Tips & Tricks: Monitor cockroach population changes

Nicky Gallagher

Predicting cockroach population changes and movement can be critical during winter and early spring. Cockroaches are typically suppressed during colder months, so take advantage of this by continuing to monitor and treat with baits and insect growth regulators (IGRs). Here are three more tips:

1. German cockroaches rebound as temperatures increase, so prevent populations from exploding and moving to new areas by targeting treatments to problem areas before winter ends.
2. Targeting outdoor winter reservoirs can also suppress peridomestic species, such as smoky brown cockroaches (Periplaneta fuliginosa). Reservoirs, such as wood piles, can be discreet, but careful trap placement and bait applications will help.
3. Suppress populations now to reduce movement later.

— Dr. Nicky Gallagher, Technical Services Manager, Syngenta Professional Pest Management