A person with asthma should not be in a room being cleaned. The cleaning can produce fumes and stir up dust into the air. If the person with asthma has to do the cleaning, a dust mask may help.

For surfaces that can be wet-cleaned use a household cleaner for counters, cabinets, floors, and woodwork. Use a paper towel or rag dipped in the the cleaning water to clean a small area. Then throw away the towel or rag and use a clean one. Don't dip the dirty towel or rag into the cleaning water. The idea is to pick the dust up and not just spread it around.

Use a cleaning bucket and a rinse bucket for large floor areas. Rinse the mop each time before dipping back in the cleaning bucket. Change the rinse water often.

Using Bleach

Be careful using bleach. Open a window and use a fan to remove the bleach vapors. Some people are sensitive to bleach vapors. They should not be in the area when someone is cleaning with bleach. Bleach is a skin irritant. Wear rubber gloves to protect your hands. Never mix bleach with any other cleaning products–es[ecially ammonia. Dangerous vapors can be produced.

Cleaning with bleach destroys the chemicals in roach dust that trigger an allergy reaction. Use about 1/2 of a cup of household bleach in a gallon of water. Wait ten minutes to give the bleach time to work before rinsing the surface.

Cleaning Rugs and Carpets

It is best to use area rugs that can be washed often. It is best to use special "HEPA" or "allergen" or "low emission" vacuums and bags when vacuuming. These reduce the amount of roach dust that gets in the air during vacuuming.

If you don't have the special vacuum or bags, use bags already 1/2 full. A new empty bag lets too much dust out. It also may help to clog the bag with flour or cornstarch when you put in a new bag. Pour a cup of flour or cornstarch on the floor and vacuum it up.

Vacuum very slowly. Take about three times longer than usual. This way you will pick up more of the roach dust. Listen to some music and take your time. A vacuum with a beater bar or powered brush works best.

Vacuuming stirs up dust. A person with asthma should not do the vacuuming and should stay out of the room when vacuuming is done and any dust settles. A respirator mask should be worn if a person with asthma must use a vacuum.

If there have been roaches in the house older carpets and rugs will have roach dust in them. They should be removed it possible. Other asthma triggers and lead dust also build up in carpets too.

Carpet Removal

Removing a carpet can release a great deal of dust that goes all over the house. Removal needs to be done very carefully.

• A person with asthma should not be in the room when the carpet is removed.
• Seal off the room with plastic sheeting.
• Mist the carpet with water and a little dishwasher powder.
• Cut the carpet into small sections and roll them up.
• Wrap the sections in plastic sheeting and seal with tape.
• Mop the floor as each section is rolled up and again when all the sections have been removed.

Dusty Carpets

Keep dust out of your home. Dust and dirt tracked into your house from the outside can contain roach dust and other things that can trigger asthma attacks. It also can have lead dust that can poison children.

• Put a sign at each entry door asking people to take off or wipe their shoes.
• A chair or stool by the door makes it easier for people to take off their shoes.
• One door mat inside and one outside is best. Wash or vacuum the mats often.

Controlling cockroaches

Roaches "hitchhike." They can hide inside bags, soft drink cartons, cardboard boxes, used appliances, furniture, TVs, radios, or anything that people bring in from places that have roaches. They will come back just as soon as the fumes from roach spray die away.

• If you see even one roach in the middle of the day, you have a roach problem.
• It is important to try and get rid of the roaches before they become a bigger problem.
• Do not spray a roach if you see one. Smack it dead. Then check all around the area where you first saw the roach.
• Look through the clutter and anything brought in recently. Look for roach egg sacks.
• Stick with the IPM methods for roach removal even if you think the roaches are gone. New roaches may find their way in.
• Continue doing things to deny roaches entry, shelter, food and water.
• If you live in a building with other families, roaches might get into your apartment from another one in the building. Share this information with your neighbors. Then everybody can use safer and more effective IPM roach control methods.

Tenant/Landlord Cooperation

Trigger reduction requires building owners and renters to work together.

The building owner must:

• Use a pest control service that uses safer and effective IPM methods.
• Make repairs to deny water to roaches, such as fixing roof and plumbing leaks.
• Caulk and seal entry points to keep roaches out.
• Provide sealed garbage cans and clean the area often.
• Keep common areas clean and free of food and water sources for roaches.

Being a Responsible Renter:

• Tell the building manager if roaches are seen.
• Report water leaks and food scraps in common areas.
• Keep living areas free of things roaches like: food scraps, clutter and water.
• Work with the pest control company. Do not disturb pest control measures. Do not use bug sprays. Do not use cleaners with strong odors near baits.