Several hymenopteran natural enemies of
the American cockroach have been found (suiter et.al. 1998). These parasitic
wasps deposit their eggs in the cockroach ootheca preventing the emergence of
cockroach nymphs.
Caulking of penetrations through
ground level walls, removal of rotting leaves and limiting the moist areas in
and around a structure can help in reducing areas that are attractive to those
cockroaches.
Other means of management are
insecticides that can be applied to basement walls, wood scraps, and other
infested locations. Residual sprays can be applied inside and around perimeter
of an infested structure. When insecticides and sprays are used to manage
cockroach populations, they may ultimately kill off the parasitic wasps. Loose,
toxic, pellet baits are extremely effective in controlling American cockroach
populations.
Insect management (1): Guide for
cockroaches. Cockroaches are pests throughout the United States. They are
annoying, and when abundant, they are also destructive. Cockroaches, also known
as water bugs, croto bugs, or palmetto bugs, destroy food and damage fabrics,
book-bindings, and other materials. When cockroaches run over food, they leave
filth and may spread disease. They secrete an oily liquid that has an offensive
and sickening odor that may ruin food. This odor may also be imparted to dishes
that apparently clean. Excrement in the form of pellets or ink-like liquid also
contributes to this nauseating odor. Some people are allergic to cockroaches
and become ill.