Tips for cockroach control success

Eric Ham

Cockroaches are one of the most frequently encountered pests on jobsites. Identifying cockroaches is relatively easy, and there are plenty of effective tools and products available for cockroach control. Nonetheless, almost every pest management professional (PMP) has been frustrated by a cockroach infestation at some point.

While there is no “silver bullet” or one-size-fits-all approach, there are some tips PMPs can follow to increase their chances of success, including:

• Start with a plan. Cockroach infestations vary dramatically in severity. A standard initial service might be enough for, say, American cockroaches (Periplaneta americana) in a single-family residence, but a German cockroach problem in an older commercial building could require an extended initial service and several follow-ups.
• Engage the customer. With severe cockroach infestations, customer cooperation is often the difference between success and frustration. Before beginning service, always explain the issue, set expectations and encourage proper sanitation practices.
• Set up monitors from the start. Taking the time to place monitors before beginning a service can save time later when seeking harborage sites on return visits. Especially with German cockroaches, going from a severe infestation to a light infestation is often simple — but going from a light infestation to no infestation is often a challenge.