To The Editor:

June is National Pest Control Month – but instead of reaching for the Raid, why not show a little kindness to a cockroach?

A new study by scientists at Queen Mary, University of London, has found that cockroaches are social beings who “talk” to one another about food and prefer to dine in groups. In an earlier study, Queen Mary, University of London and Cambridge University researchers used computer simulations to show that, even with their tiny brains, insects have enough neural circuits to possess consciousness, and they may even be able to count.

If you’re not ready to roll out the welcome mat, though, here are a few simple steps to help keep unwanted bugs at bay:

Don’t provide roaches with food – wash dishes promptly and store food in tightly sealed containers – and remove their hiding places, such as piles of old newspapers.

Prevent roaches from entering your home by sealing up holes and cracks. Baby roaches can squeeze into a space as thin as a dime.

If you do see roaches, scatter whole bay leaves or catnip throughout your house. Iowa State University scientists found that catnip is 100 times more effective at repelling roaches than DEET is.

For more tips, visit www.HelpingAnimals.com.

Paula Moore

Research Specialist

The PETA Foundation

Norfolk, Va.