Cockroaches are a common sanitary pest - what are they and how can you deal with them?
"It's black and fast" "Just seeing it makes me shudder"
Cockroaches are an insect that many people find disgusting.
Cockroaches are not only bad looking, but are also known as pests that pose various hygiene risks.
This time, we will introduce you to everything from basic information about cockroaches to the actual damage they cause, as well as effective methods for exterminating them.
*The following content includes illustrations of different types of cockroaches, so please be careful if you are sensitive to them.
What kind of insect is a cockroach?
Cockroaches are insects that belong to the order Blattella, a subgroup of grasshoppers. Adults have six legs and four wings, and are structured with a head, thorax, and abdomen. By the way, it may seem surprising, but termites are also classified in the same order, Blattella.
Approximately 3500 to 4000 species of cockroaches have been identified worldwide, but only a small proportion of them invade and reproduce in our living spaces.
Cockroaches commonly seen in Japan ※Caution when viewing illustrations※
The following species of cockroaches are most commonly found indoors in Japan.
※Please be careful when viewing the illustrations below.
Smokey-brown cockroach
They are shiny black-brown in color. They are cold-resistant and can survive winter outdoors, but they can also live inside houses.
German cockroach
They are small and brown. They are weak to cold and live indoors in close contact with humans, so they often survive insecticide treatments and develop resistance, making them difficult to eradicate.
American cockroach
The largest cockroach species found in Japanese homes. It is reddish-brown in color and has a yellow ring pattern on its back (pronotum).
Japanese cockroach
They were common in traditional Japanese houses, but nowadays, with the increase in highly airtight and insulated homes, they are rarely seen indoors.
Kyoto cockroach
A small, dull brown cockroach, it is often found in environments where water is constantly present, such as factory drainage pits and manholes.
The main damage caused by cockroaches
Many people would probably scream if they suddenly saw a cockroach in their home.
However, the reason we should be wary of cockroaches is not just because they look disgusting.
Cockroaches affect our lives and health in many different ways.
psychological damage
They can cause discomfort and strong fear by suddenly appearing at night or moving quickly around the house. Once you encounter one, it can also be a mental burden, with the worry that "they might be hiding somewhere again..."
Pathogen transport
Cockroaches are known to transmit Salmonella, a bacteria that can cause food poisoning. Furthermore, there have been reports of outbreaks of typhoid and gastroenteritis being linked to pathogens carried by cockroaches living in homes. There have also been cases where the polio virus was detected in German and American cockroaches.
Causes of Allergies
Microscopic particles of dead cockroaches and their excrement float in the air and irritate the nose and respiratory tract, resulting in symptoms such as sneezing, runny nose, itchy eyes and skin, and in severe cases, difficulty breathing.
Damage and contamination
Cockroaches not only eat food, but also chew on paper, cloth, and leather products.
In this case, the area may become contaminated with excrement and vomit, posing a risk to food hygiene and damaging artworks and cultural properties.
Intrusion into precision equipment
Cockroaches seek warm places and enter narrow gaps, so they can get into heat-generating precision equipment and parts such as computers and cause damage.
Product contamination
If cockroaches are found in food products, it can not only cause quality issues but also seriously damage a company's image.
What kind of environment do cockroaches prefer?
Cockroaches prefer an environment that has food, water, and a place to hide.
German cockroaches in particular have difficulty obtaining water due to their small size, so they tend to live in areas with water.
Food waste, flowerpot saucers, and cardboard boxes left around homes and facilities are also ideal habitats for them.
It is important to keep your surroundings tidy in order to "prevent intrusion from outside."
Effective removal and prevention methods
1. Reassessing the environment is the first priority
Cockroach populations are closely related to the availability of food, water, and hiding places, so it's important to eliminate them and eliminate their habitats.
The fundamental solution is to not leave leftover food or moisture lying around, and not to let cardboard boxes or old newspapers pile up.
2. Setting up poison bait
Food and water are essential for cockroaches to survive, so it is effective to find a hiding place nearby and place poison bait there.
In addition, residual spraying of insecticide on floors and walls can also be used to deal with individuals that emerge from their hiding places.
However, if you spray insecticide in the same area as the poison bait, the cockroaches may avoid the bait, so it is important to use the poison bait and insecticide in separate areas.
3. Use sticky traps
Sticky traps not only catch cockroaches, but also help you visualize them, allowing you to see whether they are present and where they often appear.
Installation points
■ Under the kitchen sink and around the stove: These areas tend to be more active where there is food and water.
■ Gap in the refrigerator or cupboard: They have a habit of hiding in warm, narrow places.
■ Corners of floors and walls: Take advantage of their tendency to move along walls.
How to check
Check your traps about once a week to see how many you've caught.
Areas where a large number of animals are caught serve as a guide for focusing on countermeasures such as managing food and water, cleaning, and setting up poison bait.
Recommended Products
・Effectively attracts cockroaches with ingredients they like
- Pack of 10 allows installation in multiple locations at once
- Strong adhesive for secure capture
- The backing uses a wood grain pattern that is hard to notice
Summary
Cockroaches are a sanitary pest that cannot be ignored, not only because of their appearance but also because they pose a risk to health and facilities and businesses.
However, by correctly understanding their ecology and taking appropriate measures, you can definitely reduce the risk.
Not just "exterminate them if you see them," but "take measures before you even see them."
This may be the quickest way to avoid encountering cockroaches.
References
Tsuji, H. Research on cockroaches, a sanitary pest. Hokuryukan, 2016, p.12,17,26,
Illustrated guide to all species of cockroaches in Japan pp.2-6
Tsuji, H. Research on cockroaches as sanitary pests. Hokuryukan, 2016, p.28
Tsuji, H. Research on cockroaches, a sanitary pest. Hokuryukan, 2016, pp. 140-146
Tsuji, H. Research on cockroaches, a sanitary pest. Hokuryukan, 2016, p.78, pp.84-89
Tsuji, H. Research on cockroaches, a sanitary pest. Hokuryukan, 2016, pp. 86,157-162
