May 5, 2011 – Suck, Spray, or Both?
QUESTION:
What is better, a vacuum cleaner or a spray for German roaches? What kind of vacuum cleaner is best, and where can I get one?
ANSWER:
It is unlikely you could completely eliminate a cockroach infestation using only a vacuum cleaner, so while this tool is an excellent part of good IPM and management of roaches, insecticides of some kind are also necessary. This may not mean a spray, for baits work very well if you place them correctly and are diligent about keeping them fresh. In addition to baits you also would benefit tremendously from dust applications in wall voids and other enclosed voids that roaches can get into, but where the dust will also stay put. Are sprays needed? Maybe not, but there will be situations where using a liquid treat or aerosol applications can greatly speed up the kill of the roaches, and it may be necessary to drop the roach population quickly to reduce the problem right away.
The vacuum is effective only on exposed roaches, meaning roaches you can see and get to at the moment you are vacuuming, or those that may be hiding within a very shallow crevice where the suction pulls them out effectively. It is not going to affect any roaches hiding in voids or deeper crevices, so this is where your residual insecticides are needed, and again a bait can be considered a "residual" material in that it will be available for days or weeks following application. The vacuum should also be used to remove as much food garbage as you can, and the customer also needs to cooperate fully in this regard. If you do not focus on sanitation for the German roach your baits are going to be far less effective. If the roach food resources continue to be present there is no reason for them to feed on your bait products. But, take away all their other foods and suddenly your bait becomes the only thing available, and it will dramatically increase the feeding on it.
Use a vacuum that is meant for insect control, and Univar does carry several kinds from a couple of manufacturers. Atrix International seems to be a leader in these products for the Professional pest management industry, and we 3 or 4 models of theirs, including backpack styles that are convenient for use in commercial accounts. These also can be fitted with HEPA filters so that microscopic dust particles are trapped as you vacuum, containing these bits and pieces of roaches and their feces that are known to carry allergens that can have a serious effect on people. This is another service that should be offered to customers who have a large roach problem. Cleaning up all the accumulated crud will make a much healthier living environment after the roaches are removed.
What is better, a vacuum cleaner or a spray for German roaches? What kind of vacuum cleaner is best, and where can I get one?
ANSWER:
It is unlikely you could completely eliminate a cockroach infestation using only a vacuum cleaner, so while this tool is an excellent part of good IPM and management of roaches, insecticides of some kind are also necessary. This may not mean a spray, for baits work very well if you place them correctly and are diligent about keeping them fresh. In addition to baits you also would benefit tremendously from dust applications in wall voids and other enclosed voids that roaches can get into, but where the dust will also stay put. Are sprays needed? Maybe not, but there will be situations where using a liquid treat or aerosol applications can greatly speed up the kill of the roaches, and it may be necessary to drop the roach population quickly to reduce the problem right away.
The vacuum is effective only on exposed roaches, meaning roaches you can see and get to at the moment you are vacuuming, or those that may be hiding within a very shallow crevice where the suction pulls them out effectively. It is not going to affect any roaches hiding in voids or deeper crevices, so this is where your residual insecticides are needed, and again a bait can be considered a "residual" material in that it will be available for days or weeks following application. The vacuum should also be used to remove as much food garbage as you can, and the customer also needs to cooperate fully in this regard. If you do not focus on sanitation for the German roach your baits are going to be far less effective. If the roach food resources continue to be present there is no reason for them to feed on your bait products. But, take away all their other foods and suddenly your bait becomes the only thing available, and it will dramatically increase the feeding on it.
Use a vacuum that is meant for insect control, and Univar does carry several kinds from a couple of manufacturers. Atrix International seems to be a leader in these products for the Professional pest management industry, and we 3 or 4 models of theirs, including backpack styles that are convenient for use in commercial accounts. These also can be fitted with HEPA filters so that microscopic dust particles are trapped as you vacuum, containing these bits and pieces of roaches and their feces that are known to carry allergens that can have a serious effect on people. This is another service that should be offered to customers who have a large roach problem. Cleaning up all the accumulated crud will make a much healthier living environment after the roaches are removed.
