German Roach Control - Using Roach Baits
Most of us have had a German roach infestation in our homes. Even seeing just a couple in your kitchen or bathroom means that there are many reproducing out of sight.
Sanitation
Although they are quite hardy and can survive in the harshest of environments, the German roaches have the basic needs of food, water and shelter. Sanitation is one of the most important control measures for German roach elimination. Keep sinks, counters, and surface areas dry and free of food and grease particles. Consider caulking cracks and crevices to exclude harbor areas.
Control and Elimination of German Roaches
Most insecticide sprays and bombs will kill some roaches, but are unlikely to eliminate German roaches infestation no matter what the label may claim. Insect Growth Regulators (IGR), dusts, and baits are the most effective methods of German roach elimination.
Inspect and Bait Placements
Roach Bait Placements in a Kitchen
Roach Bait Placements in a Bathroom
Step 1
Inspect for roach feces to determine the German roach shelters or harbor areas. A strong flashlight is vital to look for the droppings (excrement) which look like ground black pepper. Open cabinet and utensil drawers and pull out or move electrical appliances such as refrigerators.
Below is a list of possible areas to inspect for bait placement:
Kitchens:
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Appliances: Behind refrigerator, between the refrigerator and nearby appliance. Behind ovens, microwave, toasters, toaster ovens, cofee maker, blender, etc. Underneath ovens and dishwashers.
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Drawers: Along the inside of the drawer frame and edges
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Counter: Under the counter and in cracks and crevices
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Hood: Inside the rear corner of hood (make sure that the gel does not drip onto food)
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Cupboards: Inside cracks and crevices
Bathrooms:
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Sink: Along the pipe collar where the drain pipe enters the wall.
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Cabinets: Place along the cracks and crevices
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Toilet: Mounted on the uper rear of corner
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Areas of Condensation: Condensation areas such as tops of doorframes and cabinets, and picture frames, etc.Â
Other Rooms:
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Couches and Beds: Accumulated food and crumbs that are hidden
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Laundry Room/ Utility Room: Under and behind water heater and washer and dryer
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Closets: Baseboards and upper shelving areas
Step 2
The roach bait and IGRs are placed where the droppings are located. The most effective roach baits are gel or dust baits such as Invct Roach Bait,  Advion Evolution Gel Bait, Vendetta Roach Bait, and Advert Flowable. The Invict, Advion and Maxforce baits should be placed in pea sized bait placements.
Avert Flowable is a dust bait that is noted for its ability to flow back into hidden areas.
There are several IGR's (Insect Growth Regulators-that cut the population growth); the best is Tekko Pro.
Roach bait stations are generally less effective but will not dry out as quickly as the gel baits. Roach bait stations are best used under maintenance conditions. Recommended roach bait stations are Advion Cockroach Bait Arena bait stations.
Step 3
Once the German roach population is eliminated, clean the areas of infestation. Completely wipe the area with Invade Bio Zap, Sterifab, or Pine-Sol. The exoskeleton of German Roach carries know allergens, a concern for asthma conditions.
Frequently Asked Questions About German Roach Control and Bait Usage
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How much bait should I use?
This depends on the size and scope of the infestation. We suggest one to two tubes of gel or bait dust, if you are treating the kitchen only. Add two more tubes of bait gel or bait dust if you are treating other parts of your home.
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How long does the bait last?
Basically, the bait lasts until the German roaches quit eating the bait. This answer is not necessarily a precise answer, but it is a correct one. We recommend adding more bait after tow to three weeks to keep the bait fresh and enticing. If you use an IGR with the bait, it normally takes about three weeks for elimination. If you do not use an IGR, it takes about 4-5 weeks for complete elimination.
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How do I keep German roaches from coming back?
We suggest using Avert Flowable bait as a long term choice. It stays active for a long time. It is not only a bait but acts like a tracking powder for roaches. This powdery roach bait attaches to roaches and is ingested as the groom themselves. The bait is limited to cracks and crevices and under appliances. It is designed to work with gel baits because the gel baits can be placed on open surfaces.
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Can I spray with the bait?
Most sprays will contaminate the bait which makes it inedible to roaches. The exception to this contamination would be to use non-repellent insecticides such as Alpine WSG, Spectre PS, or Alpine aerosols.
