IPM Practices > Cockroaches

The use of Integrated Pest Management (IPM) to solve cockroach problems can result in long-term success and the reduction of risks associated with pesticides. However, the key to the success of IPM is using a combination of appropriate options. Evaluating the results is essential to determining whether the problem has been solved or the planned solution needs adjustment.

INSPECTION

The Pest Management Practitioner:
1. performs an interior inspection on each service visit, especially in high risk areas;
2. performs an exterior inspection on each service visit;
3. identifies species of cockroaches correctly;
4. locates active harborages;
5. utilizes the customer’s sighting log;
6. uses a floor diagram, noting the location of sightings and harborages;
7. identifies sources of infestation (deliveries, drains, etc.…).

CUTURAL PRACTICE RECOMMENDATIONS
Cockroach problems are usually associated with conditions that provide water, food and shelter to pest populations. The cultural practices listed below correct conditions that encourage cockroach problems. The practitioner must provide written recommendations to the customer concerning conditions that need correction. In some cases, the pest management contractor will correct these conditions for a fee.

The Pest Management Practitioner evaluates, recommends, or corrects as appropriate:
1. storing food products refrigerated or in tightly-sealed containers;
2. disposing of packing materials, such as grocery bags, cardboard boxes, pallets, and shipping boxes that may harbor cockroaches;
3. changing food suppliers to avoid future infestations;
4. identifying and isolating infrequently-used foods that have been a source of cockroach infestations;
5. upgrading food storage, waste handling and cleaning programs to reduce foods available to pests;
6. storing goods on shelves away from walls to allow for cleaning behind them;
7. cleaning exterior and interior of ovens and hoods before grease buildups occur;
8. not exposing food and soiled dishes overnight;
9. keeping indoor garbage in lined and covered containers, and emptying cans daily;
10. inspecting for and cleaning spills in trash rooms and around dumpsters;
11. emptying mop buckets and removing sour rags from janitorial closets;
12. cleaning and screening floor drains;
13. filling traps in floor drains with water to prevent cockroach entry;
14. removing unnecessary charts and notices from walls;
15. repairing plumbing, roof leaks and condensation problems;
16. draining puddles, including drip zones under air conditioners;
17. keeping sewer lines in good repair.

TREATMENT
Treatment includes both chemical and non-chemical options. However, the use of pesticides is not permitted on a routine or periodic basis. No pesticide application can be made unless both the presence of a pest is confirmed and the pest has been identified. Pesticide treatments focus on high-risk areas.

The Pest Management Practitioner:
1. implements a program to seal cracks with caulk to deny their use as cockroach harborages;
2. removes cockroaches and evidence are physically with vacuums;
3. treats cracks where cockroaches live with an inorganic dust such as boric acid or appropriate bait;
4. drills and treats walls with likely cockroach infestations with an inorganic dust such as boric acid or appropriate bait;
5. places baits into or near active cockroach harborages that otherwise cannot be treated, e.g., appliances, electronics, fish tanks, etc.;
6. places baits into or near likely cockroach harborages as a preventive measure in the event of new cockroaches being introduced;
7. uses baits with different active ingredients (e.g. hydramethylnon, fipronil, abamectin, imadachloprid) when re-treating a location;
8. places insect traps to evaluate results and monitor for new activity.

EDUCATION
It is important that pest management practitioners increase their knowledge of strategies to solve cockroach problems successfully.

The Pest Management Practitioner:
1. participates in an educational program, addressing the following topics within a three-year period:
a. pest identification
b. sanitation
c. exclusion (including inspection techniques)
d. harborage removal and denial
e. environmental alteration (i.e. ventilation, temperature control, etc.)
f. interception (i.e. inspecting purchased or incoming goods, etc.)
g. trapping & monitoring
h. vacuuming
i. use of heat/cold as control technique
j. use of lighting in pest control
k. other considerations
2. subscribes to one or more professional association, organization, and/or trade publications reporting on structural pest management with consistent coverage of IPM related topics;
3. is an active member of a relevant trade or professional association;
4. provides customer with IPM information;
5. Advanced: has completed correspondence course in pest management in current year.

Table of Contents

Introduction
Carpenter Ants
Small Ants
Cockroaches
Fabric Pests
Fleas
Flies
Occasional Household Pests
Rodents
Stinging Insects
Stored Products Pests
Termites
Glossary
Additional Resources