Successful roach control depends on a a number of methods and tools. Prevention and sanitation are the basis of the effort because its far easier to prevent roaches than to get rid of them after they have arrived. Next we will discuss baits, dusts and sprays. You might think about calling an expert to do the dirty work. They have the gear and know-how to do a methodical job and have access to chemicals unavailable to homeowners.
Roach management begins with prevention and sanitation. Prevention just means barring roaches from your home. Keeping window screens repaired and the doors and windows shut will help, but most of the time roaches catch a ride into the house in bags or boxes. So inspect everything and anything before it comes in your house. Any indication of roaches or roach eggs, or brown liquid stains is a red flag.
After that comes sanitation. Thoroughly vacuum everything. cleaning everything with hot soapy water will destroy the pheromone (scent) that attracts more roaches. Then get rid of the roach necessities, that is, food water and shelter. If you can do this step properly, roaches will have trouble getting established. After all would you be able to survive where there was no food, water or shelter?
While chemicals are used for roach control, the strategies have changed greatly over the last 30-40 years. Baseboard sprays, once commonly used, have been found to be unproductive. The methods preferred today are baits and dusts. chemical sprays are usually used only to find and clean out nests or high populations. The reality is that chemicals alone are the least effective method to control cockroaches. Used properly in combination with prevention and sanitation techniques however, they can be a valuable supplement to the arsenal.
Baits are valuable and highly suggested. They function well and limit pesticide exposure. Baits usually come in plastic containers, or big syringes for gel applications. Put bait stations in corners wherever roaches have been seen. Squirt small amounts of gel into cracks and crevices near roach sightings. Also place gel around windows, doors, and any other suspected cockroach hiding spot, but not food handling areas.
Insect growth regulators (IGR) are another useful roach control tool. Even though they take longer to work (4 to 6 weeks), the control lasts much longer that other chemicals since the roaches can no longer breed. Watch for adults with twisted wings because that is a sure sign the treatment is effective.
Another helpful set of tools are dusts. Dusts work slowly but work for a long time. The most common dust labeled for roach control is boric acid dust. Do not confuse the boric acid accessible in drug stores with the roach control chemicals. They are not the same. Boric acid dust is best used inside the home in clean, dry locations. Use dusts in concealed locations like underneath appliances and in cracks and crevices. Be cautious not to go overboard with dusts. A very light dusting is plenty. This is one product where less really works better.
Here is the bottom line on roach control. Vacuum thoroughly and clean everything with hot soapy water. Place baits where you have seen roaches. Use either gel or container type of baits. Use dusts in concealed areas. Inspect monthly, replace when gone or empty. Do not use liquid sprays unless you intend to to clean out or knock down nests. Read all directions and above all be safe.
Florida Bug Inspectors is an Tampa expert in roach control. They have been solving pest control problems in Tampa for more than 25 years. Call the best – call Florida Bug Inspectors.
Tags: bugs, Garden, home and garden, home improvement, insects, pest control, pests, roaches