Cockroaches are a public health risk

• Cockroaches carry diseases that can cause food poisoning, diarrhea or other illnesses.
• Cockroaches can transfer germs from dirty areas to food, kitchen areas and living spaces.
• Some children develop an allergic reaction, similar to asthma, when exposed to contaminated food, dust or droppings.

In this section

• What they eat
• Where they hide
• Infestation
• Prevention
• Resources

What they eat

Cockroaches eat a variety of items, including

• Spilled food
• Pet food
• Toothpaste
• Cardboard
• Wallpaper glue

Cockroaches need food, water, and shelter to survive. Once they find these things, they leave “scent trails” to attract others.

Where they hide

• Cockroaches hide during the day and become active at night.
• If cockroaches are seen during the daylight hours, it is a good indication of heavy infestation.
• Cockroaches prefer warm, humid areas and tight spaces (like cracks and crevices).
• Cockroaches are most commonly found in messy and untidy areas.

If you have an infestation:

• Identify the type of cockroach in your business.
  • Each species requires a different method to eliminate it.
• Hire a pest control service to get rid of them.
• Work with your pest control operator on additional control measures.

Food

Eliminate sources of food by cleaning spills and food debris immediately, washing dishes promptly, and storing food in pest-safe containers.

• Store all items at least 6-inches off the floor.
• Use a trash can with a lid. Empty and clean the trash can regularly.
• Maintain a clean facility. Eliminate food sources by cleaning and sanitizing all surfaces regularly.
• Clean inside, under, and around all kitchen equipment.
• Check all incoming food deliveries for signs of pests.

Water

• Eliminate moisture and repair water leaks.
• Clean drains, using an enzyme cleaner and/or stiff wire brush.
• Hang all damp mops to dry.

Clean and seal shelter

• Clean or remove potential hiding spaces such as:
  • Stacks of old newspapers and magazines
  • Bags and cardboard boxes
  • Piles of clothing
• Seal all cracks and crevices around windows, doors, crawl spaces, pipes, wires and cables with:
  • Silicone caulking
  • Screening or
  • Copper mesh

More shelter tips

• Install door sweeps as needed.
• Avoid propping doors open.
• Put screens in windows and over drains.
• Remove unnecessary equipment from the establishment. Unused or infrequently used equipment provides places for cockroaches to hide, live and breed.
• Check all incoming supplies, including paper goods.