Following a wet and humid summer, pest control organizations in South Africa have reported a large increase in German cockroach numbers. CropLife SA, a pesticide trade organization, claims the outbreak has reached “near pandemic levels,” with nocturnal insects increasingly being seen during the day.
The general director of Pest Free South Africa, Sebastian Seelig, has confirmed the substantial increase in German cockroach numbers and warns of the health concerns they bring. Cockroaches can transmit diseases and pollute food. They have also been linked to electrical problems and short-circuiting of equipment such as microwaves, dishwashers, and ovens, resulting in costly repairs.
The infestation has been aided by a surge in domestic trash following the Covid-19 outbreak, as more individuals work from home. Seelig has discovered a significant increase in German cockroaches in both residences and eateries. Despite the worrying statistics, Seelig recommends against panic, emphasizing the significance of pest monitoring and control.
CropLife’s marketing and communications manager, Elriza Theron, reported that their emergency line received a “massive upsurge” in complaints regarding German cockroaches after the hot and humid summer. Unsanitary circumstances, such as messy kitchens with leftover food and pet food, have further encouraged the infestation, according to Theron.
To tackle the infestation and avoid the potential health dangers linked with unlabelled pesticides, Theron urged South Africans to use authorized and licensed pesticides. Cleaning up junk and leftover foodstuffs, securing trash in bags or bins, and disinfecting kitchens, pantries, and restrooms with a weak bleach solution are all effective control strategies.
While the infestation is worrying, experts advise against panic and underline the need to reduce cockroach populations to reduce potential health hazards and property damage.
