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Asian Cockroach1
P. G. Koehler and C. L. Tucker2The Asian cockroach ( Figure 1 ) has been widely publicized and is considered a significant pest by the residents in infested areas.
CREDITS: Paul M. Choate, University of Florida
Figure 1. Asian male cockroach (identical in appearance to the German cockroach and is about 5/8 inch long). History
The Asian cockroach was identified as a newly introduced species in 1986, when a heavy infestation was found in Lakeland, Florida (Polk County). A second, more heavily infested area was identified in 1987 near Brandon and Tampa (Hillsborough County). Today, the Asian cockroach has spread to infest the southeastern United States.The Asian cockroach is a rural and suburban pest that mainly infests single-family, suburban houses and yards. It is abundant outdoors, where populations of 30,000 to 250,000 per acre have been found. The adults are strong fliers and readily enter the houses.
Identification
The Asian cockroach is almost identical in appearance to the German cockroach. In fact, entomologists believed it was an outdoor strain of the German cockroach in Asia. The main morphological differences between the Asian and German cockroaches are the shape of a groove in one segment (eighth) of the abdomen and a small gland in the males. The wings of the Asian cockroach are usually longer and narrower than those of the German cockroach. They extend beyond the tip of the abdomen and cover the egg capsule in the females. Asian cockroaches are lighter in color than most German cockroaches.The Asian cockroach can be identified by gas chromotography of the waxes found in the exoskeleton. Any part or any stage of the cockroach can be identified with this procedure. They should not be preserved in alcohol. Dry, dead specimens should be sent for analysis.
Habits
The Asian cockroach is a strong flier, and is both a feral (wild) and peridomestic species. Adults take flight even during the day if disturbed; they are readily seen in an infested lawn, because their flight is similar to that of moths and leafhoppers. At dusk there is a frenzy of activity; adults are very active in the grass and mulch. They climb to the tips of grass and leaves and take flight. They are attracted to light-colored surfaces or brightly lit surfaces, where they alight. Numerous adults have been seen at all heights on single- and two-story homes.Asian cockroaches will invade any opening in a house, such as a lighted doorway or window. Once inside, they will crawl on an illuminated television screen and on walls while the lights are on during the evening. Because the peak activity period of Asian roaches coincides with our leisure time, the presence of the cockroach is obvious.
Habitat
Asian cockroaches are abundant in shaded areas with leaf litter or where there is ground cover. In feral habitats, the Asian cockroach is found in shaded areas of pastures, along shaded road sides in leaf mulch, in shaded areas of thick grass, and in ground cover of abandoned citrus groves. The adults have been found feeding on the honeydew of aphids on citrus trees, and on the flowers of other plants during the night.Biology
The female Asian cockroach produces an egg capsule that has about 40 eggs. It is carried by the female until the young are ready to hatch. The nymphs mature to adults in about 6 to 7 weeks. From late May through early August, nymphs predominate and adults are rarely encountered. However, adults are abundant during the early spring months (February through May) and again in mid-August to October.The feeding behavior of the Asian cockroach appears to be similar to other cockroaches, in that they are omnivorous. Thus, they may be capable of carrying the same pathogenic organisms as the other peridomestic and domestic species of cockroaches. Considering their ability to produce large populations and their likelihood of entering homes, pathogens associated with animal droppings and soil microorganisms will be carried by this cockroach when it enters the home. People sensitive to allergens of German cockroaches are also sensitive to allergens of Asian cockroaches.
Control
The Asian cockroach is very susceptible to all pesticides. However, acceptable control of the Asian cockroach is difficult. Toxic baits applied to infested areas outdoors have provided the most reliable control. Cockroach baits have been registered for use outdoors. Because the Asian cockroach can fly 120 feet or more in a single flight, large areas around a home require treatment. Even so, cockroaches in surrounding untreated areas may result in reinfestation.Residual sprays around the perimeter of structures are usually ineffective because there are numerous infested areas in lawns, mulch, and wooded areas. Adults enter homes through windows and doorways, and immediately fly to walls, avoiding baseboards and typical German cockroach harborages which are normally treated with pesticides.
Tables
Table 1. Insecticides labeled for Homeowner Use.
Formulation
Common Name
Trade Name (Manufacturer)
Signal Word
Bait, Crack and Crevice (see label)
Combination Product Fipronil, Hydramethylnon Combat Plus (quick kill formula roach baits and roach killing gel) Caution Bait Station
Bait Fipronil Combat Quick Kill Formula, Roach Caution Bait Hydramethylnon Combat Source Kill 1, Roaches Caution Crack and Crevice
Aerosol Prallethrin (0.03%), Esfenvalerate (0.05%), MGK-264 synergist (0.3%) Ortho Roach, Ant & Spider Killer Warning Aerosol Pyrethrins, MGK-264, Permethrin Ortho Ant-B-Gon Caution Aerosol Tetramethrin (0.2%), Phenothrin (0.2%) Ortho Flying Insect Killer 1 Caution Emulsifiable Concentrate Beta Cyfluthrin Bayer Power force Carpenter Ant & Termite Killer Plus Caution Ready-To-Use Bifenthrin Ortho Home Defense Perimeter & Indoor Insect Killer Caution Ready-To-Use Cyfluthrin Bayer Advanced Home, Home Pest Control Indoor & Outdoor Insect Killer Caution Indoor Space Treatment
Ready-To-Use Pyrethrins (0.05%), Permethrin (0.4%) Ortho Indoor Insect Fogger Caution Indoor Surface Treatment
Aerosol Prallethrin (0.03%), Esfenvalerate (0.05%), MGK-264 synergist (0.3%) Ortho Roach, Ant & Spider Killer Warning Aerosol Pyrethrins, MGK-264, Permethrin Ortho Ant-B-Gon Caution Ready-To-Use Cyfluthrin Bayer Advanced Home, Home Pest Control Indoor & Outdoor Insect Killer Caution Insect Growth Regulator (IGR)
Combination Product Abamectrin B1, Hydroprene Raid Max (Roach Bait plus Egg Stoppers) Caution Outdoor Barrier
Aerosol Prallethrin (0.03%). Esfenvalerate (0.05%), MGK-264 synergist (0.3%) Prallethrin (0.03%), Esfenvalerate (0.05%), MGK-264 synergist (0.3%) Warning Emulsifiable Concentrate Beta-Cyfluthrin Bayer Power Force Carpenter Ant & Termite Killer Plus Caution Emulsifiable Concentrate Bifenthrin Ortho Termite & Carpenter Ant Killer Caution Emulsifiable Concentrate Esfenvalerate Ortho Bug-B-Gon Multipurpose Insect Killer Warning Emulsifiable Concentrate Malathion Ortho Malathion 50 Plus Insect Spray Warning Granule Cyfluthrin Bayer Advanced Lawn & Garden Multi-Insect Killer Caution Granule Cyfluthrin Bayer Power Force Ant Killer Ready-to-Use Granules Caution Granule Cyfluthrin Bayer Power Force Multi-Insect Killer Ready-to-Spread Granules Caution Ready-To-Use Bifenthrin Ortho Home Defense Perimeter 7 Indoor Insect Killer Caution Ready-To-Use Cyfluthrin Bayer Advanced Home, Home Pest Control Indoor & Outdoor Insect Killer Caution Ready-To-Use Cyfluthrin Bayer Power Force Multi-Insect Killer Ready-to-Spray Caution Ready-To-Use Cyfluthrin Bayer Power Force Multi-Insect Killer Ready-to-Use Caution Ready-To-Use Esfenvalerate Ortho Bug-B-Gon Multipurpose Insect Killer Ready-to-Use Caution Outdoor Broadcast
Emulsifiable Concentrate Beta-Cyfluthrin Bayer Power Force Carpenter Ant & Termite Killer Plus Caution Emulsifiable Concentrate Esfenvalerate Ortho Bug-B-Gon Multipurpose Insect Killer Warning Emulsifiable Concentrate Malathion Ortho Malathion 50 Plus Insect Spray Warning Ready-To-Use Cyfluthrin Bayer Advanced Home, Home Pest Control Indoor & Outdoor Insect Killer Caution Table 2. Insecticides labeled for Commercial Use.
Formulation
Common Name
Trade Name (Manfacturer)
Signal Word
Bait Station
Bait Abamectin PT Avert Cockroach Gel Bait Formula 2 (Whitmire Micro-gen) Caution Bait Disodium Octaborate Tetrahydrate Gourmet Ant Bait
Caution Bait Disodium Octaborate Tetrahydrate
Gourmet Ant Bait Gel
Caution Bait Orthoboric Acid Dr. Moss's Liquid Bait Systen (JT Eaton) Caution Crack and Crevice
Aerosol Acephate PT Orthene Crack & Crevice Pressurized Residual (Whitmire Micro-gen) Caution Aerosol
Cyfluthrin PT Cy-Kick CS Pressurized Crack & Crevice Residual (Whitmire Micro-gen)
Caution Aerosol Cyfluthrin PT Cy-Kick Crack & Crevice Pressurized Residual (Whitmire Micro-gen) Caution Aerosol Hydroprene Gentrol Aerosol (Zoecon) Caution Aerosol Lambda Cyhalothrin PT 221L (Whitmire Micro-gen)
Caution
Aerosol Pyrethrins (0.5%), PBO (4.0%) PT P. I. Contact Insecticide (Whitmire Micro-gen)
Caution Aerosol Pyrethrins and Others PT 565 Plus XLO (Whitmire Micro-gen)
Caution Aerosol Pyrethrins and Others PT Microcare Pressurized Pyrethrum Capsule Suspension (Whitmire Micro-gen)
Caution Bait Abamectin B1 PT Avert Cockroach Gel Bait Formula 2 (Whitmire Micro-gen)
Caution
Bait Abamectin B1 PT Avert Cockroach Gel Bait Formula 3 (Whitmire Micro-gen)
Caution
Bait Abamectin B1 PT Avert Dry Flowable Coackroach Bait Formula 1 (Whitmire Micro-gen)
Caution
Bait Fipronil MaxForce FC Roach Killer Bait Gel (3-Pack) (Bayer) Caution
Bait Hydramethylnon MaxForce Fine Granule Insect Bait (Bayer) Caution
Bait Hydramethylnon MaxForce Granular Insect Bait (25 lb) (Bayer) Caution
Bait Hydramethylnon MasForce Granular Insect Bait (6 lb) (Bayer) Caution
Bait Hydramethylnon MaxForce Roach Killer Bait Gel (Triple) (Bayer) Caution
Bait Hydramethylnon Siege Gel Insecticide Caution
Bait Hydramethylnon Siege PBS Gel Insecticide Caution
Bait Imidacloprid Pre-Empt (Bayer) Caution
Bait Orthoboric Acid
Attrax Carbohydrates Roach Bait Caution
Bait Orthoboric Acid
Niban FG Caution
Bait Orthoboric Acid
Niban Granular Bait (Nisus) Caution
Bait Orthoboric Acid
Snuffer (Nisus) Caution
Dust
Boric Acid PT Perma Dust Pressurized Boric Acid Dust (Whitmire Micro-gen)
Caution
Dust
Deltamethrin DeltaDust Caution
Dust
Pyrethrins PT Tri-Die Silica & Pyrethrin Dust (Whitmire Micro-gen)
Caution Dust
Pyrethrins and Others PT Tri-Die Pressurized Silica & Pyrethrin Dust (Whitmire Micro-gen)
Warning Dust
Pyrethrins, PBO, Silica Gel Drione (Bayer) Caution Emulsifiable Concentrate Bifenthrin Talstar F Insecticide/Miticide (FMC) Caution Emulsifiable Concentrate Bifenthrin Talstar Termiticide/Insecticide (FMC) Caution Emulsifiable Concentrate Chlorfenapyr Phantom (BASF) Caution
Emulsifiable Concentrate Cyfluthrin PT Cy-Kick CS Controlled Release Cyfluthrin Caution
Emulsifiable Concentrate Cyfluthrin Tempo SC Ultra (Bayer) Danger Emulsifiable Concentrate Cypermethrin
Cynoff EC (FMC) Caution
Emulsifiable Concentrate Cypermethrin
Cynoff Power Spray Insecticide (FMC) Warning
Emulsifiable Concentrate Cypermethrin
Cynoff WP (FMC) Warning
Emulsifiable Concentrate
Cypermethrin
Cynoff WSB (FMC) Warning
Emulsifiable Concentrate
Cypermethrin
Prevail FT Termiticide (FMC) Caution Emulsifiable Concentrate
Deltamethrin Suspend SC Insecticide (Bayer) Caution
Emulsifiable Concentrate
Hydroprene Gentrol IGR Concentrate (Zoecon) Caution
Emulsifiable Concentrate
Permethrin Dragnet SFR Termiticide/Insecticide (FMC) Caution
Emulsifiable Concentrate
Prallethrin PT ULD SPy-300 (Whitmire Micro-gen)
Caution
Emulsifiable Concentrate
Propetamphos Catalyst Warning Emulsifiable Concentrate
Pyrethrins Kicker (Bayer) Caution
Emulsifiable Concentrate
Pyrethrins (0.5%), PBO (5.0%) Pyrenone 50 Caution
Emulsifiable Concentrate
Pyrethrins and Others PT Microcare CS Controlled Release Pyrethrum (Whitmire Micro-gen)
Caution
Emulsifiable Concentrate
Pyrethrins and Others PT ULD BP-100 (Whitmire Micro-gen)
Caution Emulsifiable Concentrate
Cyfluthrin Tempo 20 WP (Bayer) Caution Emulsifiable Concentrate
Tralomethrin Saga WP Insecticide Warning Fumigation
Fumigant Sulfuryl fluoride Vikane (Dow AgroSciences) Danger Indoor Space Treatment
Aerosol Pyrethrins and Others
PT 565 Plus XLO (Whitmire Micro-gen)
Caution Aerosol Pyrethrins and Others
PT Pro-Control (Whitmire Micro-gen)
Caution Aerosol Pyrethrins and Others
PT Pro-Control Plus (Whitmire Micro-gen)
Caution Emulsifiable Concentrate
Hydroprene
Gentrol IGR Concentrate Caution Emulsifiable Concentrate
Prallethrin PT ULD SPy-300 (Whitmire Micro-gen)
Caution Emulsifiable Concentrate
Pyrethrins Kicker Caution Emulsifiable Concentrate
Pyrethrins (0.5%), PBO (5.0%) PT ULD BP-50 (Whitmire Micro-gen)
Caution Emulsifiable Concentrate
Pyrethrins (0.5%), PBO (5.0%) Pyrenone 50 Caution Emulsifiable Concentrate
Pyrethrins (0.5%), PBO (5.0%) Pyrenone 100 Caution Emulsifiable Concentrate
Pyrethrins and Others PT ULD BP-100 (Whitmire Micro-gen)
Caution Indoor Surface Treatment
Aerosol
Acephate PT Orthene Crack & Crevice Pressurized Residual (Whitmire Micro-gen)
Caution Aerosol
Cyfluthrin PT Cy-Kick CS Pressurized Crack & Crevice Residual (Whitmire Micro-gen)
Caution Aerosol
Hydroprene Gentrol Aerosol Caution Aerosol
Pyrethrins and Others PT Microcare Pressurized Pyrethrum Capsule Suspension (Whitmire Micro-gen)
Caution Dust Pyrethrins PT Tri-Die Silica & Pyrethrin Dust (Whitmire Micro-gen)
Caution Emulsifiable Concentrate
Bifenthrin Talstar F Insecticide/Miticide (FMC) Caution Emulsifiable Concentrate
Bifenthrin Talstar Termiticide/Insecticide (FMC) Caution Emulsifiable Concentrate
Cyfluthrin PT Cy-Kick CS Controlled Release Cyfluthrin (Whitmire Micro-gen) Caution Emulsifiable Concentrate
Cyfluthrin Tempo SC Ultra (Bayer) Danger Emulsifiable Concentrate
Cypermethrin
Cynoff EC (FMC) Caution Emulsifiable Concentrate
Cypermethrin
Cynoff Power Spray Insecticide (FMC) Warning Emulsifiable Concentrate
Cypermethrin
Cynoff WP (FMC) Warning Emulsifiable Concentrate
Cypermethrin
Prevail FT Termiticide (FMC)
Caution Emulsifiable Concentrate
Deltamethrin Suspend SC Insecticide (Bayer) Caution Emulsifiable Concentrate
Hydroprene Gentrol IGR Concentrate Caution Emulsifiable Concentrate
Permethrin Dragnet SFR Termiticide/Insecticide (FMC) Caution Emulsifiable Concentrate
Prallethrin PT ULD SPy-300 (Whitmire Micro-gen)
Caution Emulsifiable Concentrate
Pyrethrins Kicker (Bayer) Caution
Emulsifiable Concentrate
Pyrethrins (0.5%), PBO (5.0%) Pyrenone 50 Caution
Emulsifiable Concentrate
Pyrethrins (0.5%), PBO (5.0%) Pyrenone 100 Caution
Emulsifiable Concentrate
Pyrethrins and Others PT Microcare CS Controlled Release Pyrethrum (Whitmire Micro-gen)
Caution
Wettable/Soluble Powder Cyfluthrin Tempo 20 WP (Bayer) Caution Outdoor Barrier
Aerosol Acephate PT Orthene Crack & Crevice Pressurized Residual (Whitmire Micro-gen)
Caution Aerosol Cyfluthrin PT Cy-Kick CS Pressurized Crack & Crevice Residual (Whitmire Micro-gen) Caution Aerosol Cyfluthrin PT-Cy-Kick Crack & Crevice Pressurized Residual (Whitmire Micro-gen) Caution Aerosol Lambda Cyhalothrin PT 221L (Whitmire Micro-gen) Caution Aerosol Pyrethrins and Others PT MicrocarePressurized Pyrethrum Capsule Suspension (Whitmire Micro-gen) Caution Bait Orthoboric Acid Niban FG (Nisus) Caution Bait Orthoboric Acid Niban Granular Bait (Nisus) Caution Dust Deltamethrin DeltaDust (Bayer)
Caution Dust Pyrethrins PT Tri-Die Silica & Pyrethrin Dust (Whitmire Micro-gen) Caution Dust Pyrethrins and Others PT-Tri-Die Pressurized Silica & Pyrethrin Dust (Whitmire Micro-gen) Warning Emulsifiable Concentrate Bifenthrin Talstr F Insecticide/Miticide (FMC) Caution Emulsifiable Concentrate Cyfluthrin PT Cy-Kick CS Controlled Release Cyfluthrin (Whitmire Micro-gen) Caution Emulsifiable Concentrate Cypermethrin Cynoff EC (FMC) Caution Emulsifiable Concentrate
Cypermethrin Cynoff Power Spray Insecticide (FMC) Warning Emulsifiable Concentrate
Cypermethrin Cynoff WP (FMC) Warning Emulsifiable Concentrate
Cypermethrin Cynoff WSB (FMC) Warning Emulsifiable Concentrate
Cypermethrin Prevail FT Termiticide (FMC) Caution Emulsifiable Concentrate
Deltamethrin Suspend SC Insecticide (Bayer)
Caution Emulsifiable Concentrate
Permethrin Astro Insecticide (FMC) Caution Emulsifiable Concentrate
Permethrin Dragnet SFR Termiticide/Insecticide (FMC) Caution Emulsifiable Concentrate
Pyrethrins Kicker (Bayer)
Caution Emulsifiable Concentrate
Pyrethrins and Others PT Microcare CS Controlled Release Pyrethrum (Whitmire Micro-gen) Caution Granule Deltamethrin DeltaGard G (Bayer)
Caution Wettable/Soluble Powder Cyfluthrin Tempo 20 WP (Bayer) Caution Outdoor Broadcast
Bait Hydramethylnon MaxForce Fine Granule Insect Bait (Bayer)
Caution Bait Hydramethylnon MaxForce Granule Insect Bait (25 lb) (Bayer)
Caution Bait Hydramethylnon MaxForce Granule Insect Bait (6 lb) (Bayer)
Caution Bait Orthoboric Acid Niban Granular Bait (Nisus) Caution Emulsifiable Concentrate
Bifenthrin Talstar F Insecticide/Miticide (FMC) Caution Emulsifiable Concentrate Permethrin Dragnet SFR Termiticide/Insecticide (FMC) Caution Granule Deltamethrin DeltaGard G (Bayer)
Caution Wettable/Soluble Powder Cyfluthrin Tempo 20 WP (Bayer) Caution Voids/Attics
Aerosol Acephate PT Orthene Crack & Crevice Pressurized Residual (Whitmire Micro-gen) Caution Aerosol Pyrethrins (0.5%, PBO (4.0%) PT P.I. Contact Insecticide (Whitmire Micro-gen) Caution Aerosol Pyrethrins and Others PT 565 Plux XLO (Whitmire Micro-gen) Caution Bait Hydramethylnon MaxForce Fine Granule Insect Bait (Bayer)
Caution Bait Hydramethylnon MaxForce Granular Insect Bait (25 lb) (Bayer)
Caution Bait Hydramethylnon MaxForce Granular Insect Bait (6 lb) (Bayer)
Caution Bait Imidacloprid Pre-Empt (Bayer) Caution Bait Orthoboric Acid Niban FL (Nisus) Caution Bait Orthoboric Acid Nivan Granular Bait (Nisus) Caution Bait Orthoboric Acid Snuffer (Nisus) Caution Dust Boric Acid PT Perma Dust Pressurized Boric Acid Dust (Whitmire Micro-gen) Caution Dust Deltamethrin DeltaDust (Bayer)
Caution Dust Pyrethrins PT Tri-Die Silica & Pyrethrin Dust (Whitmire Micro-gen) Caution Dust Pyrethrins and Others PT Tri-Die Pressurized Silica & Pyrethrin Dust (Whitmire Micro-gen) Warning Dust Pyrethrins, PBO, Silica Gel Drione (Bayer)
Caution Emulsifiable Concentrate Deltamethrin Suspend SC Insecticide (Bayer)
Caution
Footnotes
1. This document is ENY-202, one of a series of the Entomology and Nematology Department, Florida Cooperative Extension Service, Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences, University of Florida. Revised: June 2005. Please visit the EDIS Website at http://edis.ifas.ufl.edu.2. P. G. Koehler, professor, and C. L. Tucker, graduate assistant, Department of Entomology and Nematology, Cooperative Extension Service, Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences, University of Florida, Gainesville, 32611.
The Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences (IFAS) is an Equal Opportunity Institution authorized to provide research, educational information and other services only to individuals and institutions that function with non-discrimination with respect to race, creed, color, religion, age, disability, sex, sexual orientation, marital status, national origin, political opinions or affiliations. For more information on obtaining other extension publications, contact your county Cooperative Extension service.
U.S. Department of Agriculture, Cooperative Extension Service, University of Florida, IFAS, Florida A. & M. University Cooperative Extension Program, and Boards of County Commissioners Cooperating. Larry Arrington, Dean.
Copyright Information
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