Pencil Mashenka - composition, how to use chalk against cockroaches, how it works, effectiveness

Compound

The insecticidal product Mashenka is a small (20*120*30 mm) elongated whitish-grayish block weighing 20 g, packaged in a branded blue cellophane wrapper. Its composition may vary from manufacturer to manufacturer, but in most cases the pencil includes:

The base filler that binds all the components and also gives the insecticide a certain solid consistency and the desired shape is a mixture of gypsum and chalk.
The main active toxic substances that cause the death of pests are zeta-cypermethrin (0.1%) and deltamethrin (0.05%), which are classified as second-generation pyrethroids.

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Analogs

Analogues of chalk Mashenka Dusts against bed bugs are produced by many manufacturers. Mashenka was remembered thanks to its interesting name.

Chinese pencils for bedbugs. Sold everywhere at an affordable price. The action lasts for one and a half months. A good remedy for prevention. They do not contain an unpleasant odor and are used similarly to Mashenka.
Brownie chalk. The active component is the insecticidal substance deltamethrin (0.15%). It works identically to Mashenka chalk and is used in the same way. Properties last for about 2 months. You can buy it in any specialized store or hardware departments in supermarkets.
Chalk Clean house. The active ingredient is alpha-cypermethrin (0.2%). A contact insecticide that causes muscle paralysis and causes death in a few minutes. Odorless, leaves virtually no marks on the treated surface. A Clean House is more powerful in influence. Does not lose its properties for about a month.
Titanic. Contains several active substances. One of them is a modern insecticide - fipronil. Composed of 0.04%. It is supplemented with cypermethrin. The effect after treatment lasts about 2 months. Fipronil is more resistant to ultraviolet rays and ambient temperatures.

Which chalk to buy is an individual choice. The operating principle is identical.

How it works, indications

Highly active synthetic pyrethroids deltamethrin and zeta-cypermethrin are the main toxic components that make up Mashenka’s pencil and are characterized by intestinal contact effects. How they act on cockroaches depends on the method of their penetration into the body.

The toxic substance, falling on the pest, destroys it from the outside, corroding the chitinous covers. This chalk preparation has an equally effective effect when it penetrates through the spiracles or the digestive system.

Poisons that enter the body of an insect have an extremely negative effect on the functioning of the nervous system. Toxins trigger the process of blocking the transmission of impulses along nerve fibers through the membrane of one cell to another. Gradually, the cockroach loses the ability not only to move, move in space and eat, but also to breathe. He dies as a result of complete paralysis.

The first cockroach corpses are observed on days 4-5. Starting from this time, the population declines sharply, and after 30-60 days the colony can be completely destroyed.

Chalk Mashenka is indicated for use both in advanced cases, when the infestation of a room by insects is very high, and when there are only isolated pests, as well as for the purpose of prevention against their penetration.

What substances are included in this insecticidal product?

Since the appearance of such an insecticide, its composition has been increasingly improved. Outdated components were replaced with new, more modern ones. This made the product not only very effective, but also quite effective. Today this chalk contains the following substances:

Deltamethrin. In Mashenka it is slightly less than 5%. This is an insectifying component of synthetic origin. It affects the digestive system of the insect, and is also able to penetrate its body through the chitinous shell. It very quickly paralyzes the parasite and causes its death.
Zetacypermethrin. This component is contained in insecticidal chalk in an amount of 0.10%. Like the previous element, it also has a synthetic base, but is created using a different chemical formula.
Chalk. Used as a filling agent. It is used as the basis of all insecticidal sticks against cockroaches.

Why does Mashenka contain two different products? The use of these components is necessary to prevent parasites from developing resistance to the drug after repeated use.

On a note
The main components of Mashenka (zetacypermethrin and deltamethrin) are found in some sprays used to kill insects. In addition, similar substances are also found in insecticides used by professional pest control organizations.

The remedy works as follows: the Prussian runs along the line drawn with Mashenka’s help and stains its antennae, belly and paws.

If there is at least a small amount of moisture, the drug begins to take effect. The components of the chalk penetrate directly into the hemolymph of the insect through its chitinous shell.

If a parasite tries to clean its antennae and paws from an insecticidal pencil, then part of the product penetrates its gastrointestinal system. After some time, the cockroach begins to circle in place, its movements become chaotic. After this he becomes paralyzed and dies. In order for all parasites to be destroyed properly, it is necessary to use the drug correctly.

On a note
Nowadays you can find the “Silver Mashenka” pencil on store shelves. This is the same product that was sold before. In addition, this mild insecticide works in the same way as a similar product.

How to use Mashenka chalk against cockroaches for maximum effect

Using the Mashenka insecticidal pencil against cockroaches does not present any difficulties. However, in order for the poisonous effect to be maximum, it must be done correctly. The chalk should be freed from its packaging, and then thick (at least 15-20 mm) and bold continuous lines should be applied to all problem areas:

along the perimeter of the entire room - along the floor, baseboards, walls;
around doorways - along jambs and paneling;
along window slopes;
on the back walls of cabinets and cabinets;
near ventilation openings and exits;
around switches, sockets, meters, etc.
behind water supply pipes and heating radiators;
under the sink;
on the back of paintings, shelves and other furnishings adjacent to the walls;
behind the refrigerator, microwave oven and stove;
around the sink;
on furniture legs;
around the trash can;
along all cockroach paths and where insects often appear.

One package of Mashenka is usually enough to disinfect a medium-sized room - 25-30 m2. Chalk lines must be drawn boldly and continuously, not sparing the pencil. After all, if a cockroach steps over the poisonous strip, then there will be no use. He must not only get thoroughly dirty in the toxic substance, but also bring it to the nest, where he can infect his fellow tribesmen.

Since pyrethroids lose their effectiveness when exposed to ultraviolet light, it is recommended to close the curtains in the room to slightly reduce exposure to sunlight. For the same reason, the insecticidal “graphics” will need to be updated weekly. It is advisable to erase the old drawing with a damp cloth or sponge, and only then outline everything again.

On uneven surfaces where it is difficult to draw a pencil line, you can first crush the chalk and scatter the resulting powder. It is allowed to dilute the insecticidal bar in water (5-6 l).

Wash the floor, baseboards, doors, etc. with this solution. Spray furniture, room decor, as well as hard-to-reach and secluded corners with a spray bottle. Before using Mashenka chalk, you need to carefully read the instructions included (on the package) and follow them exactly.

Must read: Cockroach powder

Precautionary measures

As when working with any other pesticide, all manipulations with Mashenka chalk should be carried out in compliance with the necessary precautions:

Do not touch the surface of the toxic pencil with bare, unprotected hands. You need to work with it wearing protective silicone or rubber gloves. It is allowed to hold the chalk through the packaging film.
Do not treat storage areas for dishes and food, the inside walls of cabinets, etc.
Maintain personal hygiene: do not drink, do not smoke, do not eat during treatment.
Do not apply the product in areas where small children and pets are frequented.
After finishing work, wash your hands thoroughly with any detergent.

Main pros and cons

Chalk Mashenka enjoys well-deserved popularity due to its positive qualities:

versatility - helps not only against cockroaches, but also against other domestic, garden and garden insects;
lack of smell;
ease of use - does not require any preliminary preparation and is easy to apply;
effectiveness - the result in the form of cockroach corpses appears within 3-4 hours;
security;
ease of removal after the end of the processing period;
affordable cost;
Possibility of use for preventive purposes to prevent the appearance of cockroaches;
availability - insecticide pencil is easy to find on sale.

However, judging by consumer reviews, this drug is not without its drawbacks:

short period of action, the chalk quickly loses its toxic properties - after 7-10 days, especially under the influence of sunlight;
long period of exposure - several successive treatments will be required to completely destroy the colony;
no toxic effect on oviposition in nests;
low efficiency in case of global infestation of the territory by insects;
potential, although not too great, danger to children and pets;
the presence of a large number of drugs with the same name Mashenka, differing in effectiveness (there are also counterfeits).

Efficacy of the drug

Reviews about the Mashenka chalk pencil for bedbugs are mixed.

We tried to get rid of bedbugs in the apartment in different ways and means. We also used Chalk Mashenka. Advantages: price, ease of use, lack of unpleasant odor. Disadvantages: clearly visible white stripes. Has little effect on bed bugs. It can still be used in combination with other insecticides. On your own, the parasites will not be removed. Helps more against cockroaches and ants. We tried it too.
Natalya, Moscow

Used it in a dormitory when we were students. The cost is within our pockets, safe, odorless. Saves me from time to time. If in other rooms the girls suffered from bites every night, we periodically. You can use chalk for prevention. The effect lasts a long time and is easy to use. But the result is weak. If you study the composition more carefully, everything becomes clear. There are already two insecticides, but in minute quantities. The main share is chalk and gypsum. Able to help with minor infections.
Anna, St. Petersburg
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We fought bedbugs in different ways. Grandmother strongly recommended the chalk to Mashenka. We tried that too. She recommended that we coat the bed frame, baseboards around the room, the space near the outlets, and on the back of the furniture. There were fewer bites, but the bedbugs could not be removed. Waste of time. There are more effective drugs to combat these parasites. What is the price, what is the action.
Victoria, Tver

In terms of effectiveness, chalk stands between aerosol and dust. The concentration of poison on the treated surface is greater than from using an aerosol. It works for a long time like concentrates. But the disadvantage is that only part of the space is processed; you have to wait until the parasite gets through there. Nobody likes white crayon. But the visibility is specially created so that a person can clearly determine where the poison from bedbugs is located and where it is not.