Internal Perimeter Spray

Residual insecticide sprays are used in situations where there the area is heavily infested with German cockroaches because they can quickly reduce heavy indoor populations. 

• Read the product label carefully and follow all the directions for mixing the spray and make sure to follow the correct application rate. 
• Wear the required PPE based on the label and/or SDS
• Locate cracks, crevices, and where the roaches travel along.
• Only use a 4001 spray tip unless You are injecting into a void.
• Spray Seclira WSG on floors and walls, Biflex AquaMax, or chemicals approved as an internal perimeter spray in the Pesticide List
• Apply a fine spray to all accessible parts of the entire perimeter to all the rooms of the dwelling.

Dust Treatment

Insecticidal dust is an effective way to treat wall cavities, roof voids, and other inaccessible areas. One advantage of using dust is that it provides long-lasting residual control when applied in dry conditions. 

• Apply Starrdust PRO (Permethrin + Trimufluron) dust with a power blower into cracks, crevices, and voids. 
• Read the product label and follow directions of use, application rate, and the required PPE. 
• Apply the insecticidal dust with a handheld puffer in electrical sockets and refrigerator motors.
• Avoid using too much dust.
• Do not apply dust to exposed areas.
• Be cautious when treating near electrical outlets and switches.

Baiting

Baits exploit the natural behaviours of cockroaches such as Coprophagy (eating faces), emetophagy (eating vomit), and cannibalism (eating each other).

• If the bait is consumed, the above behaviours contribute to secondary or even tertiary poisoning when other cockroaches eat the faeces, vomit, or dead bodies of contaminated cockroaches. This makes the efficacy of baits higher compared to surface or baseboard sprays.
  • First instar nymphs do not leave their harbourages and feed on the faeces of other cockroaches. This is one reason why the efficacy of baits is higher compared to surface or baseboard sprays.

Using Gel Bait

• Always follow the product labels and directions for use.
  • Do not apply bait as if it were caulk; follow directions and the number of placements. 
• Use information gathered from inspection and monitoring units; if there were no cockroaches found in a room during inspection or in the monitors, then applying any product would not be necessary. 

• Apply Seclira cockroach gel in cracks and crevices, baseboards, under sinks, cupboards, cabinets etc.

Application rate:

When Seclira Cockroach Gel bait, numerous small application spots are better than fewer large spots. The gel spots should be made every 10-20 centimetres in the areas where cockroach activity was identified. 

Only a small amount of the bait is needed for each bait point. Each spot should only be 3–6 mm in diameter, which is equal to 0.25-0.50 g of bait.

Where there is a light infestation

• German cockroaches are only observed at night, apply 4-6 bait points per 10 m².

Where there is a moderation infestation 

• Apply 7-11 bait points per 10 m².

Where there is a heavy infestation

• German cockroaches are seen during the day and are readily seen when cabinets, cupboards, or pantries are opened, apply 12–24 bait points per 10 m². 

Re-application of the gel bait is done when it is consumed or is no longer palatable to German cockroaches. It should not be applied more than once a month unless it is consumed. 

Product Rotation

Rotating the use of different insecticides slows down the development of insecticide resistance. Insecticide resistance occurs when cockroaches consume bait but do not die. This leads to customer complaints, callbacks, and terminated contracts. Insecticide resistance in cockroaches has been observed since the start of cockroach control. 

Bait aversion 

This is a more recent phenomenon that can also lead to control failures. Cockroach baits often contain sugars such as glucose, which makes them palatable to cockroaches. However, in some German cockroach populations, glucose can trigger ‘bitter’ neuronal receptors to fire, causing the cockroaches to avoid glucose and baits containing glucose. Bait aversion is a trait that is inherited, just like insecticide resistance, and is widespread enough that it should be considered when developing cockroach control programs. 

Once you are done treating the area, you must restore it to its original condition. Anything that was moved due to risk assessment, or to gain access to a harbourage should be placed back to where it was e.g. pet’s water bowls should be replaced, replace toaster or microwave if it was moved, any electrical appliances that were removed to use the dusting machine should immediately be reconnected, etc. 

After the treatment, talk to the client and discuss the terms and conditions and the invoice incompletion. You must ensure to discuss when the occupants can re-enter the treated rooms and ventilate the house to allow fresh air to circulate and remove any lingering odour or fumes from the chemicals. 

You must discuss what to expect after the treatment. For example,  you must explain that the occupants might notice that there is an increase in pest activity after the treatment, which is normal because the pests were flushed out from hiding spots; the cockroach activity should decrease within the first 2 weeks, then over the following weeks. You should also explain the mode of action of the products you used to assure the customer that the treatment will work. 

Clean all equipment used during the treatment immediately after use, as dried pesticides are harder to clean. Clean the equipment away from water supplies and children and animals, also check the pesticide label to know how to properly dispose of and store them. Wash and clean your PPE immediately after use. Return all items such as sprayers, warning signs, etc. to the vehicle, and correctly store PPE. Be sure to wash any parts of the body that may have been exposed to the pesticides with soap and water.