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Cockroaches and Pests
Indoor Environmental Asthma Triggers
About Cockroaches, Other Pests and Asthma
Droppings or body parts of cockroaches and other pests can trigger asthma. Certain proteins, called allergens, are found in cockroach feces and saliva and can cause allergic reactions, or trigger asthma symptoms, in some individuals. Cockroaches are commonly found in crowded cities and the southern regions of the United States. Cockroach allergens likely play a significant role in asthma in many inner-city areas.
An important key to pest management is to remove places in your home for pests to hide and to keep exposed areas free of food and water. But remember, pesticides you may spray to prevent pests are not only toxic to pests, they can harm people too. Try to use pest management methods that pose less of a risk. Tips to prevent pests:
- Do not leave food or garbage out.
- 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.
- Seal cracks or openings around or inside cabinets.
- Remove piles of boxes, newspapers and other hiding places for pests from your home.
- Make sure trash is stored in containers with lids that close securely, and remove trash daily.
- Try using poison baits, boric acid or traps first before using pesticide 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 people with asthma out of the room while spraying.
- After spraying, the room should be thoroughly aired out.
The National Pesticide
Information Center (NPIC) provides objective, science-based information
about a variety of pesticide-related subjects, including pesticide products,
recognition and management of pesticide poisonings, toxicology, and
environmental chemistry. NPIC also lists state pesticide regulatory
agencies, and provides links to their Web sites For more information, read
the NPIC
Factsheet 
- 1-800-858-7378
- email at npic@ace.orst.edu
- www.epa.gov/pesticides/
- Biologicals page
- A Roach Prevention Activity Web Site For Kids [also in Spanish]
- Citizen's Guide to Pest Control and Pesticide Safety [EPA Document 730-K-95-001] How do I order?
- Pest Control in the School Environment, Adopting Integrated Pest Management, [EPA document 735-F-93-012] How do I order?
- 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