5 Questions with Thomas Powell, Technical Field Specialist, MGK

1. What is APM and why would I use it when treating German cockroaches?

Assessment Based Pest Management (APM) is a new treatment strategy for German cockroach control. Designed specifically for the pest management industry, APM begins with a visual inspection and monitoring to determine the extent of the infestation. Based on your assessment, you can categorize the infestation level as high, medium or low. Once you have identified the level of the infestation, you can utilize specific protocols to treat each level. Be sure to reassess before follow-up treatments to ensure success.

2. What is the benefit of having an IGR in my bait?

Baits do not always achieve 100% control of a population. There are many reasons why: sub-lethal dose (not enough bait), metabolic resistance and bait aversion. This can result in the remaining roaches causing a rebound in the population. By incorporating an IGR in the bait, you can ensure long-term control of the population as it acts as an insurance policy by stopping the reproduction of the remaining cockroaches.

3. What is bait aversion?

Bait aversion is a type of behavioral resistance. It is a genetically based behavioral aversion to a food ingredient in a bait and not the active ingredient. Cockroaches, like humans, don’t want to eat the same meal every day, and they will avoid eating bait because something in the food matrix is no longer palatable to them. This avoidance leads them to seek alternative food sources.

4. What do you recommend when treating bait averse cockroaches?

To combat bait aversion, it’s crucial to implement a food matrix rotation. Many people ask me how often they should rotate. I think the answer is different for each company. A quarterly rotation is most common, but for some PMPs, logistics are a barrier, and every six months or even annually are better options. The key is to have a rotation plan.

5. What’s new with MGK’s cockroach portfolio?

Vendetta® 360 is the newest cockroach bait from MGK. With a unique bait matrix, it is perfect for rotation alongside the rest of the Vendetta family and other cockroach baits. Plus, with NyGuard® IGR, you get multiple modes of action for maximum effectiveness. Use Vendetta 360 for a powerful rotational bait solution.