Cockroaches are not only undesirable pests but a threat to human health by consuming our food and contaminating the indoor environment. Implementation of multiple control strategies have proven to be the most effective.
Dick Murray
Manager Research and Development
PCT International Pty Ltd
Cockroaches evolved more than 300 million years ago in dark humid environments, and have successfully adapted to surviving and thriving in the cracks and crevices of homes and properties ever since.
A single female German cockroach can produce over 280 eggs despite a lifecycle of only 3 to 4 months. It is because of their short lifecycle and large numbers of offspring that German cockroaches are more likely to cause problems and develop resistance, more so than other cockroach species. The most effective strategy for avoiding resistance is to implement multiple control strategies including regular inspections, effective insecticide technologies and conduct of environmental management practices.
Gel baits are the mainstay of cockroach management but due to the repeated use of the same or similar baits there has been over the last 20 years bait aversion (cockroaches no longer eating the bait) causing the surfacing of widespread failure on occasions. Therefore the quality and diversity of attractants in baits is as important as the active ingredient. PCT offers a range of baits that incorporate a diverse range of premium quality food grade ingredients. These attractants are designed to be intentionally different from those in other baits on the market, enhancing palatability and avoiding bait aversion.
As both a resistance and bait aversion management practice, the integrated use of product/active rotations and non-chemical pest management is recommended. Covert Gold contains 0.5g/kg fipronil formulated as soft gel bait effective on all life stages of cockroaches. Fipronil has a well-known transfer effect whereby one cockroach consuming Covert Gold affects dozens or possibly even hundreds of others. Covert Cockroach Gel contains 2.15% imidacloprid and provides lightning fast control with cockroaches dying in as little as 20 minutes and in addition with proven secondary kill. Avert Cockroach Gel Bait contains 0.5g/kg abamectin specially formulated as a dual action insecticide and IGR. All PCT gels are available in 30g syringe tubes and by rotating within PCT’s range of insecticidal gels you can select from three specific active ingredients in a successful strategy to avoid potential cockroach resistance and aversion.
Following effective cockroach colony control an approach to include an application of a barrier treatment to general perimeter areas can be effective in preventing cockroach re-infestation. PCT, an Australian owned company, offers a range of high quality Australian-made products for barrier treatments and for general use by the professional pest manager.
The PCT products are available from your local Agserv Branch.