Baygon was more effective in killing cockroaches within a short time, was probably due to the presence of all 3 major groups of chemicals. Although from the labels of each aerosol can, Mortein and Baygon were found to have no common chemical compounds but have similar chemical groups of insecticide. Details of the chemical component are found in Table 2 and Table3. Carbamates, pyrethroids and organophosphates are three major classes of insecticides. Each group covers a range of chemical compounds that are similar in structure and has their own mode of action in killing the insect.

Carbamates block the production and action of cholinesterase, which is an essential enzyme used in the nervous system. Thus when carbamates are absorbed through the respiratory tract or through skin, paralysis of the nervous system occurs and will cause a rapid "knockdown" effect.

Pyrethroids also paralyze the nervous system but also cause poisoning in the stomach. Upon contact of these chemicals, poisoning occurs through cuticular penetration or via oral intake and damage to the nervous system of the cockroach is irreversible, resulting in its death.

Organophosphates cause the inhibition of cholinesterase and also a rapid "knockdown" effect. The respiratory tract and cardiovascular muscles of the cockroach are affected.

Therefore, when these chemical groups are used simultaneously as it is evident in Baygon, instantaneous death of a cockroach occurs.

However, in Mortein, all the chemical compounds used belong to the pyrethroids. This probably explains the slow killing rate of the cockroaches and is less effective when compared to Baygon.

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