Roanoke Times
                 Copyright (c) 1995, Landmark Communications, Inc.

DATE: FRIDAY, March 6, 1992                   TAG: 9203060088
SECTION: EXTRA                    PAGE: E-1   EDITION: METRO 
SOURCE: Beth Macy
DATELINE:                                 LENGTH: Short

DON'T RAID THE ROACHES - CASH 'EM IN

Indeed, spring is blossoming, which could only mean:

OOOOH GROSS! It's time for the 6th Annual Combat Quest For the World's Largest Roach.

"Large roaches can be found at home, work or even in your gym bag," touts Michael Bohdan, field director of Combat's Roach Control Center.

Participants may enter one of two categories - for size (measuring 2.09 inches or more) or for best presentation. The bait for contestants is $50,000 for the largest roach and $1,000 for the most creative.

Past entries have ranged from Tiffany pearls with roach clasp, to Evel Knievel and "Elvis Lives" roaches - now there's a picture for the new postage stamp.

Just how do you catch the little buggers? Set a trap of sugary food in a glass jar with a thin layer of petroleum jelly smeared on the inside rim (to keep the roach from escaping), then place it in a dark, damp place.

When caught, the roach should be submersed in alcohol, thus killing it without altering its length. Stretching is not permitted.

Mail in squish-proof packaging to: The Pest Shop, 2231-B W. 15th St., Plano, Texas 75075. Call (212) 682-6300 for more info.