CLIMATE & ENVIRONMENT : Near-pandemic outbreak of cockroaches: The dangers of pesticides to the  environment

CLIMATE & ENVIRONMENT : Near-pandemic outbreak of cockroaches: The dangers of pesticides to the  environment

CropLife South Africa has warned that the very wet and humid weather condi tions over the summer months have brought about an outbreak of German  cockroaches in the country. The group said cockroach numbers had increased  recently, not only because of the weather, but also the unhygienic conditions  that prevail in South Africa.

GUEST: DR. GERHARD VERDOORN - Operations and Stewardship Manager,  CropLife South Africa

Cockroach control starts with a serious effort to sanitise human habitation of  refuse and left-over foodstuffs. A dirty kitchen that is littered with left-over food  and freely available pet food needs serious intervention to deny these un savoury critters from invading a home and setting up a colony. Refuse bags  must be secured in plastic wheelie bins or drums out of access of cockroaches.  Floor surfaces, potential breeding spots and hide-outs in kitchens, pantries and  bathrooms must be thoroughly washed and disinfected with a diluted solution of  sodium hypochlorite (domestic bleach). Places that attract and harbour cock roaches include electrical appliances such as fridges and washing machines,  cupboards under kitchen and bathroom basins, drainpipe cavities in walls, food  cupboards, outdoor drains and dark enclosed areas such as garages. Cock roaches enjoy the heat and humidity underneath electrical appliances and  basins, and that is where they often set up breeding colonies. Cockroaches are primarily active at night, but the current outbreak is of such  magnitude that the insects are running around during the day in most home steads. Homeowners, the fast-food sector, retail sector and hospitality industry  should act quick to stop the tide of cockroaches in South Africa. CropLife South  Africa warns all citizens to abide by the statutes of the country and only use  registered pesticides strictly according to their label instructions to avoid health  impacts on themselves, their families or their clients. Do not buy unlabelled pes ticides in small containers from social media advertisers or street vendors as  those products are likely to pose a severe hazard and risk to people when ap plied indoors.

A fumigant in the form of an aerosol canister or fumigation tablet can provide a  rapid knockout of most adults and juvenile cockroaches, but consumers must  follow safety instructions by wearing a facial cover and evacuating the premises  of all inhabitants for the duration of the fumigation as stated on the labels. If the  service of a pest control operator is contracted, consumers must insist on proof  of registration as a fumigation pest control operator under the Fertilizers, Farm  Feeds, Agricultural Remedies and Stock Remedies Act, 1947 (Act No. 36 of  1947) – a registration certificate issued by the Registrar of Act No. 36 of 1947 is  the only valid certificate. Consumers must not contract operators that have only  undergone training and have not received a valid registration certificate from  the office of the Registrar. Also check which pesticide is offered to be used by  the pest control operator and if the label does not indicate application for indoor  cockroach control, refrain from using the services of such an operator.

Cockroach baits are highly effective and pose a very low risk to people and pets. Reg istered baits are available in ready-to-use bait stations or easy-to-apply syringes. Baits  should be applied (or bait stations placed out) where cockroaches are most likely to  forage at night, such as inside pantries or in the corners of kitchen counter tops. Place  bait stations out of view of children and pets. There are also glue traps available for  cockroaches and these can be used alongside baits and bait stations. CropLife SA reminds all South Africans that pesticides are highly regulated sub stances and that everyone is bound by the statutes of Act No. 36 of 1947. This  means any person advertising, selling, buying or using a pesticide may only do  so according to the label instructions of the pesticide. CropLife SA is working  closely with the Directorate of Agriculture Inputs Control (DAIC) Inspectorate to  clamp down on people that sell highly toxic substances, such as pure dichlor vos, unlawfully via social media. The Inspectorate has thus far made serious in terventions in unregistered pesticides and has had great success in confiscating  large quantities of such unregistered and highly hazardous products. Members of the public who are aware of the advertising or sale of unregistered prod ucts for cockroaches may send information to the Operations and Stewardship Man ager of CropLife SA (details below) who will trigger investigation with the DAIC Inspec torate. The cockroach outbreak does not warrant unlawful activities that pose a grave  risk to people’s health.  

A fumigant in the form of an aerosol canister or fumigation tablet can provide a rapid  knockout of most adults and juvenile cockroaches, but consumers must follow safety  instructions by wearing a facial cover and evacuating the premises of all inhabitants for  the duration of the fumigation as stated on the labels. If the service of a pest control  operator is contracted, consumers must insist on proof of registration as a fumigation  pest control operator under the Fertilizers, Farm Feeds, Agricultural Remedies and  Stock Remedies Act, 1947 (Act No. 36 of 1947) – a registration certificate issued by  the Registrar of Act No. 36 of 1947 is the only valid certificate. Consumers must not  contract operators that have only undergone training and have not received a valid reg istration certificate from the office of the Registrar. Also check which pesticide is offered  to be used by the pest control operator and if the label does not indicate application for  indoor cockroach control, refrain from using the services of such an operator. Take  note that pure dichlorvos and aluminium phosphide may not be applied indoors due to  the high hazard and risk posed by these products. There are registered fumigants that  contain 12% or less dichlorvos that may be used, but strictly according to the safety  instructions on their labels.  

Surface sprays that contain pyrethroids can be applied as a follow-up after fumigation,  especially under electrical appliances, basins and in drainpipe outlets. Take care to use  personal protective equipment such as rubber gloves, facial cover, long sleeves and  pants with long leggings. Do not apply any insecticide while people and pets are in doors; they should only re-enter when treated surfaces are dry.  

Cockroach baits are highly effective and pose a very low risk to people and pets. Reg istered baits are available in ready-to-use bait stations or easy-to-apply syringes. Baits  should be applied (or bait stations placed out) where cockroaches are most likely to  forage at night, such as inside pantries or in the corners of kitchen counter tops. Place  bait stations out of view of children and pets. There are also glue traps available for  cockroaches and these can be used alongside baits and bait stations.