What Should You Know About Roach Pest Control Sticky Traps?

Posted by Bettina Cabana on January 10th, 2023

Roaches are a major nuisance in many homes and businesses. They contaminate food, carry a variety of diseases, and can cause structural damage to buildings. Sticky traps are one of the popular roach pest control products for many homeowners, as they are a safe and effective way to get rid of some of the most common pest problems, such as cockroaches. 

If you are dealing with roach infestation in your house, roach sticky traps are a great option. However, before you go ahead, you need to know a few things about roach sticky traps. In this guide, we will discuss everything you need to know about roach sticky traps.

What are roach sticky traps?

Roach sticky traps are small pieces of cardboard or plastic covered in a sticky adhesive. They are designed to attract and trap roaches, and they come in various sizes and shapes. The adhesive on the traps is designed to be strong and sticky enough to hold the roaches once they step onto the trap. The traps can be baited with a food attractant like bacon, sugar, or peanut butter to lure roaches onto the trap.

What is the phenomenon behind roach sticky traps?

The theory behind the roach sticky traps is that once a roach steps onto the trap, it will not be able to escape from the adhesive. This phenomenon is known as “Thigmotaxis”, and it is a behavior where the roaches become stuck to the adhesive on the traps due to the way the adhesive’s molecules interact with the roach’s body parts.

How to Use Roach Sticky Traps Effectively?

Using roach sticky traps effectively requires proper placement and monitoring. The traps should be placed in areas frequented by roaches, such as along walls and under appliances. If there is a food source available, such as crumbs or spilled food, the traps should be placed near it. Traps should be checked at least once a week and replaced if they become full or if the adhesive loses its stickiness.

What are the Benefits of Using Roach Sticky Traps?

Unlike sprays, foggers, and other popular insecticides, roach sticky traps are designed to capture roaches without the use of harsh chemicals. Roaches are lured in by the scent of the bait on the trap, and the adhesive coating on the surface keeps them from escaping. Once the roaches are trapped, they may be disposed of or released into the wild.

There are several benefits to using roach sticky traps, such as:

They are an inexpensive and easy way to control roach infestations. The traps are ready to use right out of the package, and no special equipment or training is required to use them. The traps are also discreet, as they can be placed behind furniture or in hard-to-reach areas.

Additionally, the traps are non-toxic. The adhesive used on the traps is non-toxic, and the bait used on the traps is also non-toxic. This makes the traps safe to use around children and pets.

Moreover, using sticky traps can help to reduce the amount of insecticides and other chemicals that must otherwise be used to reduce a roach population. Sticky traps can reduce the amount of chemicals needed to be sprayed or fogged around a facility and can also reduce the need for repeat treatments, which can help to save money in the long run.

What are the Best Practices for Choosing the Right Roach Sticky Trap?

Choosing the right roach sticky trap is an important step in eliminating a roach infestation. The wrong traps can be ineffective and a waste of money, while the right traps can be the difference between success and failure in an extermination effort. Below are some of the best practices for choosing the right roach sticky trap.

Know Your Roaches: Different types of roaches require different types of roach traps. The most common roaches in the United States are German cockroaches (Blatella germanica) and American cockroaches (Periplaneta americana). Identifying the type of roach infestation you’re dealing with will help you choose the right traps.

Choose the Right Location: Roaches are attracted to light and humidity, so placing traps in places like bathrooms, kitchens, and other areas where there is a lot of moisture is a good idea. Traps should also be placed close to walls and corners, as this is where roaches like to travel along.

Choose Traps Specifically Designed for Roaches: There is a wide variety of roach traps available on the market, from glue boards to bait traps. Many traps are designed to be used for a variety of pests, but it’s important to choose ones specifically designed for roaches. These will be more effective at catching roaches, and may contain additional features such as attractants to draw roaches in.

Choose Traps that are Safe to Use in Your Home: Many roach traps contain chemicals that can be dangerous to children and pets. It’s important to read the product labels and make sure the traps you’re using are safe to use in your home.

Utilize Multiple Traps: Using multiple traps along with other cockroach pest control products is recommended to maximize the effectiveness of your extermination effort. This will help to catch as many roaches as possible, while also helping to identify areas where more traps are needed.

What are the Best Places to Place Roach Sticky Traps?

The first place to place roach sticky traps is along baseboards and in cracks and crevices. Roaches love hiding in dark and narrow spaces, so it's important to place your traps in these areas. You should also check along wall-to-wall carpeting, especially if you have a pet or there are food spills.

Next, you should also place traps underneath and behind large appliances. These appliances provide a good hiding place for roaches, so trapping them here will be more effective. You should also check behind wall hangings and near furniture, as well as around the perimeter of your home.

Another great place to place roach sticky traps is in the kitchen and bathroom. Roaches are attracted to food, so these areas have a high rate of infestation. Place your traps close to food cabinets, along the sink and countertop, and in and around any cracks or crevices you may find.

In addition, you should place your roach sticky traps near pet food and pet bedding. Roaches are attracted to the smell of pet food, so placing traps near pet food dishes and pet beds can help reduce the number of roaches in your home.

How to Tell When Sticky Traps are Full and Need Replacing?

It is important to check roach sticky traps at least once a week to make sure they are effective. Traps should be replaced when they become full, when the adhesive starts to lose its stickiness, or when they become covered with dust or dirt.

Conclusion

Using roach sticky traps is a great way to get rid of roaches without having to use harsh chemicals or sprays. They are safe for humans and pets, inexpensive, and easy to use. It is important to choose non-toxic traps and to place the traps in the right places. It is also important to monitor the traps regularly to make sure they are working effectively.