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The Ultimate Cockroach Extermination Handbook for Apartments

Many residents living in new apartment buildings in Hanoi are concerned about the quality of their homes. They have noticed issues with the construction and are worried about their safety. The problems range from minor defects to more serious structural concerns. As a result, people are questioning the integrity of these new buildings and are demanding answers from the developers. The situation has caused a stir in the community, with residents seeking reassurance and action from the responsible parties.

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14 July, 2024

Cockroach Concerns: An Unwanted Infestation

Ms. Thuy Nga, a resident of a new apartment complex on Minh Khai Street in Hanoi, has been facing an ongoing battle with tiny cockroaches since moving in less than six months ago. She shares her disappointment, stating, “I never expected to deal with insects, especially these persistent little cockroaches, in my new apartment. They’re everywhere at night, invading our kitchen cabinets, plates, and even our rice cooker.”

Ms. Hong Nhung, a resident of a different apartment building in Cau Giay District, echoes similar concerns. She describes the unique characteristics of the cockroaches they’ve been encountering: “These small cockroaches with thin wings are incredibly fast. Strangely, they’re afraid of light and only come out at night, crawling onto our sinks and any leftover food. Despite our efforts with various cockroach killers, they just won’t budge.”

The situation is not an isolated incident. Ms. Nguyen Cam Lien, Director of a pest control company, confirms a significant increase in requests for cockroach extermination services in Hanoi, specifically in new apartment complexes. She identifies the culprit as the German cockroach, a foreign species that has now invaded residential areas.

Ms. Lien attributes the prevalence of German cockroaches in new apartments to the transportation of appliances and cardboard boxes, which may unknowingly carry cockroach eggs. Once they find a suitable, humid environment, their population explodes.

A Resilient Pest: Difficult to Eradicate

Adding to the challenge, this foreign species is resistant to common insecticides. Ms. Nguyen Thi My, an expert in biochemistry and termite control, explains that the German cockroach is a resilient pest, even in other countries. She highlights the connected water pipes and sewage systems in apartment buildings as pathways for cockroaches to move between units, making eradication difficult. Ms. My emphasizes the need to combine hygiene practices with alternative methods to combat these pests effectively.

Furthermore, these cockroaches gather in swarms and emit a strong, unpleasant odor. They can contaminate food and water sources, posing health risks. According to scientific research, cockroach feces contain harmful bacteria that can cause gastrointestinal illnesses, hepatitis, and respiratory issues.

Associate Professor Dr. Truong Xuan Lam, an expert in ecology and biological resources, also draws attention to another species, the brown-banded cockroach, native to Africa, which has been spotted in Hanoi’s high-rise apartments. Dr. Lam underscores the health risks associated with cockroaches, particularly for children with asthma, as they are a significant allergen.

Taking Control: Prevention and Eradication Strategies

According to Associate Professor Dr. Lam, targeting the survival needs of cockroaches is crucial. He emphasizes the importance of locating and fixing water leaks, sealing small holes, and arranging kitchenware upside down to prevent them from becoming receptacles for cockroach droppings or eggs. Keeping fruits off tables, taking out the trash regularly, and using a trash can with a lid are also recommended.

To eradicate these unwanted guests, you can utilize baits and lures from veterinary pharmacies. Combine the bait with appealing food sources for cockroaches, such as cake flour or sugar, and place it near their nests. Given their aversion to light, installing fluorescent lights in kitchen cabinets can also help deter them. Additionally, natural repellents like peppermint essential oil, cucumber peels, or garlic can be effective.

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Frequently asked questions

Cockroaches, specifically the German cockroach species, have infested new apartment complexes in Hanoi, causing discomfort and health risks for residents. They are persistent, fast-moving, and difficult to eradicate with common insecticides.

Cockroaches are likely being introduced to the apartments through the transportation of appliances and cardboard boxes, which may carry their eggs. Once inside, they thrive in humid environments and can move between units through connected water pipes and sewage systems.

The German cockroaches encountered have thin wings and are extremely fast. They exhibit a fear of light, only emerging at night to crawl onto sinks and leftover food. They are resistant to typical cockroach killers and pose health hazards due to the bacteria in their feces.

Prevention strategies include locating and fixing water leaks, sealing small holes, and proper storage of kitchenware and food. For eradication, use baits and lures from veterinary pharmacies, combining them with appealing cockroach food sources. Installing fluorescent lights in cabinets and using natural repellents like peppermint oil, cucumber peels, or garlic can also deter them.

Cockroaches can contaminate food and water sources with their feces, which contain harmful bacteria. This can lead to gastrointestinal illnesses, hepatitis, and respiratory issues. They also pose a significant allergen risk, especially for children with asthma.