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Cockroaches

Reporting and Infestation

To request a cockroach treatment of the sewer near your property contact Water Utility Authority through 311 or the following link http://www.abcwua.org/Cockroach_Control.aspx

  1. Inform property management (owner, landlord, or management company) of the infestation; this should preferably be done in writing.
    • If no action is taken within 10 of days call 311
  2. Call 311 to report the untreated infestation to the Urban Biology Division
    • Insect infestation complaints are only taken for residents of the City of Albuquerque
      • However, we would be happy to answer any general questions regarding insect infestation.
    • It is important to leave good contact information for the necessary follow-up on your report
    • Please allow up to 72 business hours for initial contact from someone in our division
  3. Review the links above for steps to take in the mean time

The City of Albuquerque takes cockroach reports/complaints for large apartment complexes, small four-plexes, tri and duplexes. We will also take reports on group homes, community centers, as well as hotels and motels.

The City of Albuquerque does not perform pest control services.

Single unit homes (rented or owned) should contact private pest control (We do not recommend or endorse any particular service). Our office would be happy to answer any questions that you may have about cockroaches, call 311 and request a call back and review our frequently asked questions.

Determining an Infestation

Seeing the occasional cockroach in your home is not unusual, in fact elimination of cockroaches in not the goal of treatment. Rather, we seek control of the population. There are circumstances when populations are so great that action is required.

  1. There are three major types of cockroaches found in and around homes
    • American and Oriental Cockroaches
      • Typically these cockroaches are found outside of your home and occasionally find their way in. Infestations of these cockroaches are not common.
      • Baiting, outdoor perimeter sprays, sealing entry points, and removing debris from around the home is usually recommended.
    • German Cockroaches
      • Most cockroach infestations are caused by this species. They live in building structures and populations can quickly reach high numbers.
  2. Look for live cockroaches in cracks and crevices, appliances, paper goods, outlets, and under sinks.
    • Cockroaches feed on a wide variety of materials; they may be in places you would not expect.
  3. Look for fecal material left behind in areas where cockroaches congregate.
  4. Seeing dead bugs and cockroach egg casings on the floor may indicate a growing infestation
  5. Cockroaches are typically active at night so daytime activity is an indication of a serious infestation.

Health Concerns

  • Cockroaches can mechanically transmit disease causing bacteria as they move from sewers or other hiding places and come in contact with human food.
  • The droppings, shed skins, and secretions can cause allergic reactions and increased respiratory distress, particularly in individuals with asthma.

Cockroach Prevention

  1. Limit access to food by placing dry goods in sealable, plastic containers, cleaning dishes immediately following use, sweeping/vacuuming on a regular basis, sealing pet food containers.
  2. Limit access to water by repairing leaks.
  3. Vacuum or smash live bugs then flush or discard outside of the home. Using over-the-counter products to kill roaches may cause over-exposure to chemicals and cause certain species to drop egg casings pre-maturely; making the problem worse.
  4. Seal cracks and crevices with caulking or patch holes in walls, particularly where pipes or wiring pass through.
  5. Replace broken screens or worn weather stripping.
  6. Remove excess materials like papers and cardboard boxes that act as hiding spaces.