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Health

Cockroaches

cockroaches

Cockroaches

What are cockroaches?

Cockroaches are insects with six legs. They have long antennae, long legs, and two pairs of wings. Adults are about ½ to 1 inch long depending on the type of cockroach. In Arlington, the three most common types are German cockroaches, Oriental cockroaches, and American cockroaches. They are considered household pests.

Where do cockroaches live?

Cockroaches like to live in groups. They prefer places that are dark, warm, and humid. Bathrooms, kitchens, basements, drains, and crawl spaces are common hiding places. Cockroaches are most active at night and will hide in cracks and crevices during the day.

What do cockroaches eat?

Diets vary among cockroach types. Common food includes human food, pet food, grease, soap, potted plants and even paper. Cockroaches hide during the day and come out at night to look for food. They can live a very long time without food or water.

Health Risks

Yes, cockroaches can pose a health risk to some individuals. Cockroach dust is made up of saliva, droppings and decomposing body parts. This dust can trigger asthma symptoms in sensitive adults and children.

Cockroaches can also carry bacteria such as E coli and salmonella on their legs and bodies. They can contaminate food, cooking equipment and surfaces they walk on and make people sick.

Preventing Cockroaches

  • Inspect bags, boxes and other items before bringing them into your home.
  • Insect-proof your home. Eliminate any potential food, water or hiding places.
    • Caulk and seal all cracks and crevices around walls, plumbing fixtures and appliances.
    • Maintain your home in good repair.
    • Store food in containers that have tight-fitted lids or in resealable plastic containers. Do not keep food on your countertops overnight.
    • Do not leave dirty dishes in the sink. Promptly clean any spills or food debris.
    • Remove garbage daily and use cans with tight-fitted lids. Keep trash cans away from doorways.
    • Remove clutter. Remove any trash, newspapers, magazines, cardboard, piles of paper bags, rags, boxes, and other items that provide hiding places.
    • Vacuum cracks and crevices to remove food and debris.
  • Use sticky traps to detect and monitor cockroach infestations.
    • Leave traps in place for at least 24 hours.
    • Traps can provide clues about where cockroaches are gathering.

Getting Rid of Cockroaches

Managing cockroaches is not easy. You must first determine where the cockroaches are located. Some locations may be difficult to reach. Get rid of food, water sources and hiding places in your home. Below are options for getting rid of cockroaches. (Note: These are available options, not recommendations.)

Please read product labels and use only as directed.

  • Vacuum
    • Inexpensive and effective way to reduce cockroach population and remove dirt and food particles
    • Use a vacuum cleaner with HEPA (high efficiency particulate air) filter.
    • Empty contents into sealed plastic bag. Discard immediately.
  • Bait
    • Primary pesticides used to treat cockroach infestations.
    • Bait can be packaged as pastes, gels, granules or dust.
    • Slow-acting, may take 7 days or more.
    • Can be effective for long-term control if all food sources are eliminated.
  • Borate powder
    • An effective chemical treatment.
    • Sprinkle behind and under stoves, refrigerators and sinks.
    • It may take several days to begin to kill cockroaches but it can last for years.
    • Keep away from children and pets.
  • Aerosol sprays
    • Sprays will not control an infestation.
    • Sprays will only kill individual cockroaches.
    • Look for sprays that are labeled “for roaches” and “for indoor use.”
    • Do not use sprays where you prepare or store food or where children play, crawl or sleep.

You can also hire a pest control professional if you have a large infestation or if you do not feel comfortable with do-it-yourself methods. Learn more about getting rid of cockroaches.

Cockroach Problems in Apartment Buildings

The Department of Community Planning, Housing and Development (CPHD) provides information, referrals, advice, and dispute mediation regarding the rights and responsibilities of tenants and landlords. Call the Housing Information Center at 703-228-3765 weekdays from 8 a.m. – 5 p.m. or visit their website.

Resources

Beyond Pesticides-Integrated Pest Management
Fairfax County
University of Missouri, Extension
Pennsylvania State University