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Cockroaches
Cockroach droppings may be a primary trigger of asthma symptoms,
especially for children living in densely populated, urban
neighborhoods24. To reduce asthma symptoms, it is important to eliminate
cockroaches. Cockroaches love damp and dirty places, especially those
where there’s a source of food. Cleanliness and eliminating damp
conditions is crucial.
Preventing Cock
Roaches
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Fix dripping faucets and
leaky plumbing.
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Take out the trash, wash
the dishes, and clean up in the kitchen around the stove.
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Keep garbage, wood piles
and other debris away from the house.
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Let the cockroaches go
thirsty and hungry- they will find someone else’s house to live in.
Getting Rid of Cockroaches
If you still have a roach problem try the boric acid recipe listed above
for ants but keep it away from areas children play and pets may eat it.
It is particularly useful under the stove and refrigerator. You can also
buy roach traps. Most of these are toxic and should not be used as a
substitute for eliminating conditions that attract roaches.
Termites
Termites eat wood and cause structural damage. New homes can be designed
so that pesticide application for termites is not necessary. Methods for
preventing termite infestation include the use of metal and sand
barriers. For treating existing termite infestations consider freezing,
heating and other new treatments. The Bio-integral Resource Center in
Berkeley, California has an entire publication dedicated to this
subject, Least-Toxic Pest Management for Termites. They can be reached
at (505) 524-2567.
Resources
The Northwest Coalition for Alternatives to Pesticides (NCAP) has a
large on-line library of fact sheets on non-toxic & natural alternatives
to pesticides. http://www.pesticides.org. Consider supporting them by
becoming a member. NCAP publishes a quarterly newsletter free for
members and a monthly newsletter by e-mail with tips.
The Bio-Integrated Resource Center,
Integrated Pest Management (IPM) specialists. http://www.birc.org.
(505) 524-2567.
Dr. Moses' Pesticide Education Center.
http://www.pesticides.org. (415) 665-4722. Dr. Marion Moses, is a
physician specializing in occupational and environmental medicine with
years of experience investigating and diagnosing pesticide-related
illnesses. Dr. Marion’s book, Designer.
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