Best Way to Deal with Cockroaches in Your Home

The source of cockroach allergen is less well defined than for the house-dust mite, but it is probable that digestive enzymes present in their fecal particles play an important role.

Although cockroach fecal particles are substantially larger and heavier than those of the house-dust mite, they could still become airborne, and so be available to be breathed in through the nose or mouth or enter the body through the eyes, if they become fragmented. It is also possible that dust particles could become coated with the insects’ allergens and enter the body along with the inhaled dust particles. Some research has also suggested that the cockroach sexual pheromone-binding proteins, rather than the fecal droppings, may be the source of the secreted allergens.

In socially deprived, inner-city areas with poor housing, cockroach allergy has been found to be a major factor in those attending hospital emergency departments with severe asthma. Cockroach allergy can be tested for using a skin-prick test.

Cockroaches can also act as disease carriers. They are known to carry human infections and food poisoning bacteria.

Using and making cockroach traps

Sticky traps made specifically for cockroaches can be bought from hardware stores. You should place these inside in the most likely cockroach feeding or watering sites, such as near the waste container, under the sink, in food cabinets, under and behind the refrigerator, and in the bathroom. Sticky traps are not recommended for use outside because they generally do not hold the larger cockroach species found outside and they are not resistant to the elements. You can, however make your own, very effective, cockroach trap for the home with little effort:

• Take any empty jar that has a rounded lip and grease the inside upper surface with a thin film of petroleum jelly.
• Place a quarter slice of beer-soaked bread, or any other food, in the jar.
• Wrap the outside walls of the jar with paper towel to help the cockroaches climb to the top, so that they can then fall in.
• Place the jar against a wall to give the insects easy access to the bait, or otherwise place the jar as for the sticky traps.
• Outside, cover the jar with a domed shape of aluminium foil to prevent rain filling into the trap, but keep the side access open to admit the cockroaches.
• To kill the trapped cockroaches, pour dishwashing detergent into the jar and add hot water. Wash the jar and relay the trap every 2-3 days.
• Avoiding cockroach allergens
• Reduce sources of dampness in the home.
• Maintain good air ventilation.
• Promptly dispose of all waste food and other waste matter in sealed bags or containers and keep the surrounding area clean.

• Keep food in sealed containers or inside the refrigerator.
• Don’t leave plates and other crockery unwashed overnight to become cockroach feeding sites.
• Keep pet food in resealable containers and do not leave food and water out all the time.
• Vacuum regularly to remove food crumbs.
• Seal entry sources into your home, such as those around