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Roach Control
Where Are Your Cockroaches Hiding?
Cockroaches like to hide in dark, sheltered places during the day and come out to feed at night. They may be found in the kitchen around the sink, around or inside cupboards and cabinets, under drawers, behind windows or door frames, behind loose baseboards, in the bathroom, and in electronic devices; as they like heat. The German cockroach is usually found in the kitchen and bathroom. All other kinds of cockroaches prefer damp, warm places.
Methods of Control
IPM is the most effective method of cockroach control. The least effective control method is the use of only chemicals, as using chemicals alone will result in insecticide resistance and, ultimately, very poor control. A successful IMP for cockroaches will involve help from you along with baiting, dusting, spraying and monitoring done by our trained professionals.
Prevention & Sanitation
Cockroach feces contain a chemical that attracts other cockroaches to an area. Eliminating the cockroach feces by scrubbing with hot, soapy water will decrease the amount of aggregation pheromone available to attract cockroaches to the area. German cockroaches can initially infest a structure when infested grocery bags are brought inside; cockroaches also breed prolifically in corrugated cardboard boxes, so discard unnecessary boxes immediately and check all bags before entering your home. Caulk cracks and gaps around doors and windows to help prevent cockroaches from entering your home. Regularly vacuum or sweep under and around furniture where people eat, such as the dining room table. Vacuuming can also remove cockroach egg cases that will not be killed by insecticides. Remember to promptly dispose of the vacuum cleaner bag in an outdoor container.
Elimination of Food, Water Sources & Breeding Grounds
Water is the most important factor in cockroach survival. German cockroaches can survive only 12 days with food but no water. However, if only water is present with no food, cockroaches can survive for about 42 days. Eliminate any and all water sources inside and outside of the home to help prevent infestation. In addition to food and moisture, cockroaches require a place to live. The cockroach harborage is critical to its survival. Cockroaches prefer dark places that are warm and moist. Places that provide tight spaces such as stacks of newspaper or cardboard, piles of clothing, or cracks and crevices in structures are ideal. Harborages not only provide a place for cockroaches to live, but they also can create "pesticide free" zones where cockroaches can hide.
Baits
Baits are most highly recommended because of their effectiveness and targeted application, decreasing unnecessary pesticide exposure. Baits usually come in granular formulations, plastic stations, or large syringes for gel applications. Apply granular formulations outside in plants and mulched areas, bait stations should be placed in areas where you suspect cockroaches are hiding in your home, the gel in syringes will be placed in cracks and crevices around windows, doors, and any other suspected cockroach harborage.
* NOTE* Never spray a liquid insecticide where baits have been applied. Liquid insecticides used in the vicinity of baits will repel cockroaches from the bait.
Dusting
Dusts are slow-acting but can give long lasting control, but when applied properly by Ambassador, dust is as effective and longer-lasting than misting pesticides. The dust adheres to the roaches’ legs, when the roach cleans itself or eats it will become poisoned. The best place to dust is around a source of water, when the roaches come to take a drink they will get the dust on them, drink the water, and contaminate their bodies. This will ultimately kill them.
Spraying
Greasy surfaces decrease the effectiveness of insecticide applications. Therefore, before treating surfaces eliminate grease and oil by scrubbing with hot, soapy water. Insect growth regulators will take 4 to 6 weeks for a noticeable decrease in the population. But control is longer lasting than other contact insecticides because the cockroaches are no longer able to reproduce once exposed. Expect to see more cockroaches during the day as a result of IGR use. Seeing more cockroaches after IGR use means the treatment is working. A perimeter treatment along the base of the foundation wall, in cracks and crevices, and at points of entry into the home can also help control the larger outdoor cockroaches.
*Thanks to Dan Suiter of UGA for his picture of German Roaches.*
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