These medium-to-large, nocturnal insects are considered a major
urban pest – they can scatter quickly, eat almost any food source available, squeeze
into tiny hiding places and reproduce very quickly. If you’ve seen one or two,
there are likely many more hiding where you can’t see. Cockroaches spread at
least 30 types of bacteria and several other types of human pathogens,
including salmonella, by picking them up on their spindly legs and
contaminating all of the food and surfaces they touch (like your countertops). Their
saliva, droppings and body fragments can also trigger allergies and aggravate
asthma – especially in kids. The smaller (1/2 inch to 5/8 inch), light brown
German variety is most prevalent; the American cockroach is one of the largest
types (1½ inches).
Cockroaches congregate in warm, damp places where food and water is
readily available, like kitchens and bathrooms. If you suspect an infestation,
check out the spots where water enters and exits your home, like along and
behind pipes and inside cabinets under your sinks. To reduce infestations, caulk
or use steel wool to close up these entry points and practice good sanitation
by wiping down countertops after you prepare food, sealing food containers and
keeping trash cans closed and emptied often. Outdoors, trim shrubs and move
woodpiles away from your house to reduce shelter for cockroaches.