Problems with cockroaches in the house

What are cockroaches? Among all insects, they are the most hated due to their size, quick movement, and unclean image. There are about 4,000 species in the world, and about 50 of them live in Japan.

Most of the species live in forests, and are rarely seen. There are only 4 types that like people's houses. Yamato cockroach, black cockroach, German cockroach, American cockroach.

It hides during the day and becomes active at night. The best places to hide are dark and cramped places, warm places, and wet places. It hides behind electrical appliances that keep you warm all year round, in the gaps between pots of foliage plants, and around water. They live in herds and increase their numbers quickly with their high fecundity.

Three "harms" caused by cockroaches

So why are cockroaches so hated? I will explain the harm.

There are several classifications of pests, and cockroaches first fall into the category of "unpleasant pests." Annoying pests are pests that look unpleasant. They are remarkably large for a house insect, move quietly, and reappear when you notice them. Glossy black wings, the speed of their legs, and the ability to fly are also factors that create fear.

Next, cockroaches are "economic pests." They can damage your property by eating leftover food, soiling books and papers, hiding in appliances and shorting out electrical systems.

Cockroaches are also "sanitary pests." During the day, they hide in sewers, drains, and other damp, unclean areas, and at night they emerge and roam the area. Cockroach-borne microorganisms include those that cause food poisoning, such as Salmonella and Escherichia coli. In addition, feces and carcasses can cause allergies and asthma.

The reasons why cockroaches are disliked are that they are ``unpleasant pests'', ``economic pests'', and ``sanitary pests''. However, cockroaches are just insects. When you go home, you need to calm down and do something about it.

Kill it when it appears! How to deal with cockroaches

(1) Insecticide spray

The most effective means is insecticide spray. It can be exterminated without direct contact, and just spraying for about 2 seconds is effective. It can be said that it is the most reassuring ally.

Commercially available products are generally made of ingredients that humans, dogs, and cats can inhale to some extent. However, it is safe not to use it in a house with small creatures such as tropical fish, amphibians, reptiles, and insects. Also, since it contains combustible gas, there are some precautions such as not to use it around fire.

Recently, insecticide sprays that use surfactants to cover up insects with bubbles, and sprays that freeze insects with cooling gas to immobilize them are also on the market.

(2) Catch it with duct tape

You may not always have an effective bug spray at home. You can hit it with something close at hand, but if the cockroaches that feed on unclean things are crushed, there is a possibility that the surrounding area will become dirty, so there is a sense of resistance.

Therefore, I would like to recommend the method of sticking with packing tape. A long piece of packing tape is used to hold it in place, wrap it tightly so that it does not touch the body, and throw it away. If you are too scared to get close, we recommend attaching packing tape to the end of the stick with the sticky side facing out and sticking it together to get rid of it. The type with strong adhesive strength may leave damage on walls and floors, so please be careful.

(3) Rubbing alcohol and soapy water

However, you have to get close to cockroaches to get rid of them with packing tape. If you don't have an insecticidal spray and can't get close to it because you're too scared to go near it, alcohol disinfectant sprays and soapy water are also effective, although less immediate.

Both of these methods kill cockroaches by "blocking their spiracles". Cockroaches breathe through tiny holes called spiracles on their stomachs. Even if it gets wet, the spiracles are protected because the oil in the body is repelled. However, alcohol and soap have the property of dissolving or removing oil, so they can block the spiracles.

If you use a disinfecting alcohol spray, choose one with a concentration of 60% or higher. It is not effective if the concentration is too low or near 100%, which evaporates quickly. Be careful as it can damage things depending on where you apply it, such as waxed wood floors or plastic.

Liquid soap and dish soap also work. Unlike rubbing alcohol, which evaporates naturally, it takes time to wipe off, but it is a familiar item, so please use it.

How to get rid of cockroaches without seeing them running

(1) Capture device

Cockroaches are masters of escape. It's not uncommon for him to be spotted and quickly lost. What I want to use there is an adhesive type catcher. Attracted by the smell component, lured into the box and captured. Just being unable to move will ease your fear considerably, and if you gently check the contents, you can throw it away as it is.

However, there is a trick to choosing a place to install. It is not always good to put it where you see it. As mentioned above, place it in a dark, cramped, warm area that cockroaches like.

(2) Ambush type insecticide

This is a type of spray that is sprayed on cockroach paths and places where cockroaches are likely to invade. You can deal with it calmly because you don't have to chase it. It is also characterized by having both repellent and insecticidal effects. It needs to be used regularly as the effect wears off over time.

(3) Poisonous baits such as boric acid dumplings

Boric acid dumplings are a traditional extermination method. Cockroaches are killed by adding boric acid to a ball that has an odor that cockroaches like, causing dehydration. The big advantage is that it's cheap. And if you can procure the materials, you can make your own even cheaper. On the other hand, it takes several days for cockroaches to disappear, and there is a possibility of accidental ingestion in homes with small children and pets.

(4) Fumigants

Fumigants kill bugs in a room with smoke or mist. Preparations are a little troublesome, such as opening closets and closets that can be used as hiding places, and covering home appliances and fire alarms. Also, if you keep small animals such as insects and fish, there are restrictions such as thorough ventilation or not using it, and beneficial insects such as spiders will also die. However, if you use it immediately after moving or in the early spring when cockroaches are getting better, it is a method that can be quite effective.

How to keep cockroaches out of your home

(1) Don't bring them in, don't let them in

The best way to prevent cockroaches in the first place is to prevent cockroaches from entering your home. Do not make. If there is a gap of a few millimeters, it can enter, so it is difficult to completely repair it, but repair old windows and gaps in walls as much as possible. It is recommended to put filters and insect nets on drains, ventilation fans, and air conditioner vents. Also, small cockroaches and eggs are hidden in cardboard boxes. Don't accumulate too much, let's collect it frequently.

(2) Don't leave food unattended

It is also important not to leave food outside. However, cockroaches are creatures that eat anything. Cockroaches feed on not only human food, but also food waste, hair on the floor, dust, and dirt around the water. Keep your home clean with daily cleaning.

(3) Wipe away moisture frequently and dry

As mentioned above, cockroaches love damp places. Therefore, it is also a countermeasure to wipe off the water in toilets, washrooms, kitchens and bathrooms. It's also a point to ventilate from time to time and take in dry air.

Summary

It is difficult to get rid of cockroaches, which are highly fertile, once they settle in a group. The best way to prevent it is to avoid creating an environment that cockroaches like on a regular basis.

Let's keep the house clean by following the principles of "Do not let them in", "Do not leave anything that can be used as food", "Do not leave water", and "Take care of it as soon as you find it".