In light of the recent escape of 1.5 million American Roaches in China, this seemed like a good time to show what we Americans think about these very same species of roaches. The Chinese roach farmer who was raising them for medicinal purposes and profit, believes their body parts are capable of healing people. Halfway across the globe though, most Americans cringe at the thought of using cockroaches as medicine. Instead, we either try to kill them or let them crawl on us for money (ala Fear Factor). Since I am not interested in them crawling on me, I will tell you the most cost efficient way to get rid of them.

I will focus on two roaches that are common problems, the American roach and the German roach. The methods I prescribe are for the everyday homeowner who just wants to know how to get rid of them. Given enough money, you could pursue any means you want and have great results, but I want to give you the easiest, and most cost effective way, that still gets results

.Looking at Figure B, you will see the American Roach is about 1 1/2" long, brownish red and pretty scary looking. They live outside in wooded areas and mulch beds, but find a way into your home. They absolutely terrify most women I know (one of which is my wife), because they are big, fast and they can fly for short distances. The treatment I recommend for these critters is to spread insecticide granules just around the outside of your house. Buy the 10 lb bag of Spectracide Tetrazide or Ortho Bug B Gon at your nearest Lowes or Home Depot. It will cost around $10. Spread the granules just around the outside of house, focusing on mulched beds. They are moisture activated, so the rain actually kicks in the effective ingredient. It works most of the summer at my house and should at yours too. An important note to remember is that sometimes they make it inside your home and die belly up.

If your pest is the German roach (figure C), then you are probably seeing them in the kitchen. They are 1/2" long and are the ones you bring in unknowingly (their eggs) or they enter through the plumbing pipes from outside. They love clutter and they hide amongst it, so you'll need to do a little bit of cleaning up first. The treatment I recommend for these guys is Bengal Roach spray. It costs about $15 and it comes in an aerosol can with a small spraying tube like the kind you see on a WD-40 can. This allows you to spray in tight places where they are hiding, plus it has a residual effect like the "bug man" has with his spray. Spray the pipes under the kitchen sink really well. Spray behind the back splash, the refrigerator motor, and basically every spot that is either warm or has water. I have seen them in commercial coffee makers. It will last for multiple sprayings.

If you are asking "What is the best way to get rid of roaches?", I hope this helps.