Cockroaches live in nests. Therefore, killing a few roaches that happen to wander into a trap is an inadequate means of controlling the pest. Even if all adult roaches outside the nest are killed, some live eggs will remain in the nest and eventually hatch, leading to exponential growth.
Cockroach infestations
The main problem with controlling infestations of cockroaches is ensuring that enough insecticide gets to a sufficiently large proportion of the population to effect control. Cockroach infestations have been treated with insecticidal sprays, dusts, gels, sand baits, etc. Cockroach bait may consist of simple poisons, killing from direct feeding only, to the latest insecticides which use delayed transferred toxic action, which can reach a sufficiently high proportion of the cockroach population to achieve effective control in a short period of time.
Secondary transmission of toxic baits
Cockroaches eat the feces of other roaches and they feed on each other. After consuming a lethal dose of a residual bait insecticide known to have delayed toxicant activity, cockroaches return to the harborage where they excrete feces. The insecticide-laden feces, fluids and eventual carcass, can contain sufficient residual pesticide to kill others in the same nesting site. As the roach staggers around for hours or even days, it infects other roaches in the nest, with toxicant transfer through feces,[1] which then go on to infect others. This secondary transmission occurs through direct contact with, or ingestion of, traces of baits dispersed in the environment by contaminated cockroaches. These traces were either deposited by “trampling” in the environment or on dead contaminated cockroaches.[2]
The cascading effect goes on to wipe out whole colonies from indirect exposure by contact with the corpses, feces, or harborages of cockroaches previously exposed.[3]
Such nests, when contaminated with sufficient residual pesticide via feces, secretions, exuviae, or corpses provide an important reservoir of pesticide, which would be available to infect other species. Residual pesticides by virtue of their efficacy against cockroaches, their deployment in secure bait stations, and the way in which the active toxicant is transmitted to cockroaches that have not fed on the baits, offer an effective and environmentally compatible way of controlling cockroaches.[4]
Active ingredients
An active ingredient (AI) is the substance in a pesticide that is biologically active.
To control colonies the roach bait may contain the active ingredients Fipronil .05% or Hydramethylnon 2%. Also there are indoxacarb versions. Residual pesticides turn the infected cockroaches and their fluids into bait themselves. These slow-acting poisons, when mixed with a bait, allow the poisoned insect time to return to the colony or harborage and infect others.
Fipronil
The active ingredient Fipronil .05% disrupts the insect central nervous system, leading to the cockroach’s death in 6 to 24 hours. Cockroaches nestling together transfer insecticide to one another by touch. Fipronil acts as an insecticide with contact, and stomach action. It is sparingly soluble in water and is stable at normal temperatures for one year. Fipronil is an extremely active molecule and is a potent disruptor of the insect central nervous system.[5]
Fipronil bait is more effective and kills faster than Hydramethylnon. Mortality rates caused by secondary transmission are higher for Fipronil bait than for Hydramethylnon bait.[6] Fipronil is a "Group C - possible human carcinogen" and has caused tumors in rats, particularly thyroid tumors.[7]
Hydramethylnon
The active ingredient Hydramethylnon 2% used as an insecticide in the form of bait for cockroaches leading to death in 2–4 days. Hydramethylnon inhibits mitochondrial energy production and has delayed action, with death generally not occurring for at least 24 hrs after consumption of the bait.[8] After a single feeding, there are no immediate symptoms of poisoning, but within a few hours, the insects become lethargic and stop eating. This condition progresses until the insects die within 24 to 72 hours.[9]
Hydramethylnon kills insects by disrupting energy production in their cells. Hydramethylnon is a slow-acting stomach poison (delayed toxicity) that does not need to be eaten to be effective. It is toxic to cockroaches both by topical application and by ingestion.[10] Hydramethylnon residues are much less active against cockroaches by contact than by ingestion.[11] A slow-acting poison is desirable, so they live long enough to return to the colony to share it with other cockroaches. In this way cockroaches that have eaten Hydramethylnon infect other cockroaches that have not had direct exposure to the baits. Hydramethylnon is known to cause cancer in rats, particularly uterine and adrenal tumours and lung cancer.[12]
The Indoxacarb pesticide while slightly more toxic, is professional grade and more effective than previously mentioned roach baits.
Boric acid
Boric acid is not a bait in the dry form, but rather broadcast as a dust, that is both a toxin and a desiccant. Boric acid is often formulated into a paste. Roach attractants are mixed with the boric acid. It is similar in consistency to toothpaste.
Boric acid roach baits consist of a proprietary blend of attractants. These products are often sold at exterminator or pest supply houses. They are sold at most hardware stores and some big box home improvement or retail stores. Boric acid is harmful if taken in large quantities to humans, children and pets. [13]
Bait placement
Cockroaches tend to live in groups with fellow cockroaches in the darkest shelters available. They instinctively choose darker over more illuminated areas. Cockroaches will settle in if a place is dimly lit and well populated, and will use their antennae to feel whether other cockroaches are present.[14]
The best way to determine the extent of cockroach activity, and hiding places is to look for them at night. Cockroaches are nocturnal, the few that are seen by day were likely forced out by overcrowding; a possible sign of severe infestation.[15] As such, it is more likely to come across cockroach feces (which look similar to black pepper) than actual cockroaches themselves.[16] Roaches prefer crowds and darkness. Simple minded, they use just two pieces of information to decide where to go. They go where the most cockroaches are, and where it is darkest. They act as a group, and they tend to stay together.[17][18]
For baiting to be effective, proper placement and techniques are a must. Baits should be used as close to the nest as possible. A bait just 50 cm further away from a nest can reduce the amount of bait eaten by half. If the same amount of bait is used to cover two areas, the area with the greater number of traps will have most bait eaten. One should avoid spraying insecticides in baited areas, as that can cause the bait to become contaminated, thus the roaches would likely avoid consuming it. Baits, gels and Insect Growth Regulators can be useful in many cases.
Bait placed in the open, away from a wall, is essentially non-effective because cockroaches are less likely to locate it. Twice as much food per day was consumed when it was next to a nest rather than 50 cm away.[19] A small quantity of bait in many locations provides better control than large quantities in a few locations.[20]
Cockroach Gels
Cockroach gels are a type of roach bait that is becoming increasingly popular due to their ease of use and effectiveness. Gels are typically applied in small dabs in areas where cockroaches are active, such as kitchens, bathrooms, and behind appliances. The gel contains a food attractant that entices cockroaches to feed on it. Once ingested, the gel acts as a slow-acting poison, killing the cockroach within a few days or weeks.
One of the main advantages of cockroach gels is that they are non-repellent. This means that cockroaches will not be deterred from feeding on the gel, even if they have encountered it before. This is in contrast to some other types of roach bait, such as sprays or baits that contain a repellent ingredient. As a result, cockroach gels can be more effective in eliminating an entire cockroach infestation.
Another advantage of cockroach gels is that they are relatively safe for use around children and pets. The gel is contained in a bait station or applicator, which helps to prevent accidental ingestion by humans or animals. Additionally, the active ingredients in cockroach gels are typically less toxic than those used in other types of roach bait.
Here are some of the different types of cockroach gels available:
Fipronil gels:Fipronil is a common active ingredient in cockroach gels. It works by interfering with the cockroach's nervous system.
Abamectin gels:Abamectin is another common active ingredient in cockroach gels. It works by paralyzing the cockroach's muscles.
Borate gels:Borate gels are a type of non-repellent gel that is often used as a supplement to other roach control methods. Boric acid dehydrates cockroaches and disrupts their digestive system.
When using cockroach gels, it is important to follow the instructions on the product label carefully. This will help to ensure that the gel is applied safely and effectively.
^Durier, V.; Rivault, C. (2000). "Secondary Transmission of Toxic Baits in German Cockroach (Dictyoptera: Blattellidae)". Journal of Economic Entomology. 93 (2): 434–440. doi:10.1603/0022-0493-93.2.434. PMID10826197. S2CID972695.
^Koehler, Philip G.; Patterson, Richard S. (1991). "Toxicity of Hydramethylnon to Laboratory and Field Strains of German Cockroach (Orthoptera: Blattellidae)". The Florida Entomologist. 74 (2): 345–349. doi:10.2307/3495316. JSTOR3495316.
^Durier, V.; Rivault, C. (2000). "Secondary Transmission of Toxic Baits in German Cockroach (Dictyoptera: Blattellidae)". Journal of Economic Entomology. 93 (2): 434–440. doi:10.1603/0022-0493-93.2.434. PMID10826197. S2CID972695.
^Understanding and controlling the German cockroach By Michael K. Rust, John M. Owens, Donald A. Reierson, Baits for German cockroaches control, ISBN0-19-506495-X, Oxford University Press, USA (January 5, 1995), pg 253
^Understanding and controlling the German cockroach By Michael K. Rust, John M. Owens, Donald A. Reierson, Baits for German cockroaches control, ISBN0-19-506495-X, Oxford University Press, USA (January 5, 1995), pg 254
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