Formula used
This calculator estimates total gel by combining area, the label rate, and adjustment factors. Use it as a planning aid, then verify every value against your product label.
A range check compares it to your min/max placement values.
How to use this calculator
- Choose Length × Width or Enter Area.
- Select the site type, infestation, and harborage condition.
- Enter the base label rate (g/m²). Leave blank to use the site default.
- Set your label’s min/max gel per placement values.
- Keep placements on Auto unless your label specifies counts.
- Press Calculate dosage to view results above the form.
- Use Download CSV or Download PDF to save the plan.
Example data table
Sample scenarios to illustrate outputs. Replace with your label rate and conditions.
| Site | Area (m²) | Infestation | Base rate (g/m²) | Placements | Total gel (g) | Gel/placement (g) |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Greenhouse | 18.00 | Medium | 0.30 | 40 | 5.40 | 0.135 |
| Potting shed | 10.00 | High | 0.25 | 28 | 3.74 | 0.134 |
| Garden storage | 24.00 | Low | 0.25 | 36 | 4.05 | 0.113 |
Dosage planning for garden structures
Gel bait performance depends on placing enough product to compete with food sources while staying within label limits. This calculator converts your measured area into an estimated total gel requirement using a base label rate, then adjusts it for infestation and harborage. Use it to plan treatment for greenhouses, potting sheds, storage zones, compost corners, and outdoor kitchen patios where roaches hide.
Interpreting label application rates
Most gel labels express use patterns as small placements distributed across activity areas. In this tool, the base rate is entered in grams per square meter so you can standardize different sites. If your label provides “spots per area” instead of a mass rate, set a conservative base rate and use the gel-per-placement range to keep each spot within the label’s guidance.
Placement density and harborage adjustment
Higher infestation typically needs broader distribution, not oversized placements. The calculator scales placements automatically using site density and an infestation multiplier, then reports gel per placement in grams and milligrams. If gel per placement falls below your minimum, reduce placement count to avoid tiny dots that dry quickly. If it exceeds your maximum, increase placement count or lower the overall rate within label limits.
Tube purchasing and waste control
Accurate tube estimates reduce mid-job interruptions and prevent overbuying. After computing total gel, the tool divides by your selected tube size to estimate tubes required. For seasonal garden sites, buy one extra tube for touch-ups, but avoid stocking excess that may expire or cure in storage. Record lot numbers and store tubes sealed, cool, and out of direct sunlight.
Monitoring, sanitation, and re-application
Results are strongest when monitoring is consistent. Place sticky traps to confirm hot spots, clean up spilled feed, and reduce moisture sources. Check gel weekly; replace contaminated, dried, or eaten placements and keep new dots near travel routes. Export CSV for logs and PDF for job sheets, then compare follow-up counts to refine future rates and placement strategies over time.
FAQs
1) How do I choose the base label rate?
Start with the exact rate on your product label. If the label lists placements per area, enter a conservative grams-per-square-meter value and use the min/max gel-per-placement range to keep each dot within label guidance.
2) What does “harborage” change in the calculation?
Harborage reflects how many cracks, cluttered corners, and sheltered voids exist. More harborage raises the adjusted rate slightly and encourages more placements, improving distribution where roaches travel and hide.
3) Why is gel per placement below or above my range?
It means your total gel and placement count don’t match your chosen dot-size limits. Reduce placements to increase dot size, or increase placements to reduce dot size. Adjust the overall rate only within label limits.
4) Should I make larger placements for heavy infestations?
Usually no. Better coverage comes from more placements in more locations, not oversized dots. Very large spots can be avoided or ignored and may attract dust. Keep dot size within label guidance and spread placements evenly.
5) How accurate are the tube estimates?
Tube count is a planning estimate: total gel divided by your tube size, rounded up. Real usage can vary due to wasted gel, clogged tips, and uneven surfaces. Consider buying one extra tube for follow-up touch-ups.
6) How often should I check and replace placements?
Inspect weekly at minimum. Replace gel that is eaten, dried, wet, or contaminated with soil or dust. If activity remains high after 10–14 days, improve sanitation, add placements in hot spots, and reassess the base rate.