Use Pesticides as a Last Reso

 If you must use a pesticide:

  • Read the label and follow
   the directions.
    Never use outdoor pesticides
    inside the house.

    Keep pesticides away from
    children, toys, and pets.

    Keep pesticides in their
    original container.

    Try safer ways of killing
    roaches, like boric acid or bait
    and trap.

    Only buy pesticides with an
    EPA registration number.
    Never buy off the street or
    from friends.
If you hire someone to kill the
cockroaches in your house
remember to ask:
            1 Do you have the
            necessary pest
            control certification?
            i What work will you be
            doing in my house?
            What chemicals will
            be used?
 If you have additional questions
 or concerns call:

   National Pesticide
   Information Center
   1-800-858-7378
                             &EPA
                                United States
                                Environmental Protection
                                Agency

                                Region 5
                                Waste, Pesticides and Toxics Division
                                77 West Jackson Boulevard
                                Chicago, Illinois 60604

                                (800) 621-8431
                                www.epa.gov/region5

                                EPA 905-F-04-001
                                February 2004
Get  Rid of
 Roaches!
                                    Roaches cause problems for
                                    humans. Their body parts and
                                    droppings can make people
                                   sick. Follow these simple steps
                                    to rid your home of roaches.

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Starve Them Out        Dry Them Out
Roaches like to stay in places
where they can find food. If
they can't find food they
probably will leave.
Roaches can't live without water
to drink. Get rid of standing
water all over the house.
Keep Them  Out

Stop roaches from becoming
a problem. Keep them out of
your house.
  Keep drawers, cabinets and
  counter tops free of food
  and clutter.

  Clean up spills and crumbs.

  Seal bags and containers
  of food.

  Cover trash. Don't leave food
  out overnight.
Cover Food
  Fix leaky faucets and pipes.

  Always drain water from sink and
  bath after use.

  Keep drains clear of water and
  garbage.

  Keep all areas of the house clean
  and dry, including the basement,
  kitchen, and bathrooms.
                Fix Leaks
  Keep your house clean and
  in order.

  Put screens over vents and
  pipes that open to outside.

  Seal cracks and openings
  with caulk along baseboards,
  behind sinks, and around
  windows.

  Vacuum and mop your
  floors regularly.
Clean up

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