German Cockroaches are insects that belong to the order Blattodea and can be found almost anywhere throughout the year, regardless of the season, especially indoors.

Signs of infestation with german cockroaches

Being nocturnal insects, their presence is more noticeable during the night. Due to their size, as well as species characteristics, the presence of an infestation is obvious.

Types of treatments

To help control german cockroaches, special treatments can be performed using concentrated insecticides applied by spraying, ready-to-use insecticides, or insecticides that act as growth regulators (IGR). Traps are also used for monitoring.

Because the main cause of the appearance of cockroaches is the lack of cleanliness, a very important aspect is that, before performing specific treatments, the infested area must be properly cleaned and maintained.

Specifically, it is advised to periodically clean kitchen appliances, as cockroaches can feed on grease and food residue found on them (for example, under and behind the stove, refrigerator, microwave, and also around and under the sink, etc.). ), food must be kept in sealed containers, surfaces must be vacuumed frequently to remove crumbs, and the entire kitchen must be cleaned every night (because cockroaches feed at night), garbage cans will also need to be kept clean and covered, etc.

It is recommended to take action as soon as the presence of these pests is detected. Otherwise, treatments will become more difficult to perform and more costly as the infestation grows.

Another important aspect of cockroach control is identifying and sealing off their access points into the house.

RECOMMENDED INSECTICIDES FOR GERMAN COCKROACHES CONTROL:

They are biocidal substances used to control cockroaches, most of which act on the insect’s nervous system. Insecticides are applied by spraying on surfaces where german cockroaches pass through, and the active substances in their formulation may vary. Treatments with these types of insecticides are carried out inside the premises, following the recommendations on the label. When applying an insecticide by spraying, only the cockroaches present on the surface on which the insecticide was applied will be eliminated (those that come in direct contact with the sprayed solution), but the nest will not be affected.

Recommended sprayers for the application of insecticides

Sprayers are low-pressure pumps, which are used for the application of pesticides that require precise dosing. Their capacity varies depending on the type of appliance, its design, the application method (manual / motorized sprayers),  and the size of the treated space. Special care must be had when adjusting the device, as well as when maintenance is applied to it.

Immediately after the spraying treatment has been performed, it is recommended to use an insecticide aerosol to treat the space where the spray was applied.

RECOMMENDED AEROSOL INSECTICIDES FOR GERMAN COCKROACHES CONTROL:

Aerosol-type insecticides act by releasing the active substance in a gaseous form, thus covering the entire space to be treated and ensuring the reach of the active substance particles into hard-to-reach places. They come pre-dosed and ready to use. The released gas irritates the insects, causing them to come into contact with the previously applied insecticide, as such, in cases of pest situations that prove difficult to control, aerosol insecticides are used together with contact insecticides.

Ready-to-use insecticide treatments

Due to the characteristics (for example, the food attractants in the composition) of the products, this type of treatment has higher efficiency rates.

Recommended Ready-to-use insecticides

Ready-to-use insecticides can come in the following forms: gel, granules, or liquids. Some of them also contain food attractants that will encourage cockroaches to come into contact with the insecticide and with the active substance. For increased treatment efficiency, in the case of attractant insecticides, it is recommended that no other food sources are available. This type of product guarantees treatments that will have better results. The application is made according to the treated space, following the information on the product label. These insecticides do not dissolve in water and are ideal for places where insecticide sprays cannot be used, such as electrical installations and/or cracks.

The application of gel insecticides will be done following the specifications on the label, depending on the space that is to be treated.

In hard-to-reach places, products that come in the form of dust should be applied with the help of specialized devices.

RECOMMENDED DUSTERS:

Dusters are devices specially designed for the application of granular or powder (dust) products. They are used to treat hard-to-reach places, for example: inside walls (cracks), behind panels, spaces around electrical outlets, and other very narrow spaces.

In the case of insecticide gels, when used in hard-to-reach places, the gels can be applied with the help of a special applicator.

RECOMMENDED APPLICATORS:

They are devices specifically designed for the application of gel insecticides. The amount of gel to be applied can be adjusted with the help of a dispenser, ensuring a more precise application in less accessible areas.

When using insecticides with formulations that require it, the use of bait stations is recommended.

RECOMMENDED BAIT STATIONS AGAINST GERMAN COCKROACHS:

The role of bait stations is to protect the bait from external factors and prevent the contact of non-target beings with the substances inside them. They do not replace pest traps and do not trap them inside of the container. They can be made of various materials and the size and design can vary.

Even if treatments that use insecticides that contain attractants serve to eliminate the entire population (the nest) of cockroaches, a new infestation is possible if eggs that have not hatched are still present in hidden places. Therefore, the use of insecticides that act as a growth regulator (IGR) is also recommended.

Recommended insecticides against German cockroaches:

Insecticides that act as growth regulators can be liquids, in the form of aerosol sprays or they can have other types of formulations, depending on the type of product chosen. They contain specific active substances that affect eggs and the larval stage of the insects,  preventing their development.

German Cockroaches traps

In the case of german cockroaches, traps are predominantly used for maintenance and for monitoring the degree of infestation. Thus, they are not intended for the control of cockroaches.

Recommended traps:

Traps are placed in areas where cockroaches pass frequently. When they reach the trap’s area of effect, they will stick to the glue component of the trap. Their size and design differ depending on the type of product. Subsequently, the traps are removed together with the insects caught in the glue.

Likewise, products that block the access of german cockroaches inside through the sewage installation can also be used. They are placed inside sewage pipes, following the specifications of the chosen product. This kind of product acts as a valve that allows water to drain but blocks cockroaches from entering through it.

If the degree of infestation is high, it is recommended to carry out treatments with sprayed insecticides, to eliminate a significant part of the population. Subsequently, to eliminate the nest, insecticides containing food attractants will be used, as well as those that act as growth regulators, to avoid new infestations.

Safety equipment

Safety equipment has the role of protecting the person that is performing the disinsection treatments. To avoid inhalation of vapors created during spraying or direct contact with the applied substances, it is recommended to wear a complete protective suit. This includes hooded protective coveralls, gas masks with filters, chemical protection gloves, rubber boots, or waterproof footwear, as appropriate.

Recommended safety equipment:

Safety equipment has the role of protecting the person performing the treatments from dangerous substances. This category includes protective gloves, coveralls, masks, etc. The equipment is chosen based on the type of treatment, as well as the substances used or the pest that is being controlled.

• Hooded chemical-resistant suit

• Protective gloves

• Gas masks, glasses

To conclude, for more efficient control of cockroaches, it is recommended to take specific measures by maintaining cleanliness, as well as sealing off potential access points into the house, and then carry out chemical control treatments.