5 tips to reduce cockroach callbacks
German cockroaches (Blattella germanica) are a widely troublesome species known for occupying buildings, restaurants, food processing facilities, hotels, and institutional establishments such as nursing homes. From properly identifying this type of cockroach to learning where it is most commonly found, this information can go a long way in helping you determine the right cockroach control protocol for each of your customers. That’s why the Zoëcon team compiled the following control tips, so you can knock out cockroach populations and prevent callbacks.
1. Perform a proper inspection. Along with inspecting the typical outdoor cockroach hotspots, including around landscape debris, manhole covers, and electrical boxes, treating indoor hotspots is just as important. Like many other insects, cockroaches are attracted to trash and waste receptacles. Cockroaches are known to find a hiding spot like a cardboard box next to a trash can for harborage — going out to get their food and then returning to their refuge. Other harborage spots to keep in mind the next time you’re treating for cockroaches are boxes in pantries, grocery bags kept for reuse, stove hoods, and unused fireplaces.
2. Understand the pest. It can be difficult to provide a comprehensive control solution if you are unfamiliar with the enemy’s biology and behavior. German cockroaches are nocturnal: They hide during the day and come out at night to look for food. If you see cockroaches during the day, the population is likely large. They tend to congregate near sources of heat and moisture, which accelerates their growth and reproductive rates.
3. Use the right tools. Because of the relatively long life cycle of cockroaches and their adaptability to various environments, using the right product is key to getting the job done right the first time. Lava-Lor® Granular Bait provides pest management professionals (PMPs) with effective and quick knockdown of cockroaches. For residential accounts, this bait should be placed around the home in a bait station. Lava-Lor® Granular Bait also is labeled for use in food-handling areas, which means any cockroach harborages don’t stand a chance. In addition to applying the right product, be sure to break out all the tools in the toolbox. Vacuuming is an important tool, which significantly reduces the number of adult cockroaches, egg cases, carcasses and feces.
4. Store your baits properly. Treat your baits like your food. Keep products tightly sealed and away from other chemicals. If conditions are warm, Lava-Lor® Granular Bait should be kept in an insulated cooler to ensure that the bait stays fresh and effective.
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5. Educate your clients. It’s hard to tell clients that their ill-kept homes are a reason for the cockroach problem — and in some cases, it’s the neighbors’ housekeeping that is causing the problem, not theirs. Regardless, make sure to explain the important role they play as your partners in practicing proper sanitation to prevent cockroach infestations. Thoroughly sealing and storing food, as well as routinely cleaning up after leaky faucets or appliances where water tends to pool, are easy but crucial steps your clients can take to keep cockroaches out.
The bottom line: Lava-Lor® Granular Bait provides PMPs with the ultimate solution for dealing with tough German cockroach infestations. This ready-to-use and easy-to-apply product is approved for a variety of sites to ensure populations are knocked down. Lava-Lor® Granular Bait features two active ingredients — hydramethylnon and imidacloprid — to provide effective knockdown throughout multiple modes of action.
To learn more about Lava-Lor® Granular Bait, visit Zoecon.com or contact your Zoëcon representative.
PHOTO: Zoëcon Professional Products |
Pest Management Professional's Direct To You provides pest management professionals with educational refreshers on timely and critical topics essential to operational success. Look for the content-rich PMP Direct To You archives at mypmp.net/direct-to-you-archive.
This newsletter was produced by North Coast Media's content marketing staff in collaboration with Zoëcon. |
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