Cockroaches on campus reported by students
Students encourage eliminating cockroaches found in Centro, La Piazza and other campus spaces
In February 2020, the Silhouette reported on student concerns about cockroaches in campus cafeterias Centro and La Piazza, stemming from a now private YouTube video, a Facebook video and reports on Reddit.
Nearly four years later, the McMaster University subreddit is seeing similar reports of cockroaches in various campus spaces. In January 2023, reddit user HyperBean_ had posted that they saw a cockroach in La Piazza near a platter of cookies and in September 2023, Reddit user RoyalEntertainment14 posted a photo of a cockroach, stating that they found it in Centro and that the “silly guy just wanted some ice cream”. Shortly after, Reddit user SnooGoats6203 also posted a photo of a cockroach, this time at La Piazza, with the caption: “Little guy found at piazza”.
An anonymous source snapped a photo of a cockroach in Bridges and another anonymous source has confirmed a cockroach sighting at the McMaster University Student Centre Starbucks.
Hufriya Kateli-Saxena, the Communications and Marketing Manager of McMaster Hospitality Services stated in an email to the Silhouette: “All locations managed by Hospitality Services are frequently inspected by the City of Hamilton, and consistently meet the standards of the Ontario Food Premises Regulation.”
All locations managed by Hospitality Services are frequently inspected by the City of Hamilton, and consistently meet the standards of the Ontario Food Premises Regulation.
Hufriya Kateli-Saxena, communications and marketing manager, McMaster Hospitality Services
Despite this, there have still been multiple confirmed cockroach sightings in Centro, La Piazza, Bridges cafe and the Starbucks in MUSC in the past 10 months.
“Pest control service is conducted once a month at all locations,” continued Kateli-Saxena in the statement.
Cockroaches in these environments pose a health hazard to students. The National Center for Healthy Housing reports that cockroaches can carry disease-causing germs and cockroach debris, such as shells, droppings and saliva, can trigger asthma attacks in those who are sensitized to cockroach antigens.
One student encouraged the university to take action soon.
“Cockroaches are a very invasive species and are very hard to eradicate. As a result, the methods to get rid of cockroaches are pretty invasive. So, winter break is an awesome time when people aren’t on campus to address the issue,” says student Ramona Ribaudo-Begin.
Cockroaches are a very invasive species and are very hard to eradicate. As a result, the methods to get rid of cockroaches are pretty invasive. So, winter break is an awesome time when people aren’t on campus to address the issue
Ramona Ribaudo-Begin, McMaster student
For more details on discussions between Hospitality Services and the university for a broader pest control plan for all buildings on campus, Kateli-Saxena said to reach out to Facilities Services.
