Prevalence of Cockroaches, Bed Bugs, and House Mice in Low-Income Housing and Evaluation of Baits for Monitoring House Mouse Infestations

Abstract

Pests are frequently found in homes, especially in apartment buildings in low-income communities. We investigated the prevalence and patterns of pest infestations in low-income communities in four cities (Jersey City, Linden, Paterson, Trenton) in New Jersey, USA. Resident interviews, visual inspections, and the placement of monitors were used to identify pest infestations. A total of 1,753 apartments from 19 buildings or building complexes were accessed. The infestation rates of cockroaches, bed bugs (Cimex lectularius L.), and house mice (Mus musculus domesticus Schwarz and Schwarz) were 37, 9, and 20%, respectively. Among apartments with cockroaches, 97.8, 2.5, and 0.8% had German cockroach [Blattella germanica (L.)], American cockroach [Periplaneta americana (L.)], and Oriental cockroach (Blatta orientalis L.), respectively. The percentage of residents who were aware of the presence of cockroaches, bed bugs, and house mice was 70.8, 55.3, and 56.8%, respectively. The prevalence of pest infestation was associated with resident ethnicity and gender. Among 856 interview responses, 78% implemented methods themselves to control pests in their homes in the past six months. Chocolate spread detected 99% of house mouse infestations and was much more sensitive than three commercial blank baits. Significant differences were also observed in the feeding preference of the three commercial blank baits.

Keywords: German cockroach; bed bug; house mice; low-income community; monitoring.