

Five species of cockroaches are known to infest homes. The three

major species are American, Oriental and German cockroach. The

woods roach is an outside species that may show up inside on

occasion, and the fifth species, the brown banded cockroach, is

less common a pest problem (see other side). When fully grown,

adult cockroaches range in length from 1/2 inch to 2 inches and

vary in color from yellowish or reddish brown to black.



Habits and damage



Cockroaches seek warmth, moisture and food. They hide during the

day in sheltered, dark places in the home, and come out at night to

forage. They feed on garbage and human food. Because of this, they

may transmit human diseases, particularly those caused by

food-poisoning organisms.



The female cockroach lays her eggs in out-of-the-way places, in a

leathery capsule that she forms at the end of her body. Some

females carry the capsule with them until the eggs hatch.

Cockroaches contaminate and spoil human food. They eat starch and

glue, and thus may damage fabrics, garments, curtains, books,

papers and many other materials.



How to control cockroaches



Good housekeeping and the use of an insecticide when necessary are

the only certain means of keeping your home free of cockroaches.

Diazinon, malathion, lindane or propoxur will control all kinds of

cockroaches except possibly the German cockroach that in most areas

has developed resistance to Lindane. You can use a household

surface spray or a dust. For severe infestation, use both. Apply

the spray first; apply the dust after the spray has dried, forcing

the dust into cracks and openings difficult to reach with a spray.



How to apply: Use an ordinary household spray gun or duster, or use

a surface spray commonly sold in retail stores in pressurized cans.

Some sprays have attachments to help direct spray materials into

cracks and crevices. Apply enough spray to moisten surfaces

thoroughly, but not enough to drip or run.



COCKROACHES
A space spray or aerosol mist containing pyrethrum will penetrate
readily into cracks, crevices, and other hard-to-reach places. This
material doesn't kill the roaches, but it will flush them into the
open where they contact a residual surface spray or dust.

Baits work well after insecticide use to keep a population under
control. Several types are sold at local outlets. Put out a good
number, and for best results place them where the roaches live.

Where to apply: For best results, insecticides should be applied to
cracks and crevices and places where the roaches hide.

Beneath the kitchen sink and drainboard.

In cracks around or underneath cupboards and cabinets, and inside
them, especially in upper corners.

Places pipes or conduits pass along the wall or go through it.

Behind window or door frames, loose baseboards or molding strips.

On undersides of cabinets, household appliances, closet and
bookcase shelves, tables and chairs.

When treating cupboards and pantries, take everything from shelves
and remove drawers so that food and utensils won't be contaminated
by the insecticide. Replace when the material has dried.

It is not necessary to treat the inside drawers if you have
thoroughly cleaned them. It is important to treat the sides, backs
and bottoms of drawers, and the inside of cabinets.

Dewey M. Caron
Extension Entomologist
7/94
.
