This article TOPONE takes you to understand why cockroach killers are loved by consumers, Cockroaches are scavengers. “They’re like the vultures of the insect world,” said Koehler. The best way to take advantage of this natural tendency is to use a bait, which is food laced with a slow-acting poison. Because the poison doesn’t kill instantly, there is time for the roach to spread it to other roaches. We’d like to note that all of the ways they transmit the poison are absolutely disgusting. For one, “Adult females will take care of their young by pooping and letting them eat it,” said Koehler. So once the toxin is digested and, ahem, expelled, it still can kill. Additionally, roaches often regurgitate—and that too can be eaten by other roaches. Finally, let’s not forget straight-up cannibalism, in which living roaches will eat the deceased, toxin-infused body of another roach. The beauty of nature is on full display with cockroaches.
The experts we spoke with recommended not getting too caught up in the active ingredients of the specific products. After hearing a list of common poisons used in roach baits—including abamectin, hydramethylnon, fipronil, and indoxacarb—Koehler told us that “virtually all of those products should work, if the bait is good.” But, he said, “there is such a thing as bait aversion. Which means that the cockroaches refuse to eat the bait because they detect something in the bait that they find unpalatable.” Understanding this means being ready to switch things up if you’re not having success. Professional pest-control operators rotate to a new bait every few months for exactly this reason. Many pest-control experts (and entomologists at Utah State University) endorse this approach.
The specific type of cockroach you’re targeting isn’t that important, either. American cockroaches, German cockroaches, and Brown-Banded cockroaches are among the most likely to be found indoors. And each of them have their preferences (American cockroaches like sewers and can enter your home through a poorly sealed toilet, according to Koehler). But as long as you’re placing the bait where you’re seeing the roaches, they should be effective.
Baits are available in a variety of formats—gels, powders, or in a partially enclosed bait station (which typically contains a liquid or a peanut butter–like substance mixed with the poison). Each method has its pluses and minuses, but bait stations are the easiest to use and offer the most security against curious children and pets. Using a bait station is as simple as opening it up and placing it where you have seen roaches. The best ones have translucent tops that let you monitor the status of the bait.
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