A local group is promoting the use of alternative pesticides for the protection of both humans and the environment.

The Pesticides Focus Group promotes less toxic pesticides since humans can inhale toxic ones when they are not used properly.

Walter Saul, operating manager for Bermuda Pest Control and a member of the focus group, said that the group?s mission is to educate the public, but said there hasn?t been any change in the Island?s roach population.

The group recently published ?Got Roaches??, one of a series of educational pamphlets about things related to pesticides and pesticide use.

The pamphlet outlines three major alternatives for pest control, the biggest advantage being that the alternative methods are much better contained than common sprays. Humans, therefore, are less exposed to the harmful chemicals.

Alternative forms of pesticides are often in the form of a bait. Rather than releasing poison into the air, the roaches must approach the bait and ingest the poison.

Although roaches are not instantly killed by this form of pesticide, they will eat the bait and carry it back to other cockroaches.

Many of the alternative methods are easily obtainable and include boric acid which is available at most pharmacies, and insecticide bait and diatomaceous earth are available at most plant or pool supply stores.

The brochure said that other sources of food and water must be removed in order for bait methods to work, which many Bermudians may find difficult. Mr. Saul said if people are serious about fixing their roach problem, they?ll take the time to use these more effective methods.

Mr. Saul noted that cockroaches carry disease, so people need to be responsible about controlling problems as they arise.