Neelam Rahim | neelam@radioislam.co.za

2-minute read
28 April 2023 | 10:23 CAT

Photo credit: Head Topics

CropLife SA has warned that a cockroach infestation described as a near-pandemic outbreak has affected communities nationwide, mainly in Gauteng. Residents in the province have confirmed seen a surge of German cockroaches.

The organization says that the outbreak has led to the use of illegal and harmful pesticides that are unsuitable as an option for indoor use.

These insects are generally known to be active at night, but the current situation is so dire that they now operate during the daytime.

Dr Gerhard Verdoorn, Operations and Stewardship Manager at CropLife SA said the outbreak could be attributed mainly to the current weather conditions.

Nine hundred forty-seven reported that another factor that has contributed to the massive outbreak is unhygienic living conditions.

Dr Verdoorn advises that a clean home is the best way to prevent a domestic cockroach infestation.

He also stressed the importance of not leaving food out at night and ensuring that all waste bins are properly sealed and cleaned regularly.

Dr Verdoorn also states that no matter how clean one’s home is, it is still important to get pest control to disinfect the house to ensure that cockroaches do not set up breeding colonies.

Listen to the full interview on Radio Islam’s podcast.