Cockroach Control

Any attempt to control cockroaches should start with preventative measures:

• Keep all food in sealed containers, ensure garbage bins are well sealed, and keep all floors and surfaces clean.
• If you have pets, pay attention to any spilled or discarded pet food around the bowls.
• Any water leaks or dripping taps should be repaired. Drains may need to be cleaned to ensure they dry completely.
• Seal any gaps around kitchen cabinets, windows and pipes. A combination of steel or copper wool and putty may be required for a long-term solution.

Boric acid is widely used to control cockroaches as a power, paste and gel. Although boric acid is mildly poisonous to humans, it is strongly toxic to many insects. In addition, the dry powder is abrasive to the insect's exoskeleton. Pyrethrin & deltamethrin are often marketed as more natural or safer, but care should be taken to avoid contamination of water as they are extremely toxic to fish. Bait stations are useful as they reduce contamination and exposure to pets and children.

For a non-toxic solution, look to various forms of cockroach traps. Adhesive traps are inexpensive, but several traps are required and must cleared regularly. Other traps use a slippery surface around an attractant liquid - the cockroaches cannot escape and eventually drown.

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