> they show that for all of our fortifications against dirt and disease, those efforts are ultimately futile. In most parts of the United States, those "fortif

> they show that for all of our fortifications against dirt and disease, those efforts are ultimately futile. In most parts of the United States, those "fortifications" consist of houses built with delicious organic materials in various stages of decomposition, sewage systems that are too rudimentary to prevent anything (not even raw sewage itself) from traveling in the wrong direction, and entrances with a "pet door" that allows free passage to anything smaller than a bear cub. It really is quite primitive, if you think about it. A modern tower built with steel and concrete, with a proper sewage system and a strict no-pet policy, filled with minimalistic furniture, would probably go a long way toward eliminating roaches. Unfortunately, we humans still seem to be naturally attracted to warm, moist, organic stuff -- the same that is beloved of all other lifeforms, both pet and pest.