NJPMA to Hold Presidential Cockroach Race on Aug. 21

NEW BRUNSWICK, N.J. - On Aug. 21 at noon, the New Jersey Pest Management Association (NJPMA) will hold its traditional Presidential Cockroach Race. The race pits a “John McCain Madagascar Hissing Cockroach” against a “Barack Obama roach” of that same species. This duel takes place during the 61st annual New Jersey Pest Management Association Clinic, at a tent behind Hickman Hall at Cook College Campus, Rutgers University, New Brunswick, N.J.

NJPMA uses Madagascar "hissing" cockroaches for the race because of their size and ability to respond to stimuli. They are one of the largest cockroach species in the world, but are not indigenous to the New Jersey area, which are more prone to infestations of German, American and Oriental cockroaches.

In past years, the "Roach Derby" has attracted national attention due its uncanny 80 percent accuracy rate predicting political winners.

For information about the NJPMA Clinic, contact NJPMA Executive Director Leonard Douglen at 800/524-9942 or visit www.cpe.rutgers.edu/brochures/pdfs/clambakeagenda.pdf.