01 Oca 2026 Perşembe
Cockroach and rat infestations in selected households: Case study of Bariga Local Council Development Area (LCDA), Lagos State, Nigeria
Abstract : Household pests, such as cockroaches and rats, pose significant concerns due to their impact on public health and the environment. This study investigates the infestation of cockroaches and rats in selected homes within the Bariga Local Council Development Area (LCDA) of Lagos State, Nigeria. Using a survey method, data were collected from one hundred and thirty-three (133) households regarding demographic information, knowledge about cockroaches and rats, and home hygiene practices. The results revealed that a majority of respondents had received primary education (33.1%), followed closely by those with tertiary education (32.3%). The majority of households identified as nuclear families (52.6%) and belonged to the middle socio-economic class (59.4%). Most respondents lived in multi-story buildings (63.9%), with the most common accommodation size being 2-4 bedrooms (38.3%). The study recorded high instances of cockroach and rat presence, identifying poor sanitation as a significant factor contributing to pest issues in the area. Insecticides and rat traps were the primary control methods used for cockroaches and rats, respectively. Most respondents believed that cockroaches and rats can cause diseases, and food items were identified as the most commonly affected. A significant percentage of respondents reported that they always open windows and doors at night (52.6%), rarely spread food outside (73.7%), never consume rats as food (79.7%), and consistently store food in airtight containers (67.7%). In conclusion, there is a high level of pest infestation in the area, attributed to poor sanitation practices and the limited use of pest control methods. Therefore, residents need to adopt better environmental sanitation practices and utilize multiple pest control strategies to effectively manage household pests in the study area.