Less toxic methods work best to control New York City cockroaches.
"Management measures that keep unwanted pests out of buildings and apartments can control cockroaches and their associated allergens better than traditional pesticide sprayings. This is the first study to show how a one-time, low cost visit by professionals can effectively reduce the insects' populations for up to six months. Sealing cracks and using bait traps – rather than periodic pesticide applications – to control the pests lowers people's indoor exposures to unhealthy toxic chemicals and allergens that can lead to asthma."
