Batzner Pest Management Gearing up for Annual Cockroach Race

NEW BERLIN, Wis. — Back again by popular demand, Jerry Batzner’s Madagascar Hissing Cockroaches are getting ready for their annual race in Batzner Pest Management’s New Berlin offices.

“We have a collection of Madagascar Hissing Cockroaches, whose ancestors originated in Madagascar, an island off the coast of Africa,” said Batzner, the company’s president. “We keep them as pets in our offices and as an educational tool, too. The Madagascar Cockroach is a fascinating insect because of its unusual ability to produce its hissing sound. “

The races at the company’s headquarters are part of its celebration of Customer Service Week, which runs from Oct. 1 to Oct. 5.

On Oct. 3, nine teams of Batzner employees will choose their racing roach from the Batzner collection, and put them to the test on a custom-built track. The winning team will designate their favorite local charity, which will receive a $200 donation.

In recent years, the race has attracted national attention. Several years ago, ESPN, dubbed it one of the “Top Ten Sporting Events of the Week.”

"The week’s activities have a serious objective. It’s not just a party," Batzner said. "We’re proud of our own customer service people and are happy to recognize them for their contributions to our organization.”