Asthma Triggers - Cockroaches

About Cockroaches
Actions You Can Take
Hotlines
Links

About Cockroaches

Droppings or body parts of cockroaches can be asthma triggers.

Cockroaches are commonly found in crowded cities and the southern United States. Certain proteins, called allergens, are found in cockroach feces and saliva and can cause allergic reactions or trigger asthma symptoms in some individuals. Cockroach allergens likely play a significant role in asthma in many inner-city areas.

Actions You Can Take

An important key to pest management is to free your home of places for pests to hide and to keep them from food and water. Pesticides are toxic for people as well as pests; try to use pest management methods that present the least risk. Some of these methods are:

• Do not leave out food or garbage.
• Store food in airtight containers.
• Clean all food crumbs or spilled liquids right away.
• Wash dishes as soon as you are done using them.
• Keep counters, sinks, tables and floors clean and clear of clutter.
• Fix plumbing leaks and other moisture problems.
• Take piles of boxes, newspapers, and other items where cockroaches may hide out of your home.
• Make sure trash in your home is properly stored in containers with lids that close securely, and remove trash daily.
• Try using poison baits, boric acid, or traps first before using pesticidal sprays.
• If sprays are used:
  Limit the spray to the infested area.
  Do not spray where you prepare or store food, or where young children play, crawl, or sleep.
  Carefully follow instructions on the label.
  Make sure there is plenty of fresh air when you spray, and keep the person with asthma out of the room while spraying. After spraying, the room should be thoroughly aired out.

Hotlines

NATIONAL PESTICIDES TELECOMMUNICATIONS NETWORK
National toll-free number: (800) 858-PEST
[In Oregon - (800) 858-7378]
Operates Monday to Friday from 6:30a.m. to 4:30p.m. Pacific Time. Provides information about pesticides to the general public and the medical, veterinary, and professional communities. Medical and government personnel may call 800-858-7377.

Links

Biologicals page on IED's IAQ Website

Biological Pollutants In Your Home

A Roach Prevention Activity Web Site For Kids www.epa.gov/pesticides/kids/roaches/english/index.html [also in Spanish]

Citizen’s Guide to Pest Control and Pesticide Safety, EPA Document 730-K-95-001, to order, go to the National Pesticide Telecommunications Network, or the National Service Center for Environmental Publications

Pest Control in the School Environment, Adopting Integrated Pest Management, EPA document 735-F-93-012, to order go to the National Service Center for Environmental Publications

Insect & Pest Series Index, Ohio State University

Cockroach Control Manual, University of Nebraska-Minnesota

Least Toxic Methods of Cockroach Control, University of Florida, Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences