Big jump in number of cockroaches invading Irish homes in 2016

There was a 69% increase in the  number of cockroach infestations reported in Ireland last year  compared to the same period in 2015, according to new data released today from pest control company Rentokil. This is the twelfth consecutive year that Rentokil has seen an increase in the number of complaints it receives relating to the hardy insects. The growing popularity of imported foods combined with an increase in foreign travel, and overall warmer weather conditions are some of the reasons that Ireland has seen an increase in the pests since 2004. Whilst the impact of this increase has been felt nationwide, Dublin is the most cockroach-infested county in Ireland, with two thirds of all infestations reported in Ireland being located in the capital. As the variety of cuisine available in Irish restaurants has grown over the last decades, so has the risk of inadvertently importing cockroaches. According to Rentokil, many restaurant staff do not recognise when incoming stock contains a cockroach infestation, so customers should be vigilant against the pest when dining. Cockroaches pose a number of worrying health risks to anyone that comes into contact with them. The bugs carry salmonella, typhoid and gastroenteritis, while their droppings can cause both asthma and eczema. Cockroaches cause a terrible odour in the place where they infest as well as posing health risks. Dr Colm Moore of Rentokil said: “We have seen continued increase in the number of cockroach-related call outs and enquiries in commercial and residential premises. 2016 was the twelfth consecutive year that we have seen the number of call outs and enquiries grow, so it is vital that those working in the hospitality sector look out for the signs of the public health pests. Cockroaches pose a clear risk to human health and we all have a responsibility to be vigilant to signs of an infestation.” Cockroaches are among the toughest insects, with some species capable of remaining active for a month without food. The unsavoury creatures are most often found in kitchens, bathrooms, basements and drains. Cockroaches will happily eat soap residue, toilet paper and tissues - even shed skin cells and hair. According to Dr. Colm Moore the most common signs of a cockroach infestation are: ·         Unusual smell - An established cockroach infestation produces a lingering and unpleasant odour that taints items they contact. ·         Cockroach droppings - If little water is available cockroaches will produce brown/black cylindrical droppings, approx. 2mm long. ·         Smear marks - If water is abundant cockroaches will produce brown and irregular shaped smear marks. Check for marks on horizontal surfaces and at wall-floor junctions where cockroaches scuttle along. ·         Shed skins - Cockroaches shed 'cast nymphal' skins 5-8 times as they mature to adults. These shed skins are usually found close to where the cockroaches are sheltering