Cockroaches

Cockroaches (order Blattodea) are insects that have existed for over 300 million years. In Mexico, the most common species are the American cockroach (Periplaneta americana), the German cockroach (Blattella germanica) and the brown-banded cockroach (Supella longipalpa). They are urban pests that reproduce extremely fast and can infest homes, restaurants, hospitals and commercial spaces. The German cockroach in particular is the hardest to eradicate due to its short reproductive cycle and resistance, which is why it requires Integrated Pest Management (IPM).

Identification

Size: 1.5 to 5 cm depending on the species. Color: light brown to dark brown or reddish. The body is oval and flattened, with long filiform antennae. Some species have developed wings, although they rarely fly. The American cockroach is the largest and reddish in tone; the German cockroach is small, lighter in color and has two dark stripes on its back.

Habitat: warm, humid and dark places such as kitchens, bathrooms, drains and the space behind appliances. They are primarily nocturnal; daytime sightings usually indicate a severe infestation.

Signs of infestation

• Droppings resembling peppercorns or ink smears in drawers, corners and behind appliances.
• Egg cases (oothecae), brown and elongated, attached in cracks and hidden corners.
• An oily, unpleasant odor that intensifies as the population grows.
• Cockroach sightings during the day, a sign that hiding spots are already saturated.

Risks

Cockroaches contaminate food and surfaces with pathogenic bacteria such as Salmonella, E. coli and Staphylococcus, which can cause gastrointestinal infections. Their droppings, molts and body parts are known allergens that trigger or worsen asthma, especially in children. Because of their habit of moving between drains, garbage and food-preparation areas, they are mechanical vectors of major sanitary importance. In commercial and industrial settings, an infestation can lead to health code violations, product loss and reputational damage.

How Fucesa controls it

Cockroach control is not solved with aerosol insecticide alone; it requires combining several methods under an Integrated Pest Management framework. At Fucesa we apply:

• Inspection and species identification: this defines the strategy, since the German and American cockroach require different approaches.
• Gel bait (insecticidal gel): applied in cracks and harborage, it is highly effective against the German cockroach; the insects consume it and transfer it to the colony through a domino effect.
• Residual spraying: perimeter and travel-path application to reduce the active population.
• Thermal fogging: useful in severe infestations or large spaces such as warehouses, drains and sumps.
• Monitoring traps and sanitation: confirm presence, measure control progress and attack the root cause by removing food and moisture sources.

Prevention

• Seal entry points in walls, pipes, drains and door frames.
• Keep trash in sealed containers and remove it frequently.
• Repair leaks and keep areas dry, since moisture is key to their survival.
• Store food in airtight containers and clean up residue and grease, especially behind and under appliances.

When to call a professional

If you see cockroaches during the day, find egg cases or detect the characteristic odor, the infestation is probably already established and over-the-counter products will not be enough. Professional control is essential in commercial kitchens, restaurants, hospitals, schools and food plants, where there are also sanitary requirements to meet.

Fucesa has more than 40 years of experience in pest control. We operate with personnel certified under NOM-256-SSA1-2012 and registered with COFEPRIS, combining gel bait, spraying and sanitation from our headquarters in Toluca and our base in Queretaro.