In April 2024, various news sources reported that German cockroaches were seen in a hospital on Vancouver Island. While visible cockroaches were caught by hospital staff, and the infestation was quickly stopped, the report caused hospital patients, visitors, staff, and administrators throughout Canada to think about cockroaches and the safety and cleanliness of their local hospital.

Prevalence of Cockroach Infestations in Healthcare Facilities

Cockroach infestations in healthcare facilities are not common in North America, but hospitals and similar facilities are certainly appealing to the insects for several reasons. Healthcare facilities are warm and easy to enter and these places are made for humans; people expect to see other people there. They do not expect to see cockroaches crawling on bedding, walls, or patients, as was the case in the hospital mentioned above.

Five Reasons Cockroach Infestations in Healthcare Facilities Occur

Hospitals and other healthcare institutions have areas where food is prepared, consumed, and discarded, such as cafeterias, patient rooms, and vending machine areas. These environments provide ample opportunities for cockroaches to find food, including crumbs, spills, and other organic matter.

Bathrooms, kitchens, and areas around plumbing fixtures are favourite spots for cockroaches, who need water to survive. Leaks, poor ventilation, and the use of medical equipment that generates moisture can also create ideal conditions for cockroach infestations in healthcare facilities.

While some native species of cockroaches prefer to be outdoors, all pest cockroach species in Western Canada die in freezing temperatures. While patients may often feel cold in a hospital or other healthcare facility, cockroaches find hospitals warm and comfortable.

In healthcare facilities that keep patients overnight, there is constant action and access to the building. Doors frequently open, people and goods enter, and food sources attract cockroaches. In addition to doorways, cockroaches can enter healthcare facilities in a variety of ways, including:

Storage rooms, cabinets, closets, locker rooms, break rooms, and floor drains can provide hiding spots for cockroaches, as well as under baseboards, around plumbing fixtures, and other cracks and crevices.

Problems with Cockroach Infestations in Healthcare Facilities

In addition to the public’s expectation of clean and sterile facilities, cockroach infestation in a healthcare facility is problematic for many reasons, the most important of which are:

Cockroaches can spread bacteria, viruses, and parasites. In healthcare settings where patients may already be vulnerable, the presence of cockroaches, their body parts, saliva, and feces can trigger severe allergic reactions and exacerbate conditions such as asthma, respiratory issues, and other existing health conditions.

Cockroaches can also contaminate food, medical supplies, and medical equipment simply by crawling over them. Not only can this lead to the spread of infections, but it is a breach of safety protocols and voids efforts to make the facility sterile and hygienic. All this can lead to prolonged hospital stays, additional treatments, and increased healthcare costs.

A clean and pest-free environment is a fundamental expectation for patients. When this expectation is not met, it can lead to negative reviews, complaints, and a decline in patient trust. Emotional distress can also arise for all involved: patients, family members, and facility staff.

The financial implications of cockroach infestations in healthcare facilities extend far beyond the immediate costs of pest control and preventative measures. There is also the cost of cleaning or replacing items they may have contaminated. Media and other promotional campaigns may also need to be mounted to regain the public’s trust after an infestation.

How to Limit Cockroach Infestations in Healthcare Facilities

The proactive prevention and timely treatment of cockroach infestations in healthcare facilities is similar to pest control measures in other commercial settings. These include:

This holistic approach combines chemical treatments with non-chemical methods such as traps, improved sanitation, and sealing entry points. It is highly effective in reducing cockroach populations and allergen levels.

Regular inspections are crucial for early detection of cockroach infestations. Monitoring tools such as insect traps help facility managers identify if and where cockroaches are active. If cockroaches are discovered early, swift action can stop an infestation before it becomes severe.

Cleanliness is essential in preventing cockroach infestations. All food areas should be regularly cleaned, food should be stored in airtight containers, and waste should be removed and disposed of properly.

All types and levels of staff should be trained to recognize signs of cockroach infestations and know what to do and who to tell. A quick response can limit the size and effects of cockroach infestations in healthcare facilities.

Long-Term Prevention

Professional pest control services can provide healthcare facilities with a long-term strategy to prevent future cockroach infestations. This may involve regular maintenance visits, education on sanitation practices, and recommendations for structural improvements to prevent future infestations.

If you run a healthcare facility in Western Canada and need cockroach prevention strategies or eradication, contact Poulin’s Pest Control in Winnipeg, Regina, Edmonton, or another city near you. We are Western Canada’s premier pest control service and offer safe and effective cockroach management in hospitals, nursing homes, healthcare facilities, and more.