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This
pest is prevalent in many countries throughout the
world and has survived virtually unchanged for millions
of years of evolution.
There
are 6 main species of cockroach experienced throughout
commercial and food processing facilities within
Australia. These being , American, German, Australian,
Oriental, Smokey Brown, and brown Banded cockroaches.
They
are omnivorous and can live on small quantities
of anything. Their habit of regurgitating the contents
of their crops onto the surfaces of which they transverse
is responsible for contaminating surfaces with a
whole range of bacteria including salmonella.
Cockroaches
are a much greater threat to the health of staff
and clients in commercial and food processing facilities
than either rats or mice.
Financially,
their musky odour produced by large numbers of cockroaches
may taint sensitive foods, such as fats and various
raw material lines. Vomit and faecal marks on packaged
goods, or the cartons they are in, render them unusable.
Control
methods:
- Sealing
of cockroach harbourage areas
- Improving
housekeeping and sanitation levels within the
site.
- The
use of Pheromone traps and baits.
- The
judicial use of pesticides in the form of liquids,
gels,dusts and gasses.
- The
instigation of inspection and monitoring programs
throughout the site to provide early detection
of infestations.
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