but no observations of the Asian cockroach were made. In 2006, nymph and adult Asian cockroaches were observed feeding on H. zea and S. exigua from both the canopy and leaf litter of the crops and made up 53.7% of all predators feeding on the eggs. Pest status The Asian cockroach is a foreign pest with a peak in adult population during summer and spring in Florida. It lives in the garden where it is in contact with animal feces, soil-borne pathogens and other disease-causing microorganisms. The German has feces and body parts that can possibly be allergenic to humans and the Asian may possess similar traits and pose the same health issue to these individuals. Control and management Although the Asian cockroach prefers the outdoors as its habitat, they are often drawn to houses due to light sources. Restaurants have implemented control measures such as Integrated Pest Management programs (IPM) which target the German cockroach. Due to the similarities to the German and if proper identification is not made of the Asian species, restaurants and homeowners may use pesticide treatments that are ineffective against the Asian, exposing the individuals to unnecessary pesticide residues and other control measures. Indoor cockroach insecticides are generally ineffective in killing the Asian and will only control the ones that have entered the house but are difficult to contain once penetrating a location. They are fast and nimble, and are difficult to kill on the spot. In order to control and manage the Asian, garden or outdoor area maintenance of homes including removal of excess mulch and plant debris is an effective approach to reduce population. Preventative measures for insects including sealing cracks or crevices in the floor or walls are unnecessary for Asian cockroaches as they can fly into buildings through open windows or doors anyway. The use of outdoor insecticides offers another option to Asian cockroach management. ß-cyfluthrin and fipronil granules are insecticides that are highly toxic to the Asian cockroach taking on average 20 minutes and 11 hours respectively to kill the cockroach compared to a MotherEarth Exempt Concentrate natural essential oil which can take up to 11.45 days to kill the cockroach. Scatter baits have been purposely developed for the control of the Asian cockroach and have proven to be effective whereas indoor applications of insecticides have proven to be ineffective. References External links Asian cockroach on the UF / IFAS