Cockroach control: beginning, middle and end

Dr. Tim Husen, BCE, Southeastern U.S. Technical Services Representative, BASF

Cockroach management programs always should begin and end with improved sanitation, vacuuming with a high-efficiency particulate air (HEPA) vacuum, and pre- and post-program monitoring with glue boards. One misconception about the gray area in between the beginning and the end is that residual liquid sprays and baits are mutually exclusive control measures. This is not always true.

There are many non-deterrent liquid residual products (non-pyrethroid) that can be used in the same application sites (or even on top of) granular or gel cockroach baits. Check the labeling of your liquid control products to see whether this use is recommended.