Exterminators combat roach presence by using a variety of chemicals or pesticides. One important fact about most chemical pesticides is that they aren’t limited to a specific pest type.
In other words, a chemical insecticide product may help kill roaches, bed bugs, fleas, termites, ants, crickets, etc.
Here are what to expect and the steps to take after roach spraying.
5 Chemicals Exterminators Use For Roach Control
Most pesticides used by professional exterminators come in concentrates which are further diluted before application. It’s also important to state that these chemical insecticides are mostly recommended for professional use.
This means that not everyone should handle such products as they could be harmful.
What Difference is there between Over-the-Counter Insecticides and Commercial Insecticides?
The easiest way to differentiate between the two is in their strengths. Most of the chemical insecticides used on roaches by exterminators come in concentrate formulations.
Now, exterminators are skilled and experienced and know how much of the product needs to be diluted for roach fumigation.
Also, the strength of the chemical after dilution counts in its efficacy. Chemical insecticides used by exterminators are designed for commercial use.
They cover a wider area than those sold in small quantities and are designed for non-professional use.
Specialized equipment is needed to apply commercial insecticides. This also includes protective gear such as gas masks and spray.
Over-the-counter insecticides, on the other hand, are premixed.
In other words, these are ready for application but have a limited coverage area. Generally, over-the-counter insecticides won’t perform a thorough elimination of roaches.
You’re likely to find roaches still roaming your home after treatment.
Why Exterminators prefer certain Chemical Insecticides over Others
Roaches can be elusive, especially when using everyday over-the-counter insecticide products. There are several possible explanations for this, including the likelihood of improper application.
This is primarily the case for homeowners who never take the time to follow the use instructions carefully.
Exterminators better understand cockroach behavior, including their favorite hiding spots, breeding behavior, and preferred food choices.
Such knowledge, coupled with a potent chemical insecticide, goes a long way to rid a home of such pests.
The constituents of popular insecticide products will largely determine whether professionals pick them or not. You will discuss further details on constituent chemicals contained in some insecticides shortly.
Chemicals Used By Exterminators For Roaches
A wide range of effective chemicals exists for roach extermination purposes.
These are primarily designed for professional use. In other words, only a trained professional like an exterminator should handle such products due to their toxicity levels.
Here, we’ve included some of the most popular commercial insecticides, including hydramethylnon, fipronil, piperonyl butoxide, pyrethrins & pyrethroids, and boric acid.
These chemicals have consistently proven to be effective against roaches and other pests.
There’s little wonder why exterminators have preferred these. Let’s get into the details by looking at each of these chemicals.
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Hydramethylnon
Unlike other chemicals used for roach extermination, hydramethylnon is slow-acting.
This is why it’s preferred by exterminators to be used as baits. This chemical also kills many other pests, such as termites, silverfish, and crickets, among many others.
It can take as much as 3 to 4 days for hydramethylnon to bring its total toll on roaches and other pests. It’s popularly used as bait. This means bugs won’t get killed immediately after they ingest it. It takes a long time before its effect sets in.
Is hydramethylnon? Not exactly! It’s only safe when precautionary or safety actions are adhered to. Plus, it’s been listed by the EPA as a carcinogen.
It may lead to irritation of the eyes and respiratory tract when your protective covering or gear isn’t used.
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Fipronil
Fipronil is another chemical that exterminators use for a variety of pest issues. Common pests like roaches, termites, fleas, ticks, beetles, and the like are easily eliminated using fipronil.
However, this isn’t ideal for everyone. It’s only approved for professional use due to associated risks attached to its use.
Fipronil comes in different forms, including powder, liquid, and granules. There’s no need to state how it’s used because exterminators are trained for such. Plus, it comes with its directions for use.
This chemical kills roaches and other pests through its central nervous system disruption process. Here, it bonds to pests’ nerve endings, resulting in significant disruptions to bodily functions.
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Piperonyl Butoxide
This chemical is quite a mouthful to pronounce.
However, it gives you the results you seek against various pests, especially cockroaches. The EPA classifies it as a carcinogen. Piperonyl butoxide isn’t used as a stand-alone roach extermination chemical; instead, it’s combined with others for best results.
It works in combination with other chemicals such as pyrethrins to inhibit metabolism in roaches. Exterminators know how much of this chemical to mix with others for desired results.
It’s essential to avoid the unprofessional use of this chemical for safety purposes.
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Pyrethrins & pyrethroids
Many pesticides being used today contain a certain percentage of permethrin.
This is a crucial active ingredient that belongs to the pyrethroid family. These are designed to mimic pyrethrins. Pyrethrins and pyrethroids are essential chemicals used for combating a wide range of pest issues, including roach presence.
They’re a favorite for most exterminators because they pose the least risk to humans and mammals while giving the needed results. Nevertheless, you mustn’t apply in water bodies or close to water bodies as it can be poisonous to aquatic creatures.
This shouldn’t be a problem when an expert treats your roach situation. Professional exterminators are trained in safe practices. Plus, they know what’s safe to use in a given case.
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Boric Acid
Boric acid is naturally occurring and a safe roach treatment option for anyone using it. It is one chemical that homeowners and professional exterminators widely use.
Apart from roaches, boric acid can be used for bed bugs, fleas, and ant extermination.
Chemicals used by exterminators for roach control have been the focus of our discussion. Apart from boric acid, it’s essential to avoid the DIY application of such chemicals as safety levels significantly increase.