Pest Control in Septic Tanks

Try applying Temephos. It's lethal to insects, including those that breed in water, but harmless to microorganisms.

Garlic spray is offensive to most bugs, add some really hot pepper for good measure.

Rotenone (from marigolds), and diatomacious earth are both lethal and can be used on bedbugs as well. Use a dry mixture and replace after rain. Non toxic to pets and humans when used properly. If you know an organic gardener, ask them.

Figure out how they are getting in - or you are going to do this over and over.

It is a near perfect environment for them, so denial will be the only option to keep them out.

G'day Y'all again,

Thanks for all your responses,

I was contacted by the manufacturer of the Envirocycle Septic system this morning, who has assured me that I can indeed roach bomb the first tank as there are no sources of ignition and it won't affect the microbes. Also that he hasn't heard of a cockroach problem before, the usual suspects are mosquitoes and flies.

So I'm going to set up a video camera (just in case I get a Youtube moment) then set off the roach bomb.

Next I'm going to suggest everybody goes on a high garlic/chili diet which will do 4 things.

1/ Keep the septic system free of pests

2/ Reduce winter absenteeism because we won't get colds/flu

3/ Eliminate sexual harassment in the work place because nobody will be keen to go near anybody else...

4/ Keep everybody regular.

Tippycanoe, Are you suggesting that I place Rotenone and Diatomacious earth on top of the crust in the tank?Or spread it around the outside of the tank?

DVader1000, this Temephos is that a generic chemical or a proprietary product? I have googled the name but I'd like to make sure I'm hunting for the right thing.

Edignan, This system has been in place for quite a few years. It was always been a compromised installation, such that the tanks have sunk, and had to have extension covers put on them. How they are getting in, well all the black and grey water leads to it so there is opportunity at every sink, drain and ventilation point for these critters to get in. Its a factory that runs for roughly 8 hours a day 5 days a week so there's plenty of quiet time for them to do they're thing. They are cockroaches after all. I agree that stopping ingress to them would be ideal. But I'm afraid that this will be an ongoing maintenance management thing, like rodent control which I also do here.

I should have said from the outset that I'm just a an old two way radio technician and while I like to think I'm smarter than the average bear, I'm smart enough to know when to ask questions. I appreciate all your responses, and will endeavour to get back with my results (or a link to a video if that's what happens).

Cheers

Perry

Spread it around outside, dust the covers when open. Anyplace else that it might stay for a couple days. Garlic oil might float on top of the crust. 'Comet' cleanser works on ants, and might do a number on cockroaches too. I wonder what would happen if you set off a cherry bomb inside?

I'm around 200km North of you and also have "envirocycle" system.

There are multiple possible entry points (four inspection covers, power cord enrty holes, pump outlet pipe, a full 360 degreee lid seam and of course the inlet) for the roaches and if you're in Newi, then there will be roaches constantly "discovering" the system and re-infesting.

What problem are the roaches causing? The final tank chlorinates the water going to the spray system, so there should be no "nasties" getting out that way and if the traps on the inlet side are properly maintained the roaches should not migrate back inside the factory.

If you "bomb" the tank, then at least also bomb the factory space and any other confined spaces at the same time to reduce the local population, then use ongoing bait control inside the factory.

The problem is the fact that the cockroaches are there (in great numbers) and that the remains get macerated by the pump and end up clogging the sprinkler system. Ours is an older system without chlorination or UV as it uses an aeration system.

As for bombing the factory, its a little large(24*8*8 meters) and I don't think I'd be able to get enough of them to do the job without being arrested as a potential terrorist (might have to shave the beard..), I'd need to fog the factory but that's not practical either due to the equipment and products.

We don't appear to have a problem in the factory per se' just that when was I doing my regular check on the system I found them in the first tank enjoying a "Joes Apartment" lifestyle. Something which I'd like to knock on the head quick smart.

Cheers

Perry

Temephos is a generic name.

I have had very, very good results with boric acid. It comes in a powder form and apparently interrupts the breeding cycle. It is harmless to pets and humans. Also works on fleas. I'm not sure what effect boric acid will have on the septic system, however...For ants, I like fresh-ground pepper...

corn starch is great for ants and cockroaches too

CO2 will take'em out. We use it in spaces to clear them of critters, all manner of crawlies.

Here is an update,

I have roach bombed the tank. The lid hasn't blown off much to the disappointment of a few people around here. Too much Mythbusters me thinks...

However, I discovered that the interface between the lid and the casing of the tank wasn't as tight as I initially thought. There were a lot of escapees flowing out from the cracks and crevices.

I have now "sealed" the lid/casing interface with (2 tubes) silastic which should slow down the ability of the critters from getting in or out.

I discovered that Temephos is a significant component of Sheep dip, and is reasonably human safe such that its used to treat drinking water for mosquito larvae. Also keeps other insects down to a dull roar. So I'll be acquiring some in the very near future to dose the tank with.

Cheers

Perry

I checked the tank again this morning, and lo and behold only the microbes were stirring.

So that's one small win, the battle against roaches is an ongoing struggle.

Thanks to all who contributed.

Cheers

Perry

G'day my vermin infested Mexican (south of the Queensland boarder, for the uninitiated)

So that's one small win, the battle against roaches is an ongoing struggle.

The next time I see green frog tadpoles in my garden pond a shall send you some. They take care of all the vermin in our septic. Ours is not some sophisticated system but rather primitive. We are only 2 people using it so it is sufficient. It has the disadvantage that the critters get up the toilet but you can't have the cake and eat it too, can we. Here is a little family portrait of them. All the best and keep up the bombardment. It will not help in the long run but these little helpers eat their bombs worth, I can tell you.

Here is Papa frog. Guess why he is so well nourished.

Again, for the people not in the know, NSW and QLD have a conflict when it cames to frogs and Cockroaches. Go the maroons, Ky.

Keep the Infestation from Spreading

• Anything removed from the room should be placed in a sealed plastic bag and treated.
• Items that cannot be treated should be placed in a sealed plastic bag and left for an extended period of time to ensure any active bugs are dead (research shows variation in the length of time needed, but it can be as long as a year).
• Empty the vacuum after each use.
• Seal the bag and throw it out in an outdoor trash container.
• Don't discard furniture if you can eliminate the bed bugs from it.
• If furniture cannot be salvaged, discard it responsibly. Destroy it so someone else won't be tempted to bring it into their home. For example:
• Rip covers and remove stuffing from furniture items.
• Use spray paint to mark furniture with "Bed Bugs."
• Take steps to have infested items picked up as soon as possible by the trash collection agency.
  Affordable Pest Control Services.

I quite agree with johnchow2