Cockroaches and Composting

Cockroaches and Food Waste

• Cockroaches thrive on human food waste, whether it's left on the counter, in an open trash can or in a compost pile. They also live and forage in groups near food and water sources, so where you see one, there are likely hundreds more. Accessible compost bins provide an inexhaustible food source for scavenging cockroaches. They are not only attracted by food scraps, but like dark, moist environments and to crawl on porous surfaces that capture their scent -- like wood, cardboard and paper -- which are common ingredients in home compost piles.

Health Risks Associated with Cockroaches

• Cockroaches are not just annoying pests, they also carry diseases. After roaches feed from garbage bins, compost piles, sewers or households, they track whatever germs were in that environment to wherever they go next. The spread of Salmonella, Shigella, Staphylococcus and Streptococcus species, as well as coliform bacteria, the hepatitis virus, typhoid and dysentery have all been traced back to cockroaches. They can also trigger asthma attacks and allergic reactions.

Checking for Cockroaches

• Cockroaches are most active at night, according to the University of California's Integrated Pest Management program, so after dark is a good time to check the compost pile for these pests. Turn the compost to see if there is a colony hiding in the deeper layers, but keep a watchful eye as you do so -- cockroaches scatter quickly when disturbed. Turn the compost every few days -- not only to disturb nuisance insects, but to rotate materials to the center, where the greatest heat is generated. High temperatures help kill pathogens.

Safeguarding Compost Piles

• To minimize the chances of cockroaches invading your compost pile, consider using an in-vessel system -- also known as bin and closed-reactor composting systems. Modular systems provide the best protection for the home gardener because they are fully enclosed, portable and offer features like forced aeration piping and automatic turners. Also, tightly seal all other nearby trash, such as garbage cans and recycling bins. The fewer food sources you offer cockroaches, the less likely they are to establish a population.