Roach Articles by Takeshi Yamada, Brooklyn, NY

A CHECK LIST FOR DYING HISSERS (FINDING THE ROOT CAUSES OF THEIR DEATH)

1. BAD FOODS
Do not give any fresh green vegetables or fruits to them for a while. Hisser babies live very well by eating only finely ground dry dog/cat food.

2. POLLUTED TANK WALLS
Take out all the Hissers from the tank and wash the tank completely. The areas touched by the vegetables with insecticide is polluted. Make sure not use any soap or any chemicals to wash their glass/plastic tank.

3. POLLUTED HISSER FECES
The Hisser babies that ate polluted Hissers’ feces became polluted as well. Take out their dry feces everyday for a while. Use a large spoon, a soft large (one inch wide) nylon brush and post card to take out those dry feces.

4. POLLUTED ORNAMENTS/ACCESSORIES
Take out all the ornaments/accessories and substrates from their tank. Everything. Keep their tank bare minimum with chick water setting, food dish, and a few toilet paper roll cores.

3. FAMILY MEMBERS
Ask them if they used any insecticide or any unusual chemicals inside of the house including in the bathroom for the last few weeks.