The ABC’s of Indoor Health: Allergens, Baits, and Cockroach Mitigation Strategies

The German cockroach, Blattella germanica, is a major structural pest, and cockroach allergens have been linked to the development and exacerbation of allergic disease and asthma in cockroach sensitive individuals. The inner-city residential environment often supports large cockroach infestations, which expose residents to high levels of allergens. This review summarizes information on the public health and veterinary importance of the German cockroach. It then presents a brief overview of the current status of various pest control options, with particular emphasis on insecticide baits and the role of horizontal transfer of active ingredient among cockroaches. Finally, I summarize experimental efforts to both eradicate cockroach infestations and to reduce allergen levels. Field studies show that intensive, targeted cockroach control with reduced-risk gel baits can lead to both dramatic reductions in cockroaches and clinically significant declines in cockroach allergens.