Certain cockroach species benefit from living in close association with humans, and it has historically been assumed that all cockroach pests found within homes are nothing more than an ugly nuisance. However, this is no longer the case, as a growing amount of scholarly literature demonstrates that roach pests radiate bodily matter that contributes to the development of asthma when this matter is inhaled. If that is not enough, it is well known that common cockroach pest species are covered in more than 30 different types of disease-causing microorganisms, including bacteria, fungi, molds, and a couple of viruses. Also, researchers have recently found indoor cockroach pest species carrying an amoeba that causes dysentery, another parasite that causes giardiasis, and the poliovirus. Unfortunately for New Orleans residents, a recent study carried out by government researchers has revealed that cockroach infestations are most frequent in New Orleans when compared to all other US cities.

Every other year, Federal employees carry out the American Housing Survey, which asks people all over the US questions about housing satisfaction, the interior conditions of their home, and which, if any, pests have been problematic within or near their home, including insect, arachnid, and wildlife pests. Although the four primary cockroach species in the US infest homes in all US states, the housing survey almost always finds that cities located near oceans and other bodies of water see the highest rate of cockroach infestations. It probably won’t come as a surprise to residents of the Big Easy to learn that their historically notable home city is the most cockroach-infested metropolitan area in the country. However, residents of New Orleans may be shocked to hear that more than 41 percent of residents in the city have encountered cockroach pests within the past year. This is due to New Orleans’ subtropical geographic location, outdated urban and residential structures, and the city’s crude infrastructure, specifically the city’s anachronistic sewer system, which was constructed before the arrival of the 20th century.

Have you ever encountered two different cockroach species within your home on the same day?

Louisiana is home to numerous cockroach species, many of which are common household pests. In addition to being a commonly hated nuisance, cockroaches are also particularly filthy pests that are known for smearing numerous disease-causing microorganisms on human foods and indoor surfaces. This is not surprising considering that cockroach pests congregate on fecal matter and other forms of pathogen-rich organic materials. In fact, in the relatively warm southern states, cockroaches often become problematic pests within sewer systems where they become unbelievably numerous due to their ability to reproduce at a rapid pace. In big cities located in the south, like New Orleans and Baton Rouge, public health professionals are concerned about cockroaches invading homes after inhabiting sewer systems, which occurs frequently.

It is not uncommon for large sewer-dwelling cockroach populations to seek refuge within residential homes and buildings in response to rising sewage levels. Enormous herds of cockroaches have been found emerging from manholes and even indoor drains when heavy rainstorms and other factors drown out their sewer habitat. American cockroaches, and to a lesser extent, Oriental cockroaches, are the species most often found traversing into homes from sewer systems. In an effort to prevent this from happening, local governments have conducted area-wide cockroach control programs within sewer systems.

In order to exterminate sewer-dwelling cockroaches, many local governments have hired pest control professionals to pump insecticide formulations into manholes. In one case, pest control professionals used a gasoline powered centrifugal blower to pump insecticide dust into manholes, and another case saw officials use a portable crop duster for the same purpose. These insecticide dusts were specially formulated to exterminate American cockroaches, which have adapted a resistance to most insecticides. The American cockroach is the largest roach pest species in the US, as they often exceed 2 inches in length. The Oriental cockroach, another sewer-dweller, is around half an inch in length, and they are distinguished by their sluggish movements. Both the American and Oriental cockroach species can be found throughout the contiguous US.

Have you ever witnessed a migrating mass of cockroaches?

In most US states, German, American, Oriental and brown-banded cockroaches are the most common home invading roach species, as all four are found throughout the contiguous US, and they are the only four roach pests found in much of the northern half of the country. However, in the southern states, several other cockroach species are well known for frequently establishing indoor infestations, some of which include Turkestan, Surinam, brown and Asian cockroaches. Of all cockroach pest species that inhabit only the southern half of the US, the Australian cockroach is the most common home invader.

A 2016 survey of pest control professionals in all US states found that the Australian cockroach was the fourth most commonly encountered roach within homes, which is surprising considering this species can only be found in the subtropical southeastern states. According to the survey’s results, the Australian cockroach was even more common than the brown-banded cockroach within homes. The Australian cockroach is the most common roach pests found in homes throughout Florida, and they are particularly abundant in southern Louisiana as well.

Australian cockroaches are of African origin, and they likely arrived in North America for the first time centuries ago by hitching rides on colonial slave ships. This species thrives in tropical and subtropical climates, and their lack of tolerance for cold weather motivates them to seek warm shelter within southeastern homes during the winter. Much like Oriental, smokybrown and American cockroaches, Australian cockroaches congregate in sewer systems where the warmth and abundance of food in the form of feces, dead skin, hair and rotting food scraps allow the pests to thrive. Unsurprisingly, Australian cockroaches are notable for thriving in pipes, sinks, septic lines, and they frequently appear in toilet bowls.

Residents of Louisiana often spot harmless non-pest cockroach species that accidentally wander indoors or fly toward artificial lights. It is important to avoid confusing Australian cockroaches with these non-pests, as Australian roaches spread numerous disease-causing microorganisms to human food sources and indoor surfaces by virtue of their filthy hangouts. Australian cockroaches resemble American cockroaches due to their relatively large 1 to 1 ½ inch body size and their reddish-brown to dark brown coloration. Unlike most cockroach pest species, Australian cockroaches are capable flyers.

Have you ever encountered cockroaches in your toilet bowl?