Cockroaches, one of the four vermins, can carry viruses, spread diseases and endanger people’s health. In recent years, they have become a major harassment to the health of Beijing citizens. As cockroaches prefer warm and humid environment, Beijing Patriotic Health Campaign Commission has decided to lauch a family-oriented “anti-roach campaign for healthy environment” as of November 15 by applying the successful experience and model for biological vector control during the Olympic Games. This decision is made by taking into account that cockroaches concentrate in kitchens, around heaters and other heating sources in winter. The campaign is divided into three phases, the first phase of organization and registration has completed. As of November 26, over 1.6 million households have registered for the campaign. We have now entered the phase of roach eradication by professionals. In January 2009, we will assess the campaign effect.

This year, professionals will enter the registered household to kill cockroaches in ways fit for the specific situation.

In households with much cockroach activity, namely, cockroaches can be seen every day, professionals will use suffocation, the most effective means of cockroach eradication, to rapidly reduce the population of cockroaches. Afterwards, citizens can place cockroach bait or sticky papers in their hiding places. In households with medium level of cockroach activity, namely cockroaches can be seen once or twice a week, professionals will place bait gel at 50-100 points in the kitchen, and sticky papers in kitchen cabinets where bait gel is not a good choice. In households with a low level of cockroach activity, namely cockroaches can be seen once in a while, professionals will place bait gel and sticky papers in the kitchen, but less in placement density.

Residents should clean up the household beforehand in order to achieve the best cockroach eradication results. After placement of bait gel and other anti-roach drugs by professionals, residents should avoid washing the floor or walls with water. We also remind citizens that these professionals will wear uniform dresses, badges and carry identical drug kits, and accompanied into households by staff with residential committee or community management. Your signature is needed before they begin to work and the service is free of charge. Residents should be alerted against personators. If you have any questions, please dial 12320 (public health hotline in Beijing) to learn about more details.