The very wet and humid past summer brought about a near-pandemic outbreak of cockroaches in all communities in South Africa. Cockroaches are usually ubiquitous but calls to the CropLife SA emergency line pointed to a massive surge in German cockroaches all over the country. It is not only climate that spurs on their numbers, but also unhygienic conditions that prevail in South Africa. Unfortunately, the surge in cockroach infestation triggered a large-scale unlawful use of pesticides that are not registered for indoor use, with possible disastrous effects.

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 unsavoury 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 cockroaches 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. Cockroaches 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 homesteads. 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 pesticides 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 applied 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. 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 indoors; 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. Registered 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 substances 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 dichlorvos, unlawfully via social media. The Inspectorate has thus far made serious interventions 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 products for cockroaches may send information to the Operations and Stewardship Manager of CropLife SA (details below) who will trigger investigation with the DAIC Inspectorate. The cockroach outbreak does not warrant unlawful activities that pose a grave risk to people’s health.

• Dr Gerhard Verdoorn
• Operations and Stewardship Manager, CropLife South Africa
• gerhard@croplife.co.za
• 082-446-8946

• Elriza Theron
• Advocacy and Communications Manager, CropLife South Africa
• elriza@croplife.co.za
• 072-443-3067