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Read Product Labels of Cockroach Baits Carefully Prior to Use Follow Instructions & Keep Them away from Children

  • 2016.07.14

Cockroaches are one of the most common household pests which carry a wide variety of harmful microorganisms and pathogens that could pose a risk to hygiene and human health.  It is common for families to purchase cockroach bait products in an attempt to eliminate this vermin.  The Consumer Council examined 23 cockroach baits and trap products to study their active ingredients and usages, and also consulted the Hong Kong Pest Management Association in order to offer the best advice to consumers in using the products safely.

Of the 23 cockroaches control products surveyed, 20 are cockroach baits that emit a scent that attract the pests to feed then kill with their toxins; the remaining 3 are cockroach trap products.  The technical materials of most of the active ingredients found in cockroach baits are classified as type II by the World Health Organisation (WHO) which is moderately hazardous.  As the active ingredients of cockroach bait products available in the market have been diluted, and the Agriculture, Fisheries and Conservation Department has imposed restrictions on the formulation and sets limits on concentration of pesticides, these products are safer than the technical materials.  Bait traps generally do not contain pesticides and as such are less toxic than cockroach baits.

In this study, the Council found that some product samples did not list the recommended amounts or number of baits to be used.  Even if the labels carried the recommended amounts, the level of detail varies among products.  For example, "use 2 to 4 bait stations every 5 square meters", "6 bait stations should be used each time", "place the baits according to density of the cockroaches", and "a few stations".  Based on information of individual products alone, consumers may not be able to gauge the exact amount of baits to be used.

The validity of different products could last from 1 week to as long as 1 year.  Just based on the product labels, consumers will find difficulties in estimating the actual usage volume, and the annual costs for purchasing baits could vary significantly.

The Council urged manufacturers and agents to list the recommended usage amount in detail on product labels.  Consumers should also read and follow the instructions carefully. In addition, the Council found 4 products which claimed to eliminate cockroaches and yet do not bear any Hong Kong pesticides registration numbers.  The Council reminds consumers that when purchasing cockroach bait products, they should look for the presence of registration numbers with clear bilingual instruction labels.

Consumers should observe the safety advice on product labels when using cockroach baits.  According to information from the Hong Kong Poison Information Centre, 54 cases of oral intake of cockroach baits were recorded between 2011 and 2015, with 44 cases were accidental. 96% of the victims of these accidents were children under 5 years of age.  Among the surveyed products, some cockroach baits are enclosed within child-proof cases and relatively safer, but some are in loose granular forms.  If children can access their placement easily, it would increase their risks to take the baits by mistake. 

Although most people taking in small amount of cockroach baits will likely experience only slight intestinal discomfort, if they swallow the bait packages or debris, their oesophagus and stomach could be injured.

If one swallows cockroach baits by mistake, consumers may find the antidote listed on the packaging labels.  If there is no specific antidote, consumers are advised to bring the products to the hospital and seek immediate medical help.  If one accidently comes in contact with the baits, do take off all contaminated clothing immediately and cleanse thoroughly with soap and water.  After purchasing the product, be sure to keep the bait labels, or capture the image by mobile phone or camera for future reference when necessary.

In order to reduce the cockroach nuisance at home, the most effective way is to pay attention to home hygiene and eliminate the necessary survival conditions of cockroaches.  Before using cockroach baits, consumers are advised with the following tips:

  • When taking out the baits, do not tear or force open the bait stations to prevent the baits from falling out and scattering;
  • Wear gloves when placing baits and do not sniff in close distance; wash hands after use;
  • Baits should be placed at locations where cockroaches are frequently found.  Food should be stored properly to boost the chance of cockroaches eating the baits;
  • Do not spray other pesticides around bait stations as this could deter cockroaches from feeding on the bait;
  • Apply the baits at places not easily accessible by children and store them away from children;
  • Check the effective period of baits and change the baits accordingly.