Roach bait is a modern pest control alternative used for the extermination of cockroaches at indoor locations. The effectiveness of this method of pest control exploits the cannibalistic and coprophagic tendencies of cockroaches.
Cockroaches live in nests. As such, killing a few roaches that happen to wander into a trap is an inadequate means of controlling the pest. Even if all adult roaches outside the nest are killed, some live eggs will remain in the nest and eventually hatch, leading to an exponential growth problem.
Baits are generally sold mostly in gel forms, under several brand names including Advance, Avert, Advion, Combat, Siege, Maxforce and Invict Gold.
For baiting to be effective, proper placement and techniques are a must. One should avoid spraying insecticides in baited areas, as that can cause the bait to become contaminated, thus the roaches would likely avoid consuming it. Baits and Insect Growth Regulators can be useful in many cases.
Technically speaking boric acid is not a bait in the dry form, but rather broadcasted as a dust, that is both a toxin and a desiccant.
Boric acid is often formulated into a paste. Roach attractants are mixed with the boric acid. It is similar in consistency to toothpaste. The boric acid baits are great because of their low toxicity and ease of use. You don't need to look for the roach nest. The roaches will take the bait back to the nest. In most cases, one application and you can rid your home or roaches for up to one year.
To apply bait paste, simply take an amount about three times what you would put on your toothbrush and put it under sinks, stoves, refrigerators, cupboards, and other water or food sources.
The dry boric acid dust is the most often sold product. It is an inferior product because it is very difficult to tell where all the roaches are walking. They must walk over the dust for it to be effective. You won't find a professional exterminator using a dust product.
Boric acid roach baits consist of a proprietary blend of attractants. These products are often sold at exterminator or pest supply houses. They are not dangerous to use. You simply need to know where to get them. They are sold at big box retailers like Home Depot and Wal-Mart in certain areas.
The two kinds of professional roach baits that are sold the most are Maxforce and Stapletons Roach Food.