Oriental cockroach. Image courtesy Bugwood Network.
Cockroaches are primitive insects that help recycling dead plant material outdoors. However the few species that infest our homes and businesses give all cockroaches a bad reputation. There are almost 70 kinds of cockroaches in the United States; but only six or so are considered pests of homes and businesses.
Fortunately, with the development of effective baits and safer sprays and dusts, cockroaches are not as difficult to control as they once were. However, these insects continue to be a problem in many households, where they can spread disease and produce allergens that can lead to asthma, especially in children. No one should have to live in a home with cockroaches. The following fact sheets provide useful information for controlling cockroaches.
- Cockroaches: Biology and Management (ENTO-037) Everything a homeowner needs to know about cockroaches and the safest methods of control.
- School IPM Action Plan for German Cockroaches (2013) Provides and Integrated Pest Management approach for German cockroach control in schools and other institutional buildings.
- School IPM Action Plan for Outdoor cockroaches (2013) Large, outdoor- and indoor-dwelling cockroaches require different measures from the common German cockroach. This page provides an IPM approach to managing these pests in schools and other institutional buildings.
- Ensign wasps: Parasites of the American cockroach. This news update tells about one insect that cockroach should fear.