Tools Used To Inspect and Monitor For Cockroaches
- Flashlight. Use a heavy-duty, corrosion-resistant model with a bright-colored body, shatter-proof lens, and halogen bulb. A smaller halogen flashlight with a flexible neck is useful in tight, confined locations. Flashlight holders that can be attached to a belt are available.
- Telescoping Mirror. Use a furnace inspector's or mechanic's metal mirror with a telescoping handle and rotating head. To illuminate areas inside equipment, fixtures, etc., reflect the flashlight beam off the mirror.
- Clipboard and Pen. Use the clipboard to carry monitoring forms, floorplans, etc. during inspections.
- Floorplan Maps and Building Plans. Carry a floorplan with the major equipment and fixtures marked. In large buildings, construction drawings which show utility lines, heating/cooling ducts, shaft connections, pipe chases, etc. are very useful for locating entry points, harborages, and runways.
- Sticky Traps. These are used to locate harborage areas and estimate populations.
- Flushing Agent. A pocket-sized can of pressurized air is useful for spot-flushing roaches out of inaccessible areas where trapping is not sufficient.
- Utility Tools. A pocketknife equipped with various blades, screwdrivers, and forceps allows you to open grills, electrical boxes, and other equipment for inspections. Carry small vials and adhesive labels to collect cockroach specimens. A 10-power (10x) hand lens (small magnifying glass) will help you identify roach species. Colored adhesive labels can be used to mark hot spots, location of traps and bait stations, etc. These tools can be stored in a tool pouch worn on a belt.
- Knee Pads and Bump Cap. These are useful when crawling around for floor-level inspections.
- Camera. A Polaroid camera is useful for communicating specific conditions (e.g., unsanitary conditions, areas needing pest-proofing, etc.) in reports to decision-makers or sub-contractors not on the premises.
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