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 This is due to New Orleans’ subtropical geographic location, outdated urban and residential structures, and the city’s crude infrastructure, specifically the city’s anachronistic sewer system, which was constructed before the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?