Cockroaches evolved more than 300 million years ago, in dark and humid environments and have successfully adapted to surviving and thriving in the cracks and crevices of homes and properties ever since. A single female German cockroach can produce over 280 eggs despite a life cycle of only 3-4 months.
It is because of their short life cycle and large numbers of offspring that German cockroaches are more likely to cause problems and to develop resistance than other cockroach species. The most effective strategy for avoiding resistance is to implement multiple control strategies including regular inspections, the most effective insecticide technologies and conduct of environmental management practices.
Gel baits are the mainstay of cockroach management but due to the repeated use of the same or similar baits there has been over the last 20 years’ bait aversion (cockroaches no longer eating the bait) causing the surfacing of widespread failure on several occasions. Therefore, the quality and diversity of attractants in baits is as important as the active ingredient. PCT offers a range of baits that incorporate a diverse range of premium quality food grade ingredients. These attractants are designed to be intentionally different from those in other baits on the market and hence enhance palatability and the avoiding of bait aversion. As both a resistance and bait aversion management practice the integrated use of product/active rotations and non-chemical pest management is recommended. Covert Gold contains 0.5g/Kg fipronil formulated as soft gel bait effective on all life stages of cockroaches. Fipronil has a well-known transfer effect whereby one cockroach consuming Covert Gold affects dozens or hundreds of others. Covert Cockroach Gel contains 21.5g/Kg imidacloprid and provides lightning fast control with cockroaches dying in as little as 20 minutes and in addition with proven secondary kill. Avert Cockroach Gel Bait contains 0.5g/Kg abamectin specially formulated as a dual action insecticide and IGR. All PCT gels are available in 30g syringe tubes and by rotating within PCT’s range of insecticidal gels you can select from three specific actives in a successful strategy to avoid potential cockroach resistance and aversion.
Following effective cockroach colony control an approach to include an application of a barrier treatment to general perimeter areas can be effective in preventing cockroach re-infestation.
PCT, an Australian owned company offers a range of high quality Australian made products for such cockroach barrier treatments and for general use by the professional pest manager. The PCT range of products are available from your local Agserv branch.
