach's body, are covered in slightly transparent or completely opaque chitin.

The male and female German cockroach have differences in body structure.

Insects have wings, but due to underdeveloped wing pads, they are incapable of flight. In males, the wing pads are large and can even extend beyond the wings, making males appear larger than females. The insect's head is shaped like a triangle or a heart. Close inspection reveals the mouthparts. The cockroach's jaws are clearly visible when it eats. The chitinous tongue, located inside the mouth, is completely invisible.

A characteristic feature of the red cockroach is its long antennae.

The main distinguishing feature of the Prussian cockroach is its long, frequently moving antennae. These antennae allow the insect to detect everything happening in its surroundings. The cockroach has three pairs of flexible legs, all of which are used for running. The surface of the legs is covered with tiny hairs that allow the insect to cling to any surface. The length of the Prussian cockroach ranges from 1 to 1.5 cm. Females have a rounder and shorter body than males.

After fertilization, an ootheca—a capsule containing the eggs and the future brood—forms on the female's abdomen. Its color is similar to the insect's body. The capsule is located at the end of the body, attaching underneath and extending beyond it. After some time, the female discards the ootheca and never remembers it. Females typically leave 2–3 oothecae in one location.

Photo gallery: German cockroach at different stages of development

What do larvae and young insects look like?

It's impossible to see the cockroach larvae individually, as they remain confined to the ootheca until they emerge. Immediately after hatching, the insects are almost transparent—they lack a chitinous shell. However, gradually, a shell begins to grow on their body, and the parasite increasingly resembles an adult. The appearance of a small cockroach is similar to that of an adult, but is smaller in proportions. After several molts, the small cockroach enters the adult stage—the imago.

It's almost impossible to spot a cockroach during or immediately after molting, as it's completely defenseless and carefully concealed. But if you're lucky, you might spot a nearly white, chitin-less insect. However, after just 4-6 hours, a new shell is produced, and the pest regains its original appearance.

The red cockroach goes through stages of development from egg to adult.

The lifestyle of red cockroaches

These insects prefer to nest in the most hidden places in your home—under cabinets, refrigerators, behind peeling wallpaper, and in cracks in the floor or ceiling. They primarily emerge to search for food at night. They especially prefer warm, sparsely tidied spaces, close to food sources.

Pests need water to survive. Temperature below -5 ^OThe parasites cannot tolerate it and die. However, they are extremely resistant to radiation, so it is clear who would survive a possible nuclear war.

Reasons for the appearance of red cockroaches

There are many reasons why cockroaches might appear in your home.

From the neighbors

If your neighbors have declared war on insects, cockroaches may scatter en masse in search of refuge. They can then enter your apartment through garbage chutes, cracks in walls, windows, and ceilings.

Red cockroaches can get to you through the ventilation vent from your neighbors.

After going to the store or to work

You can bring cockroaches into your home with your groceries, or they can sneak into your bag at work. Sometimes, the pests even move in with your purchases—like a computer case, a cabinet, a TV, etc.

With a parcel

With the proliferation of online shopping, cockroaches now have even more transport options. So, you can get "roommates" right in the box with a new luxury dress or phone.

Why are cockroaches harmful and are they dangerous?

Perhaps the cockroach can be called omnivorous, as it can eat anything non-synthetic. Of course, it most often eats scraps from the master's table, i.e., crumbs and the like. But in their absence, it will not disdain fabrics, leather from clothing, book bindings, shoes, soap, and even paper. Furthermore, these pests can chew the insulation of electrical appliances, which can cause short circuits.

A red cockroach can crawl into your ear while you sleep.

The cockroach's favorite habitat is trash cans and cracks in the floor. This is why all the germs end up on the cockroach's body. By coming into contact with fresh food, the dining table, and other kitchen furniture, the parasite easily spreads a variety of diseases, especially those of the gastrointestinal tract:

• diarrhea;
• dysentery;
• gastroenteritis;
• hepatitis;
• tuberculosis, etc.

In addition, the cockroach can carry worm eggs on its paws, and the chitinous covering it periodically sheds during molting can cause allergic reactions in the inhabitants of the house. In very rare cases, a parasite will mistake your ear canal for a great hiding place and crawl into it at night while you sleep. In this case, consult a doctor immediately.

How to get rid of red cockroaches

Humans have devised many ways to get rid of harmful cohabitants. Chemical agents are, of course, the most effective, but they aren't always available. Therefore, alternative methods have been developed.

Chemical methods

Insecticides come in a variety of forms, which can have significantly different characteristics and applications. You can purchase gels, aerosols, chalks, and tablets.

Cockroach gel

This product comes in a tube or a special syringe, which makes it very convenient to apply.

Gel:

• safe for pets and small children;
• When it enters the pest's body, it destroys its nervous system and leads to death;
• It acts gradually, destroying the population as each of its representatives becomes infected with a poisoned individual.

Apply the product in a dotted line to areas where insects most frequently crawl, as well as around the entire perimeter of the room. The effect lasts for approximately 1.5 months.

Cockroach gels are effective and safe for humans and animals.

Aerosol against cockroaches

Anyone suffering from a German cockroach infestation appreciates sprays for their instantaneous death. Aerosols are used by both professional exterminators and ordinary residents of apartments or houses where cockroaches have appeared. For a good effect, it is enough to treat the surfaces on which cockroaches crawl, their potential habitats, and spray the insects themselves (if possible).

The use of aerosols requires compliance with a number of rules:

• During the treatment, children and pets should be removed from the premises;
• all food and utensils must either be hidden or carefully packed, or better yet, both;
• It is advisable to carry out the treatment of the premises wearing a respirator or a cotton-gauze bandage to avoid poisoning yourself.

After spraying, the home should be vacated for 5–6 hours, after which all furniture should be wiped with a damp cloth and thoroughly wet cleaned.

Aerosols act instantly, but are partially toxic to humans and animals.

Insecticide tablets

This type of product is extremely easy to use: you place tablets containing the poison in areas where parasites are likely to live and near sources of moisture. The tablets have a bitter taste, which somewhat prevents them from being swallowed by children. However, keep them out of reach of small children. The product kills adult and young insects, but has no effect on eggs.

Pencils (crayons)

Chalk is effective for preventing infestations. It's also used as a supplemental treatment alongside other, more effective methods. To use, draw lines around the kitchen counter, water sources, and areas where cockroaches may be present. The chalk can be crushed and the resulting powder sprinkled into any cracks or crevices. It can also be diluted with water (one chalk per 5 liters of water) and used to wash the floor.

Folk remedies

Over many centuries of coexistence, humans have come up with many ways to combat harmful insects, and some of them are quite effective.

Destruction of cockroaches by frost

One of the most effective methods of survival for cockroaches is freezing.Heat-loving parasites and their eggs already at a temperature of 8 ^OThey die. However, achieving this level of cooling in an apartment is only possible in severe frost outside. This can lead to burst heating and water pipes. This procedure should only be carried out with the neighbors' consent and after wrapping the pipes with insulation—rags, foam, etc.

Ammonia

This pungent-smelling substance, according to self-proclaimed exterminators, can drive out even the largest population of cockroaches from your home. To achieve this effect, simply dilute 1 teaspoon of ammonia in 5 liters of water and wash your floors with the solution, then wipe down any surfaces.

Pyrethrum

This all-natural insecticide is made from chamomile flowers. It's safe for humans and deadly for cockroaches. It can be used to make traps using the same recipes as boric acid. The powder can also be sprinkled around trash cans, sinks, and kitchen counters.

Pyrethrum, a powdered form of Dalmatian chamomile, is effective in controlling cockroaches.

Kerosene, turpentine and denatured alcohol

These aggressive substances are a last resort if the cockroaches refuse to give up and you can't afford professional pest control. To ensure the cockroaches leave you for good, soak a brush in any of the above substances and wipe it across all cracks, baseboards, linoleum edges, and the corners of cabinets and nightstands. However, after this, you'll have to wear a gas mask for several days to avoid inhaling the acrid fumes. Better yet, leave your home for 3-4 days.

Traps

Cockroach traps come in various forms. The simplest option is a sticky tape to which the parasites stick. Another option is a flat, circular trap with a lid and a passageway containing poison. The trap can be placed anywhere, as its design prevents children or animals from accessing the poison. However, this method only eliminates a limited number of cockroaches.

An electric cockroach trap can help get rid of a small population of these pests.

An electric trap is a box containing a deliciously scented bait. The insects drawn to the scent are killed by an electric shock. You can make your own trap.

To do this:

1. Take a small jar.
2. Cover it with paper tape, having first coated the outer walls with PVA glue. This will prevent the insects from slipping as they crawl in.
3. Coat the inside of the jar with vegetable oil.
4. Place cookies inside and drizzle with honey.

If you don't feel like covering it with paper, cut a strip of cardboard and fold it over at one end. Then hook the folded edge over the rim of the jar, and rest the other end against the surface the jar is sitting on. This will act as a kind of bridge for the parasites.

The paper on the jar allows cockroaches to easily access the trap.

Boric acid traps are very popular. To make one:

1. Boil two eggs, remove the yolks and chop them.
2. Mix the product with a sachet of boric acid.
3. Roll the mixture into balls and place them in areas where insects congregate or in their lairs.

It's worth noting that the effect of boric acid is lost if the insect drinks water after tasting this toxic treat. Therefore, ensure that any liquid is inaccessible to the parasites.

A homemade cockroach trap with boric acid has long proven its effectiveness.

Although these traps are extremely safe, they can still pose a health hazard to children and animals. Therefore, it's best to leave them in places inaccessible to children and pets.

Another option is to mix boric acid and powdered sugar in equal proportions; vanilla sugar can be added. Sprinkle the poison onto saucers or sheets of paper and leave them in areas where insects roam.

Preventing the appearance of red cockroaches in an apartment

• If you discover that there are cockroaches in the apartment next door, do everything possible to prevent them from moving in. To do this:
  • Fit all ventilation openings with mosquito netting.
  • Fill the cracks in the walls, floor and ceiling.
  • Seal the cracks near the riser and pipes.
• Don't leave crumbs or food on the table, be sure to wash dishes immediately, and store leftovers in airtight containers or in the refrigerator.
• Make sure that after feeding your pet, there is no food or water left in its bowl; the food container should always be washed.
• Provide the trash can with a tight-fitting lid to prevent pests from getting in and carrying away rotting food scraps.
• Wipe the bathtub and sink dry, close all containers with liquids, and repair all leaking pipes.
• Do not take food from the kitchen to other rooms.
• Take out the trash at night and don't forget to wash the trash can regularly.

Video: Three proven ways to get rid of cockroaches

Cockroach control reviews

It's tried and true and very effective in the cold season. I got rid of them this way once already. I didn't see them for a long time afterward. 🙂 It was winter, in a rented apartment. There were tons of cockroaches in the kitchen, but practically none in the other rooms. So, one evening, I closed the kitchen door to keep them in (B) and opened the balcony door. I went to bed. In the morning, I woke up and went into the kitchen to see how the whiskered ones were doing. And, oh my God 🙂 , the entire ceiling was covered in cockroaches. They must have gotten there, since, according to Archimedes' principle, it was the warmest place at that moment (they were smart cockroaches, though). I collected them all from the ceiling in a jar; they didn't even resist, and sent them outside into the 20-degree frost. 🙁 . I didn't see them for a long time afterward.

It's a sore point. Our entire building is suffering because of one tenant—these "friends" constantly wander from apartment to apartment. They're getting on our nerves, and nothing's worked! The only thing that helped was a major kitchen renovation. We got rid of them completely back then. Now we're trying to keep the situation under control. We have traps near all the hoods where they come in, but I still occasionally run into these bastards.

Some friends had hordes of cockroaches that would crawl into their nostrils at night. They resorted to extreme measures; someone suggested inviting a priest and holding a special prayer service; I don't know the exact details. But the fact is, the cockroaches disappeared without a trace. I'm not kidding.

The only option is to call the emergency services, preferably the Sanitary and Epidemiological Service (SES), it's cheaper and more reliable. Anything else is a waste of money, time, and, most importantly, stress. We killed them a year ago, but they're still gone, even though the neighbors have a lot! One crawled in, but he was drunk. They say it's deadly for cockroaches, but harmless to humans. I have a small child, and there's nothing wrong with it, only advantages, because it's nice to be home.

Mix a boiled egg yolk with boric acid. Sprinkle it behind all the kitchen cabinets and forget about it. After a while, you'll be surprised to find they're gone, not even the corpses.

Take preventative measures and you can easily avoid German cockroaches from appearing in your home. But if they do make their home, modern, effective pest control products will come to the rescue.