SACRAMENTO REGION, CA (MPG) - The Sacramento region has seen an increase of cockroaches this season and because these pests like dark, damp places, Sacramento Area Sewer District (SASD) is taking measures to address cockroaches in the sewer system. 

The Sacramento Area Sewer District (SASD) owns and operates 4,600 miles of sewer pipelines, including 67,000 sewer manholes. Many dark and damp environments, including landscaping, storm drains, crawl spaces, and sewer systems, can attract cockroaches. Over the years, SASD has used several cockroach control methods to address customer concerns and discourage cockroaches from inhabiting the sewer system.

What is SASD doing to control cockroaches?

When a customer calls (916-875-6730) with a concern about cockroaches in the sewer system, SASD investigates within 2 hours. If the investigation confirms cockroach activity, SASD uses a number of proactive and reactive measures including:

Fogging and Baiting: SASD works with qualified pest control specialists to perform a pest control treatment where an insecticide fog is released that instantly kills roaches in the manhole, and bait is left behind to kill other roaches. After the treatment, we monitor for the effectiveness and re-treat when necessary; Manhole Painting Pilot Project: Recently, SASD implemented a new proactive pest control method called “manhole painting” that has the potential to be a more effective long-term cockroach control solution; Preventative Maintenance Program: In locations where SASD’s sewer pipes have a repeat history of cockroach activity, SASD performs ongoing inspections and cleanings to further address the issue.

What is “manhole painting”?

Manhole painting is a pest control treatment process where latex paint that contains an insecticide is applied to the inside walls of a manhole. The goal is to provide a longer-lasting insecticide to eliminate cockroaches over time. As part of a pilot project, 1,100 manholes were painted throughout SASD’s service area, with the goal of fewer roaches in the sewer system and fewer customer concerns. Once manholes are painted, SASD will conduct ongoing inspections to determine how effective this new method is. The pilot continued through December 2020 and SASD will implement this approach on a broader scale across SASD’s service area.

Are these cockroach control methods safe?

Yes. SASD’s mission is to protect public health and the environment. As part of that commitment, SASD has worked with the Sacramento Regional County Sanitation District and others to ensure all eradication methods meet local, state, and federal requirements for the protection of public health.

What if I see cockroaches after SASD has already come out?

If fogging and baiting was performed: Please allow 7-10 days from the date this was completed before calling to report cockroaches. While this method is highly effective, it may take several days to work completely; If the manhole was painted: Please allow three weeks from the date SASD came out to perform the inspection. As the goal is to provide a longer-lasting insecticide that kills cockroaches as they continue to enter the area, allow time for the treatment to affect as many cockroaches as possible. At the three-week mark, SASD will come back out to re-inspect the manhole and determine the appropriate next steps; SASD does not address cockroach issues on private property. If you see cockroaches on your property or in your home, please consider performing pest control treatment or contacting a pest management company, just as you might do for any other property-invading pest like ants, wasps, termites, or ticks.

For more information, check out these additional FAQs from SASD or visit the organization's website at https://www.sacsewer.com/.