Cockroach Control in the Home

Cockroaches, also known as roaches, waterbugs and croton bugs are flattened, fast running, nocturnal (or night time) insects. They seek warmth, moisture, dark places and food. They are most often found in kitchens and bathrooms. During the day roaches hide in sheltered dark places and come out to feed at night. They are general feeders, feeding on almost any food item.

Roaches secrete an oily liquid from their scent glands that has an offensive odor. This nauseating odor, which is compounded by their excrement, ruins food and may be left on dishes that may look clean. Even worse than the filth they leave on food, roaches may transmit diseases.

There are four kinds of roaches that can most commonly be found in Georgia Homes. The adult German and brown banded roaches are the two smallest and are seldom more than 5/8 inch long. Adult American roaches and Oriental roaches are 1 to 1 and 1/2 inches long. Because of their shorter life cycle and larger number of eggs per egg capsule, heavy infestations of German roaches can develop very rapidly. Smokey brown roaches normally life on the outside but can and often do invade homes. Various kinds of wood roaches can also enter homes when accidentally brought in on firewood.

Cockroach control is best started by practicing good housekeeping and using insecticides when necessary. Store food in roach tight containers and avoid spilling it. Clean crumbs or bits of food from the floor and keep waste materials in tightly covered garbage cans.

Roaches live in cracks and crevices around sinks and cabinets, behind loose baseboards, inside drawers, in the motor compartment of refrigerators and on the underside of tables and chairs. Insecticide applications should be made to these and other such sheltered areas.

A number of sprays and dusts are available to use to control roaches in homes. But before embarking on a roach control program, consider contacting a professional pest control operator. These professionals have the tools and know-how to control cockroach infestations.

Before application, remove all cooking and eating utensils that might become contaminated. As soon as the spray dries they may be replaced. Repeat the application seven days later, and, if needed, at 3 to 4 week intervals thereafter.

In the home apply crack and crevice sprays containing diazinon, chlorpyrifos, propoxur and dusts containing boric acid. Also, liquid premixed insecticides for home use are available. Be sure to follow label instructions exactly.

Prevent roach infestations by inspecting baskets and bags or boxes of groceries brought into the home. Destroy any roaches or egg capsules that are found. Roaches can also enter your home from the outside or from an infested apartment next door. Try to locate the roach entry points and seal them with caulk or other building materials.

For more information on cockroach control in the home, contact your local county Extension office.