Dealing with roaches and mice

Roach droppings and mouse dander are common asthma triggers.

General roach and rodent prevention tips:

• Never eat in your child's bedroom.
• Store food and trash in closed containers.
• Clean up all spills and crumbs as soon as possible.
• Mop kitchen floors at least once a week.
• Clean countertops every day.
• Take out the trash daily and put a tight lid on the trash can.
• Seal small cracks and holes in the home where pests can get in.

Roach specific information

• Fix water leaks under sinks.
• Do not leave standing water at the corner of rooms after scrubbing the floor. Dry with a towel.
• Do not use spray pesticides inside. They can make asthma worse and are dangerous for small kids.
• Use bait stations, gels or boric acid powder under appliances and other places roaches may hide.
• Make sure baits and other poisons are out of reach of children.

Mouse specific information

• Keep clutter off floors so mice won't build nests there. They love warmth and corners.
• Do not get a cat. The cat might actually make your child's asthma worse.
• Use snap traps under appliances and sinks and where you see droppings.
• Trim shrubs well and keep the yard free of litter.