Cockroach infestations have been treated with insecticidal sprays, dusts, gels, sand baits, etc.
Cockroach bait may consist of simple poisons, killing from direct feeding only, to the latest insecticides which use delayed transferred toxic action, which can reach a sufficiently high proportion of the cockroach population to achieve effective control in a short period of time.
After consuming a lethal dose of a residual bait insecticide known to have delayed toxicant activity, cockroaches return to the harborage where they excrete feces.
The insecticide-laden feces, fluids and eventual carcass, can contain sufficient residual pesticide to kill others in the same nesting site.
This secondary transmission occurs through direct contact with, or ingestion of, traces of baits dispersed in the environment by contaminated cockroaches.
[2] The cascading effect goes on to wipe out whole colonies from indirect exposure by contact with the corpses, feces, or harborages of cockroaches previously exposed.
The active ingredient Fipronil .05% disrupts the insect central nervous system, leading to the cockroach’s death in 6 to 24 hours.
Fipronil is an extremely active molecule and is a potent disruptor of the insect central nervous system.
[7] The active ingredient Hydramethylnon 2% used as an insecticide in the form of bait for cockroaches leading to death in 2–4 days.
Hydramethylnon inhibits mitochondrial energy production and has delayed action, with death generally not occurring for at least 24 hrs after consumption of the bait.
[8] After a single feeding, there are no immediate symptoms of poisoning, but within a few hours, the insects become lethargic and stop eating.
[12] The Indoxacarb pesticide while slightly more toxic, is professional grade and more effective than previously mentioned roach baits.
[20] Cockroach gels are a type of roach bait that is becoming increasingly popular due to their ease of use and effectiveness.
Gels are typically applied in small dabs in areas where cockroaches are active, such as kitchens, bathrooms, and behind appliances.
The gel is contained in a bait station or applicator, which helps to prevent accidental ingestion by humans or animals.
Additionally, the active ingredients in cockroach gels are typically less toxic than those used in other types of roach bait.