Reducing cockroaches, cockroach allergens, and pesticide use in low income housing

Pest infestation, pesticide use, and pest allergens are recognized as common indoor risks which affect residents' health. During 2006-2007, we conducted a survey and intervention program in two apartment complexes. Eighty one percent of the apartments were found infested by cockroaches, mice, ants, spiders, or flies. Among the 1,173 residents, 13% and 9% had physician-diagnosed asthma and allergy, respectively. The lack of adoption of effective cockroach control programs has led to chronic cockroach infestations in low income housing. Through a community-wide integrated pest management program (IPM), we demonstrated 74% reduction in cockroach infestations and significant cockroach allergen and pesticide use reduction by IPM after one year. A self-sustainable cockroach IPM program can be achieved by engaging the participation of pest control contractor, residents, and the property manager.