Tips to treating cockroaches

Matt Remmen

Cockroaches are potential vectors of diseases such as dysentery, gastroenteritis, typhoid and poliomyelitis, so a successful management program is essential for protecting public health. Here are a few fundamental best practices to remember:

• Inspection: Look for certain conditions around the site that signal an infestation. These might include fecal matter, egg cases, cast skins, carcasses and fecal focal points, which can look like dark-colored stains. Tools such as a flashlight, spatula, gloves and knee pads are ideal for identifying focal points. In addition to a visual search with monitors, the characteristic sewage smell of the cockroach can be an indication of activity.
• Identification: Different cockroach species can have specific control techniques and may indicate a greater issue that has not been detected. Identification of nontypical cockroaches or cockroaches in odd areas should stimulate the technician to investigate further. Continual monitoring also provides valuable activity data.
• Prevention: After treatment, it is important to discuss recommendations for long-term prevention with customers. Highlighting the importance of proper sanitation, sealing cracks and crevices, storing food in cockroach-proof containers, emptying trash containers frequently, and picking up pet food can benefit customers in
  the long run.