Which is a component of the economic importance of cockroach infestations?

• A. Increased real estate value
• B. Decreased need for sanitation
• C. Cost to control cockroaches
• D. Enhanced flavor of food

Answer: (C)

The economic impact of cockroach infestations centers on the costs tied to controlling and preventing them—expenditures for pest-control services, pesticides, traps, ongoing monitoring, and the need to upgrade sanitation and storage practices to limit food and moisture sources. Those direct costs to manage the problem represent a clear component of its economic importance. Increased real estate value wouldn’t come from an infestation; it would typically decrease property value due to concerns about cleanliness and health. Sanitation needs don’t decrease; they often rise to curb conditions that roaches exploit. And cockroaches don’t enhance flavor of food—contamination and spoilage undermine quality and safety.