Cockroaches, especially German cockroaches, can be challenging to eliminate, making monitoring crucial. Glue boards are an effective tool for identifying cockroach populations and their locations. Cockroaches are often clustered, and since they are nocturnal, finding these clusters during the day allows for targeted treatment, saving time and effort.
German cockroaches typically consist of 20% adults and 80% nymphs. Nymphs hide and feed off adults, rarely leaving their harborage. Glue boards help track the infestation’s progress, revealing if the problem is being resolved. When mainly adults are captured, it shows improvement; when mostly nymphs are captured, the infestation is nearly eliminated. Sharing these findings with customers demonstrates treatment effectiveness and encourages continued sanitation.
However, glue boards have limitations. Cockroaches won’t stray far from food and shelter, so boards should be placed strategically. If boards capture few cockroaches, it indicates areas that don’t need attention, allowing you to relocate monitors to more likely hotspots.
Most glue boards are placed on the floor, but cockroaches often hide in wall voids, equipment, and drop ceilings. Using models like VM Products® EZ Conceal™ or EZ Kat™ that attach to vertical surfaces can improve monitoring in these areas.
To maximize the effectiveness of glue boards, analyze the data they provide. Regularly reviewing capture trends can guide treatment decisions. Otherwise, glue boards will only trap a few individuals without solving the problem.
Effective monitoring accelerates targeted treatments. Glue boards serve as an extra set of eyes, confirming success even when you can’t be there. Monitoring is only as accurate as your glue board placement. Help that along with using stations to contain the boards. For more on the EZ Conceal and the EZ Kat, click here.
