Cockroach Infestations and Control

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Cockroach Infestations - Sanitation, sanitation, sanitation! -	Summary: Cockroaches are probably the most important pest in structures where food is handled. Cockroaches are experts at finding and exploiting whatever food scraps we leave for them. They are generally associated with unsanitary conditions. Jack DeAngelis, PhD OSU Ext. Entomologist (ret.)

These pages will help you get rid of cockroaches from homes and commercial property where they are probably the most successful structure-infesting pest worldwide.

Cockroaches are medium to large size, light brown to black insects (right). They are often associated with unsanitary urban environments but many species are not associated with human dwellings at all. Those species that do invade dwellings are called peridomestic.

Peridomestic species enter buildings in search of food and water. Almost any foodstuff can attract and support cockroaches. Populations in a building where adequate food and water are present can grow quickly. While cockroaches do not cause structural damage their presence often indicates conditions that may be unhealthy. There are also concerns about cockroaches directly causing allergic reactions and spreading disease by contaminating food.

German cockroach (adult); note long antennae and dark stripes behind the head

Cockroaches do not form colonies but often live in groups. They prefer warm and damp areas in out-of-the-way places, called harborages. Cockroach activity is usually highest at night. Cockroach activity in the open, during the day, typically indicates very high populations with individuals pushed out of harbaorages because of overcrowding.

Cockroach control

Effective cockroach control must include elimination of food and water sources, as much as possible, and the use of either poison baits, traps and/or insecticides. For infestations in commercial buildings, such as restaurants or apartment buildings, sanitation should be combined with baiting, as well as "crack & crevice" treatments. See our suggestions for how to approach cockroach control.

"Cockroach" by any other name... kakerlakk (Norwegian), mort (Swedish), kakerlak (Danish), kuchenschabe (German), cucaracha (Spanish), svabbogar csotany (Hungarian), blatte cafard (French), bicho de conta (Portuguese), karaluch (Polish), blatta (Italian), chang-lang (Chinese)

Related information: [Identification of pest (peridomestic) species]; [Cockroach baits]; [Cockroach Guide (pdf file)] You'll need Acrobat reader or equivalent (free) to open this pdf file; [Pest Control Reference Books] -- Cockroach control can be complex especially in multifamily dwellings or commercial buildings. If you are responsible for cockroach control in a commercial setting these reference books may be useful.

The Pest Management Store -- Identification guides, reference and gardening books, etc.

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Mission: To provide accurate, up-to-date and unbiased information for solving common insect and mite problems around your home, business and landscape using least-toxic methods.

Jack DeAngelis, Ph.D.

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