There are two different types of roaches commonly encountered in the home. Larger roaches are termed American roaches, and smaller ones are German roaches. Different methods of control are necessary for small roaches.

German Roaches

If you are seeing small to medium size (1/8 to 5/8 inch) light brown roaches in your home then they are most likely german roaches. This is the most difficult insect pest to exterminate that is found inside our homes. There are literally hundreds of different products on the market that promise to completely eradicate this pest, most of which have little long term effect on a given population of german roaches over a several month time span.

The best way to eliminate the german roach in homes, apartments, nursing homes, hospitals and restaurants is to use a combination of Maxforce Roach Gel Bait and Gentrol. We talk about this in length in the Maxforce article.

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If you want to go with the liquid insecticide spray approach, then your choices are limited at this time. The german roach is partially or totally immune to almost all of the common insecticides on the market. Acephate is one of the few insecticides that still gives consistent results in killing german roaches. This product comes packaged in a 96% pure formulation, each package when mixed with water makes one gallon. For this product to be totally effective you will also need a good aerosol with a crack and crevice applicator to treat around electrical appliances and tight cracks and crevices. The Invader aerosol is a good choice for this job. Even with using these two excellent products, you have a lot of work ahead of you to kill 100% of the german roach population in your home.

A new and improved gel bait on the market is the Advion Roach Gel Bait. Advion cockroach gel bait is a new, high-performing product targeting all pest species of cockroaches. Advion roach gel is based on a new active ingredient - indoxacarb. Cockroach species controlled, but not limited to: German Roaches, American Roaches, Australian Roaches, Brown Roaches, Smokybrown Roaches, Oriental Roaches, Brownbanded Roaches and Asian Roaches.

This unique product combines a novel, high-consumption bait matrix with a potent, non-repellent active ingredient. Cockroaches cannot resist this superior combination and even the toughest populations are quickly controlled!

German Cockroaches - Clean Out Directions

There are steps which must be taken before you treat to achieve an effective reduction of roaches. You must eliminate each nest to prevent a rapid re-infestation. This is called a clean out. The steps for a complete clean out:

1. Remove all dishes, pots, pans, etc. that are in your kitchen cabinets.
2. Empty all kitchen drawers and pantry.
3. Remove everything from the countertop.
4. Check the following items for roaches or roach egg cases:
   • Small electrical appliances (toasters, blenders, mixers, microwaves, can openers, food processors, etc.) Don't forget your kitchen clock.
   • Any straw or wicker baskets, mats, plates, etc.
   • Any boxes not opened on a regular basis.
   • Stored paper, aluminum cans, or grocery bags.
   • Any hanging item (thermostats, picture frames, curtain rods, calendars, telephones, etc.)
   • Anything else you may have that has not been moved in awhile. It could contain roaches or roach egg cases.
   • Inspect and clean thoroughly each and every room before spraying. Grease and dust keeps the roach killer from working.
   • Spray all roach infested areas using crack and crevice techniques.

By the way, electrical pest repellers have never worked on any type of insect. These are a total waste of money in trying to eliminate, repel or exterminate any type of insect pest.

American (Big) Roach Control

There are several species of large roaches, some up to 1 1/2 inches long, that are most often found outside. They breed in any type of mulch or compost that is commonly found in your yard. This includes pine bark, pine straw, leaves, dead trees, woodpiles and driveway walls. If these roaches have invaded your home the following control measures should be taken.

Outside Spraying

Use a good residual spray such as Ficam W, Suspend or Demon WP and spray a six foot swath all the way around the house and one foot up the foundation wall. You should also spray all the potential entry points into the house such as windows, doors, vents, fireplaces, plumbing, etc. Spraying the roach harborage areas such as retainer walls or hollow trees will also help.

Inside Spraying