Tips & Tricks: Long-term Control of Cockroaches in Multi-unit Housing

Achieving long-term control of cockroaches in multi-unit housing requires special treatment. Using low-impact dust formulations (diatomaceous earth, or DE, for example) is a preferred strategy because of the low risk. Dusting wall voids with DE is a long-term solution to controlling cockroaches because, unlike other dust formulations, DE doesn’t break down. It’s a constant sentinel guarding the wall voids, and a technician can perform treatments. Tips on DE dusting tips include:

■ Buy dust in large pails instead of aerosols to reduce cost.

■ Use hand dusters to push the dust deeper into wall voids.

■ Avoid using dust in damp areas.

James Rodriguez, A.C.E., is National Marketing Manager for J.T. Eaton Co. Inc.