The Challenges of Cockroach Control

Cockroaches have long been one of the most troublesome insect pests. The fact that they’ve existed for over 300 million years is testament to their resilience as a species. With high genetic adaptability, supreme survival capabilities and their ability to thrive on a wide array of food sources, cockroaches present one of the most significant challenges in pest control. 

Warmer temperatures and changing weather patterns have a direct impact on cockroach infestations along with the rise in global urbanisation. Higher temperatures accelerate breeding cycles, and with cockroaches able to produce hundreds of offspring in their lifetime, populations can quickly spiral. Consider this potential for growth alongside the increasing human population, especially the concentrations of people in our towns and cities, and the perfect environment is created to fuel increasing infestations from these problematic pests. 

Cockroach control vital for public health 

As known carriers of bacteria, viruses, and allergens that can cause serious illnesses, controlling cockroaches is essential to safeguard human health. Cockroaches contaminate every place they visit by shedding their skin and leaving behind droppings and saliva, which can trigger diseases, asthma, and allergic reactions, particularly in children and individuals with existing respiratory conditions. 

The pests spread more than 200 species of microorganisms, including Salmonella, Staphylococcus, Streptococcus and Coliform, as well as other bacterial pathogens like those that cause dysentery, diarrhoea, gastroenteritis and other digestive diseases. As cockroaches contribute to poor sanitation in all the places we inhabit, eliminating them is a public health priority for preventing disease transmission, and for improving overall hygiene and enhancing the quality of life. 

Cockroaches - the survival experts 

It is well known that cockroaches are elusive insects, preferring the dark enclosed spaces that often make them so difficult to detect. But that’s just the start. They are supreme survival specialists; able to withstand extreme temperatures and harsh environmental conditions, and capable of living without food for weeks.  

The flattened shape of a cockroach’s body allows it to squeeze into tiny cracks and crevices, remaining undetected, while its super-quick reflexes ensure it escapes threats almost instantly, retreating to safety and disappearing from view. This, coupled with its nocturnal habits and ability to produce pheromones to communicate safe hiding spots to others in the colony, helps cockroaches avoid physical threats and maximise their chances of survival. 

As omnivores, an enormously versatile diet also means cockroaches can live almost anywhere, consuming anything animal or plant protein based, from fabric, food waste, decaying organic matter and even each other and their own faeces. Their ability to extract nutrients from such a wide variety of sources, contributes to their remarkable ability to thrive in almost any environment. 

IPM - the first step in cockroach control 

An Integrated Pest Management (IPM) approach is the first strategy pest control operatives (PCOs) should use for eliminating and preventing cockroach infestations. Envu’s National Account and Technical Manager UK & Ireland, Richard Faulkner, recommends how this approach can be utilised in premises where an infestation is suspected.  

“As cockroaches are generally nocturnal the best time for an initial inspection is at night, which is generally more convenient for customers, as often this means kitchens are empty, and other sites less busy. If there are sightings of the insects during the day, it’s usually a sign of a large and established population or that their environment has been disturbed,” Richard explains. 

“With IPM, the first approach is housekeeping and sanitation, clearing debris and trying to remove as many potential food sources as possible. Then it’s looking at the structure of the building, physically sealing up gaps that offer harbourage in ceilings, wall tiles, and cracks in flooring—any place a cockroach can hide. With IPM it’s about understanding what the pest needs to survive, and then trying to make their environment as hostile for them as possible by taking it away. 

“The initial survey inspection may include the use of a flushing agent to bring cockroaches out of their harbourages and also the use of monitoring traps to highlight areas of cockroach activity,” Richard continues. “Usually traps would be checked after 24 hours, so levels can be assessed and appropriate action taken in line with the lifecycle of the particular species that’s detected. Proper identification is important, so that treatment plans mimic the habits of the target species. 

If there are high levels of infestation then a knock down treatment programme using residual insecticide may need to be used. Once the population level has been reduced, then this is where a gel bait like Maxforce® is really good for taking control to the next level,” Richard recommends.  

Maxforce® - effective cockroach control from a trusted brand  

Maxforce® gel baits offer PCOs a unique, powerful and convenient solution that will eliminate the cockroaches you see and even the ones you don't see, with the intelligent domino effect of its formulation. Developed with 40 years of trusted expertise in the sector, the gels are the most effective and reliable cockroach solutions on the market.  

Richard explains the advantages of using a gel like Maxforce®. “The great thing about a gel bait is that it doesn’t get airborne like a spray treatment and you can use it quite discreetly in a very targeted way. With a gel you're taking the pesticide to the pest, which is important. Direct placement is quick and easy to do, is very efficient, and is also safer for the PCO, and others using the space that’s treated.” 

“Maxforce® offers the benefit of a unique active ingredient, Clothianidin, plus the power of its innovative formulation, with the BlueBead feeding stimulant. This technology makes the bait extremely tempting to cockroaches, and once they’ve been in contact with it, the insects will transfer its power to others in the colony. We call that the domino effect. It’s really important,” highlights Richard.  

The formulation of Maxforce® also helps PCOs tackle problems with aversion. “Cockroaches have developed an aversion to the simple sugars used in many gels. Maxforce® is different,” says Richard. “We use complex sugars and lipids in a highly palatable formulation, plus a high water content, making the bait more attractive to cockroaches. Another interesting thing is that it's got a long life for a gel, lasting up to 12 months once it's put down,” he concludes. 

Staying ahead of increasing cockroach infestations relies on knowledge and experience, and using an IPM approach, alongside the latest innovations and trusted control solutions. By using the most innovative products on the market, and benefiting from the years of expertise that deliver the value offered by advanced formulations like Maxforce®, PCOs can provide more effective and sustainable solutions to combat cockroach infestations, now and in the future.