1: Inspection: Rarely is a cockroach infestation completely eradicated with a single method of control, such as the application of pesticides. Similar to how few infestations may be completely removed by the application of a single pesticide without additional inspections and treatments.

The principles of Integrated Pest Management (IPM) should be used when long-term management or elimination is the purpose. All efficient non-chemical control methods, including sanitation and exclusion, should be used after inspection.Use of a bright flashlight and frequently additional instruments, such as a mechanic’s mirror for viewing difficult-to-access voids, probing tools, and a flushing agent, are necessary for a thorough inspection (typically an aerosol containing pyrethrins). Inspect the area for signs of roach activity, such as the dark speckling that German cockroaches leave behind.

02: Exclusion: Cockroach movement and hiding areas are reduced through exclusion. It might not be possible to block off every route that cockroaches take or stop them from using every conceivable hiding location. Nonetheless, this does not diminish the importance of exclusion.

Preventing cockroach movement between rooms and units is crucial in homes with shared walls, such as apartment buildings. German cockroaches frequently pass through shared walls, such as the spaces around pipes under sinks. Filling these gaps with substances like silicone sealant or urethane foam is recommended. In some cases, the building’s surroundings or nearby structures may be home to American or Oriental cockroaches. In such circumstances, the building’s outside should be examined to identify and seal any areas where roaches could enter the interior.

03: Sanitation: The ultimate purpose of sanitation is to eliminate all food and water sources from the cockroach’s surroundings. Similar to exclusion, this objective is typically not entirely met, but every attempt should be taken to exclude as many food and water sources as is practical. While proper hygiene and exclusion rarely guarantee cockroach extermination on their own, these two practices improve the efficacy of pesticide treatment. Pesticide efficacy may be hampered if dirt, grease, and moisture are not eliminated. Moreover, pesticides like baits work better when there are no available substitutes for food. In addition to eating the baits, roaches may forage further and come into contact with surfaces that have been treated with pesticides. In contrast, inadequate sanitation often leads to a larger reliance on pesticides, which means more pesticide use and a higher risk of misuse and human exposure.

04: Pesticide Application: It’s just as crucial to follow label instructions when applying an insecticide and apply it near enough to where cockroaches are hiding. If roaches are not exposed to insecticides or do not find bait places, even the greatest insecticides will not work.To position bait close enough for roaches to detect and eat it, it is vital to do thorough inspections to determine where roaches are hiding.

New cockroach bait items have altered cockroach management since the 1980s. Baits have taken the role of the standard baseboard spraying and fogging of the prebait era and are now readily available in a number of brands and formulas, from gels applied by syringe-type applicators to granular items. Relying on baseboard spraying to control cockroaches ignores the most efficient method of cockroach control in light of the availability of effective baits.