366 A Healthy Home
Controlling Pests
Pests, such as cockroaches and
rodents (rats and mice), live
wherever there are food crumbs,
trash, and places to hide. They
carry illnesses and are a common
cause of allergies and asthma
attacks. Unfortunately, the
sprays often used to get rid of
insects and rodents also cause
asthma attacks and other health
problems.
Many people use chemical
pesticides to control insects and
rodents in the home. Pesticides
are poison (see Chapter 14). If
they are used at all they should be
used, handled, and stored with great care.
The best way to control household pests is to get rid of the conditions that
attract them:
• Sweep and clean regularly to get rid of food scraps, crumbs, and
materials in which rodents can nest.
• Clean and dry surfaces where food is prepared after cooking and eating.
• Store food in tightly covered containers.
• Fix leaking pipes and keep sinks dry. Cockroaches and other insects
like water.
• Keep household waste in covered containers, and remove it regularly.
• Fill holes and cracks in walls, ceilings, and floors to prevent pests from
entering. Fill small holes with materials such as steel wool, fine mesh
screens, mortar, sheet metal, etc.
Many pests can be driven away using organic materials that are less harmful
and less costly than chemical pesticides.
A Community Guide to Environmental Health 2012