Below is a list of tips to ensure your pets are happy and safe during and after your next pest control treatment. 

Tell your provider 

If you have a pet, tell your provider when you book your pest control service, as they may need to tailor the treatment. Before the treatment begins, always discuss any concerns you may have with the office or with a pest control specialist. 

Before the treatment starts, make sure you remove any water/food bowls, toys or bedding if they are in the treatment area.

Secure your pets 

Pets are often curious and may try to investigate new sounds and smells in their home. Our technicians love meeting your pets; however, sometimes, that curiosity can bring them too close to our treatment and increase the chance of something going wrong.

You will need to keep your pests safely secured while our pest technician is carrying out work. We often recommend leaving your pets with a friend or at a kennel for the day of the treatment. If this isn’t an option for you, close them in a room that isn’t being treated and make sure you use a towel to block any gaps in doorways. For example, if you have a pest problem in your kitchen, you may want to put your them into your garage or bedroom. Make sure cats or dogs can’t sneak back inside if you placed them outside for the treatment. 

Feathery And Fishy Friends

We need to know if you have birds, fish or reptiles kept in tanks or cages inside. Please don’t be upset if we can’t treat a room where you have birds, fish, reptiles or other such pets that can’t be relocated. Our job is to make sure we keep you and your pets safe during pest treatments. 

Ideally, you will relocate them somewhere safe during the treatment. However, this is not always practicable so at the very minimum you need to cover tanks including filters with a nonpermeable fabric. Make sure there are no gaps where air can enter. Be careful when doing this, as if the power is on the heat from the covered motor may create a fire hazard. Make sure any food or equipment you use is put away or covered. 

If you are worried, we recommend calling your veterinarian to ask if the pesticide will react with your pet. Some birds have susceptible respiratory systems and may be prone to problems. 

Important note about rodent treatments

When carrying out rodent control, it’s important that you tell us if you have a dog or if dogs frequent your property. Rodenticide is toxic and harmful to humans and pets. It can be lethal to dogs. THE ANTIDOTE IS VITAMIN K1. If you have a dog, we recommend you check that your local vet has stock. We use lockable tamper-proof stations to hold bait (rodenticide), which are designed to help protect people and pets from accidental exposure to the bait inside. While we take the utmost care to ensure stations are secure and out of reach from pets, we can’t guarantee that your pet won’t access the bait inside. 

Are you still worried? Please speak with A-Jet Pest Control today. They are knowledgeable and always happy to answer any concerns you may have. 

Hire A Professional 

Most importantly, if you have pets avoid doing the treatment yourself. If you don’t know how to apply the pesticide correctly or if you use the wrong amount, you run the risk of unintentionally poisoning your pet. In saying that, no two pest control companies are created equal. If you’re looking for the safest and most effective service, ensure you hire a certified PMANZ (Pest Management Association NZ) technician. If you still have concerns about your pet’s safety, contact A-Jet Pest Control for free advice or a quote. Our founder was the past president of PMANZ, so we know what we’re talking about! 

1. There are many types of cockroaches.

In New Zealand, the four main varieties of cockroach are the German cockroach, American cockroach, Gisborne cockroach and Native Bush cockroach. The American and German breeds spread disease, while the Gisborne and Native Bush do not. A-Jet cockroach treatments deal with all types of cockroaches.

2. Cockroaches have been around forever.

Cockroaches are certainly not a modern problem. In fact, they’re believed to have been around for more than 280 million years. With our native tuataras dating back 200 million years, it’s safe to say that these two creatures are our country’s longest-standing rivals.

3. Cockroaches can live without food.

Depending on the breed of cockroach, most can survive perfectly happily without food for a month or more. However, like us, their bodies prioritise water, and they can die in a week if unable to drink.  

4. They’re great swimmers. 

In a great example of how cockroaches have managed to survive for centuries, it turns out they’re incredibly good at holding their breath. Even submerged totally under water, they can live for half an hour before dying.

5. NZ cockroaches are small fry.

The largest cockroach in New Zealand is the Gisborne cockroach, which is identifiable by its flat, dark body and white bands along the side. It measures up to 4.5cm in length. Compare this to the world’s largest cockroach, the South American Megaloblatta longipennis, which can clock in at 9.7cm and has a 20cm wingspan. As cockroach pest control experts, we know which one we’d rather tackle!

6. Cockroaches moult their exoskeleton.

Cockroach nymphs hatch from their eggs fully formed as tiny versions of their parents. As they grow in size, the nymph will shed its exoskeleton many times before reaching its adult size. For this reason, if you have a cockroach infestation, you may find broken cockroach legs and various body parts in areas that roaches frequent. 

7. Cockroaches breed quickly.

One aspect of why cockroaches are considered pests is that they are prolific breeders. A single female cockroach will lay hundreds of eggs over the course of her lifetime, averaging 30 a month during her peak. If a cockroach gets comfortable in your home, it can quickly become a much larger problem, which is why it’s essential to undergo a cockroach removal process sooner rather than later.

8. Cockroaches can cover a lot of ground.

American and German cockroaches can run 5km an hour. When you factor in that they also carry disease, you can begin to see how disruptive and damaging they can be, particularly to businesses in the food industry. 

9. Cockroaches are the Houdini of the insect world.

Yes, cockroaches can fit through the tiniest of cracks in your home. From gaps between floorboards to windows left ever-so-slightly-ajar, it’s no match for a cockroach that is looking for a dry home. Even New Zealand’s largest species, the Gisborne cockroach, can flatten its body to squeeze through a gap that is less than 2mm wide.

10. Even a guillotine won’t stop a cockroach.

Cockroaches have an open circulatory system and breathe through holes along their body, so are not as dependent on their heads as we humans are. So, if a cockroach loses its head, it can continue living for a week. In fact, it only dies because, without a mouth, it isn’t able to drink water. 

With these facts in mind, it’s no wonder that cockroaches are such a difficult pest to eradicate. If you’re ready to say goodbye to these unwelcome creatures, call A-Jet Pest Control today. 

Generally speaking, cockroaches common to New Zealand are nocturnal and omnivore feeders, and can transmit diseases and bacteria pathogens such as salmonella. In addition, they can cause skin irritations, allergic reactions and breathing difficulties.

The cockroach has a life cycle consisting of three distinct stages: egg, nymph, and adult. The specific elements of the life cycle vary according to species, however. The female can lay 5-30 egg sacs containing 12-40 eggs, which can make them difficult to control once they have entered a home or residential property.

Cockroach Species Found In NZ

In this country we find a number of cockroaches, usually three species in particular: the native cockroach, often referred to as the Gisborne cockroach; the American cockroach which is the largest and the disease carrying variety namely Blattella Germanica known as the German cockroach. Each have their own distinctions, habits and require different treatments to get rid of.

Gisborne Cockroach

This breed of cockroach are small, wingless and native to New Zealand. Although originally based in Australia, they were first recorded in New Zealand at Gisborne and later in more areas in the North Island, Nelson and Blenheim. They commonly live outdoors in primarily damp, dark areas and decaying forest matter. Certain species can be found under slabs of rock in the subalpine and alpine regions of New Zealand.

As omnivores, they feed on organic materials, including dead wood, and have symbiotic gut flora which helps them digest dead wood and similar matter. While they may be considered a household pest, these insects do not naturally live indoors and are most commonly brought into a home via firewood, or are attracted by timber and bark chips.

American Cockroach

The American cockroach is the largest common species of cockroach and is considered a pest in many areas of the world, including New Zealand. Despite its name, these cockroaches are native to Africa and the Middle East, and are now one of the main cockroaches commonly found in New Zealand. These insects have adapted to human living spaces, with evolved detoxification, immune systems, and growth and reproduction methods.

Also omnivores, these cockroaches eat many materials, including cheese, beer, tea, leather, bakery products, plant materials, book bindings, glue and fermenting foods. When it comes to their ideal habitat, American cockroaches prefer moist areas with higher temperatures, and are found in many different residential areas. American cockroaches can cause sickness in humans, from their odorous secretion and the bacteria they pick up and deposit on foods and surface areas.

German Cockroach

The German cockroach is a smaller species of cockroach that can vary from tan to almost black. This species of cockroach is considered one of the most troublesome domestic pests. When it comes to domestic areas, the German cockroach is common in restaurants, food processing facilities, hotels and institutional establishments such as nursing homes. As they cannot survive in the cold, they become more common in domestic areas when the climate is cooler.

Defined as ‘omnivorous scavengers’ these cockroaches will feed on meats, starches, sugars and fatty foods. They have also been known to eat soap, glue and toothpaste. Of all the cockroaches listed here these are considered more resilient in the face of many pest control measures.

Here are some of the survival tactics these pests boast:

1. A cockroach can hold its breath for almost 40 minutes
2. The largest cockroach in the world is over 10cm long
3. A cockroach can live without its head for a full week
4. They can survive at a temperature as low as 0 degrees
5. They can run up to 5km/hour, even the little ones
6. They can live without food for an entire month.

These astounding facts give an insight into the fascinating and challenging process of getting rid of a cockroach infestation in your house.

How To Find A Cockroach Infestation

The most common species found in New Zealand are the Gisborne Cockroach, American cockroach and German cockroach. See our article on cockroaches in NZ for more information. Each type of cockroach requires a different treatment. It’s best to get a professional cockroach exterminator to identify the type and tailor a treatment that is specific to your property.  

If you spot a cockroach in your property, there is a good chance that there is an infestation nearby. Cockroaches can live up to 2 years and start reproducing after 6 weeks. A female cockroach can lay 5-30 egg sacs containing 12-40 eggs. There is no time to waste in getting rid of the infestation. That’s why it’s important to act as soon as you see a cockroach in your home.

Common indications of a cockroach infestation are:

Sightings

This is the easiest way to notice an infestation. Our common Bush cockroach will nest in nature, occasionally coming inside and appearing randomly in the house. German or American cockroaches are usually found in the kitchen in/around fridges, ovens, drains, dishwashers, and microwaves where they set up nests. If there’s a heavy infestation, it may spread to your dining room, lounge, and hot water cylinder. 

Cockroach Droppings:

Cockroach droppings can help us understand how bad things are. The amount of visible faeces is a good indication of the size or duration of an infestation. Small cockroaches produce droppings that resemble coffee grounds or black pepper, while larger roaches produce oval more noticeable droppings.

Cockroach Eggs:

Cockroach egg cases are another good indication of an infestation. The egg cases are dark and oval-shaped, each egg case holds many eggs so are easier to see than the eggs themselves. They are normally hidden in dark places so check seams in furniture and behind cupboards and bookcases.

Bad Odour:

Certain species can produce unpleasant smells. A strong oily or musty odour can be an indication of a large infestation. 

What To Do Once You Have Found A Cockroach Infestation

If you find an infestation it is best to get in touch with a professional pest control company.  It may seem cheaper to buy over-the-counter products to treat the infestation yourself. However, you need to know how to identify the cockroach, understand their habitat, where they’re nesting and what products are the most effective. It’s best to only use commercial-grade pest control products that are approved by New Zealand’s Environmental Protection Authority. Over-the-counter products often aren’t strong enough so you may simply cause cockroaches to scatter, spreading the infestation further. 

Give us a call to hear more about our treatment process on how we control cockroach infestations.

How To Prevent Cockroach Infestations

Infestations can start (and be ongoing) when simple hygiene and maintenance are overlooked. For example, pet food bowls not being washed after feeding, dirty dishes left out, food scraps not being disposed correctly, cardboard and paper piled up, or rubbish not being bagged and disposed of in sealed bins. We recommend that you regularly deep clean your kitchen and house. Remember to pull out microwaves, refrigerators and stoves to clean behind and underneath. Organic garden waste and rubbish also provide perfect homes for cockroaches, so remember to clear out waste from around your property too.  

A regular, professional pest control program will ensure that cockroaches are kept under control. See our article on how often you should pest control your home.

Need professional cockroach treatment?

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Need professional cockroach treatment?

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