What is cockroach gel?
This is a chemical product with a gel-like consistency in a tube or syringe with a long “spout” shape for convenient use.
The active substance in gels is usually an insecticide from the group of pesticides. The composition contains a number of special additives: fatty substances that prevent drying, flavors, components to extend service life, etc.
Gel of any brand acts according to the following scheme:
- the smell attracts insects;
- the cockroach immediately eats a small amount of gel or gets dirty in it, washes its paws and, again, swallows the poison;
- the insecticide begins to work, the individual dies.
Store the gel at room temperature in a dark place inaccessible to children and animals.
Preparation for use
The success of the procedure depends on whether the instructions for using gel products are followed. First, prepare the room:
- wash the floor thoroughly, it is important to remove all dirt that may distract insects from the poisonous bait;
- clean and disinfect the trash can and the area under the sink where it is usually located;
- there should be no dirty dishes on the tables and in the sink, all surfaces should be cleaned of food debris and crumbs;
- food must be put in the refrigerator;
- plumbing fixtures should not leak.
If you follow these rules before treating the room, you can increase the effectiveness of the product, since there will be no other food sources left in the room except the gel. It is advisable to move furniture and large household appliances away from the walls so that the substance can be applied along the baseboards. Drops of the drug are left inside and on top of cabinets, under the sink. You can treat shelves, back walls of household appliances, and furniture. Drops of the product are also left in the bathroom, since insects cannot live without water for a long time.
The gel is applied in a dotted line. The distance between droplets varies from 5 to 20 cm, which is determined by the intensity of infection of the object. The more cockroaches there are in the apartment, the closer the gel points should be to each other. To avoid having to spend a long time scrubbing surfaces from greasy stains, the product is applied to cardboard or plastic substrates. They are cut from any available material that does not absorb fatty components.
The good thing about Kapkan gel is that you don’t have to reapply it. It retains its properties for a month, and the insecticides that are included in the composition are not exposed to sunlight and high temperatures. This means that the product is characterized by the same effectiveness at the initial stage of treatment and closer to the end of the period of prolonged action. After a month, you can remove the gel from surfaces. You will have to regularly remove dead insects.
Kapkan traps can be used as an additional measure when treating a home with sprays, aerosols, powders, and gels. They are installed closer to the baseboards, under the sink, behind large household appliances, for which the devices are moved away from the walls. It is important to control the fill level of the trap. If there is no free space left on the adhesive backing, it is replaced with a new one.
Advantages and disadvantages of gels
The only disadvantage of such drugs is the lack of instant action. The population will die out gradually, but all insects will disappear. Repeated disinfestation is rarely required.
The advantages include the following:
- Convenient to use. You just need to open the syringe or tube and spot treat the room.
- Long lasting effect. Due to the fatty base, poisons evaporate slowly and act for approximately 40–60 days.
- Favorable expense. The gel is applied in very small doses - one package is enough for a standard one-room apartment.
- Complete destruction of insects.
Operating principle
The insecticide included in the preparations is characterized by a nerve-paralytic effect . When ingested, it can block nerve impulses, then immobilize and cause death. It has both contact and intestinal effects. But the insecticide in the substance is no more than 2%. This is quite enough.
To attract Prussians, food attractants are added to the poison - in other words, flavoring agents. The composition is made on an oil basis.
It does not allow the substance to dry out quickly, so it remains in working condition for a long time , without reacting to either sunlight or room temperature.
To protect the bait from unwanted eating by children or pets, it is often made bitter. However, this does not stop insects from eating.
For reference! The aroma attracts pests. They eat food that is pleasant to them, and carry away the remainder of the composition on their paws. It should be noted that death does not occur immediately, so the Prussians cannot suspect anything special.
The death of the colony begins after a couple of days , when most of it is already infected. The remaining individuals die out gradually, especially since the bait continues to remain on the treated surface.
It has a prolonged action. It can be used against re-infection. This is true if the parasites have also settled in neighboring apartments and may well move onto your territory again.
Now there are several popular brands of gels on the market: Dohlox, FAS, Global, Forsyth, Combat, Clean House and Raptor.
Top best gels for cockroaches and ants
You can find various gels against cockroaches on sale. But among them there are also the most popular ones, which have already proven their high quality.
"Global"
Contains chlorpyrifos and cocoa butter, the aroma of which attracts insects. It has a bitter taste, so it is not of interest to pets. There are no dangerous substances in the composition - even if a small part of the gel gets on their tongue, there will be no serious consequences.
The finished product is packaged in a 75 ml tube and is suitable for treating an area of 80 square meters. m. It lasts for several months and kills pests the very next day after use.
"Foresight"
An environmentally friendly product, according to the manufacturer. The gel has little contact with air and does not emit dangerous vapors. The active ingredient is cypermethrin. This is a group of insecticides that paralyze the nervous system and intestinal activity of adult cockroaches and their larvae.
The death of insects occurs a few days after disinfestation.
"Brownie"
Gel against cockroaches with chlorpyrifos. When parasites get on the integument or inside the digestive tract, it causes paralysis. The composition also contains a gel base, bait and preservative additives. The gel is colorless and has no pungent odor.
The product is produced in a convenient syringe with a dispenser, which is enough to treat an area of 50 square meters. m. “Brownie” begins to work immediately after application, and complete elimination of cockroaches occurs after 30 days.
"Absolute"
Here the main active ingredient is chlorpyrifos, but in a more convenient package – a 125 ml tube. The gel is enough to disinfect a room of up to 150 square meters. m.
The consistency of the drug is viscous, the color can vary between light brown and colorless. The gel kills insects 1–3 days after they eat the bait. The effect lasts up to 2 months.
"Absolute" has a hazard class of 4. When working with it, take precautions and keep it away from children and animals. Only hard-to-reach areas are treated with gel: cracks, crevices under baseboards or behind cabinets.
"Medelis Anti-cockroach"
This is a new product among cockroach medications. Zeta-cypermethrin is based on a non-toxic substance for humans that can be used for disinsection of kindergartens, schools, hospitals, etc. The release form is a 30 ml syringe.
"Raptor"
Sold in a convenient 75 ml tube. The gel is enough to completely treat a two-room apartment.
The manufacturer promises the active effect of the drug for 7–8 months. The product attracts cockroaches with the natural aroma of vanilla and apricot, and is easily removed from furniture and other surfaces without leaving a sticky residue.
"Combat"
An effective preparation of brown color with the aroma of goose liver. It works for a month, is easy to apply and begins to kill cockroaches two days after application.
"Clean house"
The insecticide is released in a regular tube with a long “spout” or in a dispenser syringe. The drug contains hydrophilic compounds that absorb moisture well. This allows it to operate for a long time without loss of effectiveness. After just a few days, the pest population is noticeably reduced.
Re-use of the product is possible 4 weeks after the first disinfestation.
"Trap"
Contains two active substances with different effects: cypermethrin and diazonin. Suitable for killing adult cockroaches and their larvae. The 75 ml tube can be used in a room up to 90 square meters. m. Validity period – 2 months.
"Destructive force"
Gel poison in a convenient syringe with a bitter aftertaste that repels pets. An improved formula is used for production, which prevents the paste from drying out and makes it suitable for 10 months. During this period, re-treatment of the room is not required.
"Legion"
One of the most low-toxic, but powerful drugs. Eliminates even cockroaches that are resistant to other agents. The effect can be noticed within an hour after use.
The only negative is the dosage. The manufacturer recommends calculating the volume of the gel in strict accordance with the instructions.
"Attack"
Suitable for disinfestation of large areas - 75 ml syringe. Insects die after two days and are not able to develop immunity to the “Attack”. The product only works against adults, so reuse is required after 12–14 days.
"A great warrior"
It is effective against garden and house ants, but is often used to combat ants. The gel is produced in a 30 ml syringe with detailed instructions. The principle of its action is the same as that of most cockroach remedies.
The main disadvantage is the strong unpleasant smell, but it quickly disappears if you open the window.
“The Great Warrior” runs for 4 weeks. It is active only against adults and requires double treatment of the premises.
Reference! For repeated disinfestation, choose a different product, otherwise the parasites may develop an addiction to the same active substance.
"Brownie Proshka"
Gel against cockroaches, the full name of which is “Brownie Proshka. Triple strike." Has a beige or pure white color. Also suitable for controlling ants.
Release form: 30 ml syringe. The active ingredient is fipronil. This is a substance from the group of pesticides with a nerve paralytic effect. The drug kills all insects in 1–3 days and works for a month.
"Dohlox"
Dohlox is based on fipronil. Cockroaches die 8 hours after consuming the poison. The maximum effect of treatment is noticeable on 2–3 days. The product is sold in a syringe with a nozzle, which prevents the gel from leaking out and makes its consumption economical.\
"Cleanbait"
A new drug among insecticides. The packaging is small, only 20 ml, but it is enough for 60 sq. m of free space. The active substance is hydromethylone, which kills cockroaches and ants. Insects die 2 days after application. The residual effect of Cleanbait lasts up to 2 months.
EXIL
German-made gel in a 75 ml tube. Equipped with a special nozzle that allows you to easily apply the product behind the sink, baseboard, between walls or in cracks where cockroaches most often live. Contains flavoring agents and chlorpyrifos.
The gel-forming base is cocoa butter. The substance does not dry out for a long time and remains attractive to Prussians.
"Adamant"
A drug that combines several poisons, but is low-toxic. Suitable for treating domestic and industrial premises. Remains effective for 60 days. Active against adult cockroaches and their larvae.
"Advion"
The composition contains indoxacarb, which paralyzes the muscle activity of parasites. "Advion" prevents the development of immunity in insects and causes their death within 7 days.
Important! Do not leave the product near food or within the reach of children or animals.
"Blockbuster"
A 30 ml syringe with gel, colorless and odorless. Cockroaches are attracted by the absence of the “amber” characteristic of most analogues. The consumption of the drug is economical - one pack is enough to treat an apartment of up to 90 square meters. m.
The active component is fipronil, which penetrates the parasite’s intestines through the chitinous layer or when it directly consumes the drug. Also contains tasty bait, fat base and preservative. It is highly effective and has a long lasting effect.
"Boron gel"
Products Designed to eliminate large numbers of insects. Release form: a 100 ml flat tube of soft polymer material with a convenient tip. This syringe holds much more gel than a regular plastic one.
The active ingredients are diazonin and boric acid. This product involves treating premises against cockroaches in two stages.
"Bullitt"
Contains fipronil, water, food additives and gelling agents. When consumed, it causes paralysis of nerve cells in parasites, blocking their work. Insects die within 12 hours after application.
"Goliath"
This is a fipronil-based cockroach bait gel. Even in small dosages, it destroys up to 1000 insects, attracting them from a distance of 1–2 m. It does not matter how hungry the Prussians are.
The use of “Goliath” may be relevant in places where it is not possible to treat with insecticidal sprays or dusts: residential and industrial premises where there are always people.
Starts working the very next day after application. The effect is achieved not only by consuming poison, but also by transferring food from one insect to another, as well as by eating their own kind. This action is called cascading.
"Cucaracha"
Combined type insecticide. The main active ingredients are cypermethrin and malathion. Available in a convenient tube, which completely eliminates contact with the drug during use. Attracts insects with special flavoring additives.
Maxforce
Medium viscosity white gel. It is odorless and contains imidaclopyride, which has a contact-intestinal effect on insects. The composition contains flavoring additives that attract cockroaches.
It starts working immediately after disinsection - dead Prussians can be noticed already in the first day. The drug does not dry out even in rooms with low humidity levels.
Zondex
An effective remedy for controlling cockroaches and ants at home. Release form: 75 ml tube. Quickly and permanently eliminates parasites, maintaining its effect for 30 days. It affects the body of Prussians in the same way as most similar drugs - it causes paralysis and then death.
"Taiga"
Contains 1% chlorpyrifos, which quickly kills parasites. The remaining 99% is occupied by preservatives, fatty base and flavoring. A Taiga package is enough for 300 sq. m. area. Valid from a couple of months to six months.
Reviews
Nadezhda, 45 years old I decided to try the Combat syringe. It was applied precisely to the places where pests were observed. The product only worked on day 2. Single corpses of beetles began to appear. After 2 weeks, the cockroaches disappeared, only their bodies were found.
Evgeniya, Moscow We decided to poison with an imported product - Global gel. The drug worked on the same day, but not effectively enough. We found corpses, but had to process them again, so we bought more packaging. After repeated application there were no more Prussians in the house.
Vika, 24 years old We treated the apartment with a Domovenok Proshka syringe. The drug began to act the next day, and corpses of individuals began to be found. After a week there were many dead cockroaches, but not a single living one.
Gels in syringes are considered a modern remedy for household pests. Before you buy, it is better to read the composition and action of the syringes. After choosing the right one, start processing.
How to use gel against cockroaches: instructions
- carry out a general cleaning of the house and thoroughly wash the places where cockroaches were noticed;
- treat all surfaces with gel (you can use direct application of the product or pour it onto paper and cardboard strips);
- distribute the drug using a point method in the form of a dotted line, leaving at least 3-7 cm between each point;
- leave the substance to act for 1–2 months or more (see instructions).
Cardboard strips with gel make cleaning much easier once all the cockroaches have been killed.
Why the gel may not be effective
Even the best cockroach repellent will not help if they have free access to clean water and food. It is necessary to eliminate all leaks in the kitchen from the tap or pipes, regularly take out the trash can, do not leave food on the table or in the sink, and put special nets on windows and ventilation.
Safety precautions when working with gel insecticides
Be sure to remove children and animals from the premises before applying insecticides. Wear thick clothing, a respirator or mask, and remove food products from public access.
Make sure that the drug does not come into contact with mucous membranes and skin. If this happens, rinse your eyes or other affected areas thoroughly with water.
After cleaning the area, wash your hands with soap.
Why doesn't the remedy work?
It doesn’t matter whether you purchased an expensive gel for killing cockroaches or started with something cheaper: there are several factors that can negate all your efforts.
- Low concentration of insecticides.
The total percentage of chemical poison in any gel does not exceed 2%, but the manufacturer can use either 0.1% or 2% at its discretion. Pay attention to the concentration of active substances, especially if the situation with cockroaches is critical: weak gels may be suitable for a colony that has not yet grown, acting gently and safely, but they are unlikely to cope with a whole crowd of beetles.
Advice
A concentration of 0.1% may be too low for one type of insecticide but sufficient for another. Thus, the “Clean House” gel contains only 0.1% lambda-cyhalothrin, but it would be unfair to call it ineffective, judging by the mass of positive reviews.
- Resistance.
There are a large number of insecticides, but most often the manufacturer uses only one type as the basis for the gel. It is quite possible that the cockroaches living in your apartment simply turned out to be resistant to the influence of this particular poison. To eliminate the “luck” factor, choose products with several types of poison in the composition. Thus, the “Fas” product combines diazinon and cypermethrin. Yes, such products are a little more expensive, but they will increase the chances of completely getting rid of cockroaches.
- Best before date.
Don’t forget to check the expiration date of the products before purchasing: an expired anti-cockroach gel may not have any effect, and in the worst case, it may even be dangerous. Still, it’s better not to joke with chemistry.
- Incorrect use.
Despite the fact that the instructions for using such products could not be simpler (spread the gel in a dotted line in the habitats of cockroaches and wait), people tend to improvise and deviate from the recommendations in the hope of enhancing the effect. So, on the Internet you can find advice to use aerosol products in conjunction with gels, but this does not always work. If the aerosol has a repellent effect, such as Raptor sprays, then there will be no need for gels: the cockroaches will scatter and will not approach the treated areas. However, if we are talking about a simple poison, then it would be logical to first spray the same dichlorvos, and then carry out the final cleaning using the same “Raptor gel”.
- You are expecting results too early.
Manufacturers of some products, such as, for example, Dohlox Gel, claim that the gel against cockroaches begins to bear the first fruits within a few hours, but this time is absolutely not enough to remove an entire colony. Moreover, this may take more than one week or even several months. The thing is that in the first days only adult cockroaches die, but after that, new generations of young animals will hatch from the eggs. Be patient and be realistic with your timing.
- The root cause has not been eliminated.
Even if you get rid of cockroaches once, the chance of encountering them again is high if the root cause is not eliminated. Perhaps it is the unclosed ventilation or garbage disposal that is preventing you from seeing the long-awaited result. Just as in diseases it is necessary to treat not the symptoms, but the cause, in the case of cockroaches you will have to find the source of their appearance in the house.
It is possible to get rid of cockroaches if you are patient and follow the tips we just shared with you!
Syringe or tube: which is better?
Most gel tubes are equipped with a special narrow nozzle, which makes their use convenient. But you can squeeze out every last drop of the product from the syringe, which means its consumption is more economical.
There are a huge number of good gels against cockroaches and ants, and it is difficult to recommend anything specific. It all depends on your budget, personal preferences and the size of the area where pest control is needed. Buy only high-quality drugs from well-known brands and follow safety precautions when working with them.
