Roach Tablets: What They Are And Why You Should Use Them
The Harris roach tablet is one of PF Harris' well-known brands — it's a type of insecticide designed to get rid of cockroaches. The tablets target roaches hiding in hard-to-reach areas because the insects often carry the food pieces back to their nests. Before diving into the specifics of how these tablets work and how to use them, let's first get a better understanding of roaches. These insects have six legs and range from reddish brown to an almost black color. They can grow up to 2 inches in length, though most are smaller. They are notoriously hard to get rid of because they breed rapidly. A female roach can produce up to 200 offspring annually, so this rapid reproduction rate can turn a minor problem into a full-blown infestation in no time.
Roaches are also highly adaptable and can survive in extreme conditions, which makes them all the more challenging to eliminate. Moreover, they are nocturnal creatures, which means they do most of their feeding and exploring when you're not looking. They prefer dark, moist places and can squeeze through tiny gaps, making them incredibly elusive. So, given these insects' cunning, adaptability, and sheer reproductive capacity, it's clear that tackling them is no small feat. While numerous methods and products claim to eliminate roaches, many fall short of addressing the crux of the issue — getting to those hidden roaches that avoid traps and baits. This is where Harris tablets come into play, providing a convenient and highly effective solution.
Do roach tablets work?
The short answer is yes! The primary active ingredient in the Harris roach tablets is boric acid, which makes up 40% of the tablet's formulation. Boric acid works in a fascinating way — it adheres to the hairs or legs of the roach. Then, as roaches clean themselves, they unknowingly consume the boric acid that clings to their bodies. This initiates a gradual poisoning process that targets their digestive systems. One of the unique benefits of this slow-working formula is that it provides ample time for the poisoned roach to interact with others in its colony, ultimately sharing the lethal substance and facilitating a more extensive eradication of the whole group. Furthermore, these tablets come formulated with a lure that entices roaches to consume the product. The tablets are also small enough to be discreetly tucked away under appliances, behind cabinets, or inside pantry shelves—basically, any place roaches are likely to traverse.
Another benefit of Harris roach tablets is their longevity. One box contains at least 145 small tablets, which is usually more than enough to treat an entire house. A single tablet can remain effective for up to two years. And let's not forget, they are also effective against other common household pests like waterbugs and silverfish. However, the primary focus remains on roaches, and rightly so, given their propensity for rapid reproduction and adaptability.
What to know before using roach tablets
The application process is fairly simple but also critical for the tablets' effectiveness. The product package typically includes instructions that offer additional guidelines for optimal tablet placement. Don't skip this part; the tips are designed to maximize the impact of each tablet. However, the basic idea remains straightforward: You'll want to place these tablets in those out-of-the-way, dark corners and crevices where roaches love to hide and where you often can't reach with sprays or larger bait stations. Also, be sure to place the tablets out of sight and reach of pets and children, but where roaches can easily find them.
When using these tablets, ensure they remain dry, as water or moisture significantly decreases the tablets' effectiveness. If the tablets get wet due to cleaning, spills, or high humidity, replace them to ensure they function as intended. Also, refrain from using insect spray on or around these tablets. Sprays can interact with the boric acid and the lure, potentially making them less effective or entirely inert. Therefore, keep the area around the tablets free from other insecticides. Finally, though Harris Roach tablets are designed to last several years, best practices recommend replacing them every 1 to 2 years. This routine replacement ensures the tablets maintain their maximum potency, giving you a consistent upper hand in your battle against roaches.