Roaches are everywhere in Japan. You cannot avoid them. Having come from America this was a very hard pill for me to swallow. In my home country roaches were a sign of poverty and bad cleaning habits. Usually people who had roaches got them from simply leaving food lying around and not cleaning their floors, counters, or washing the dishes on a regular basis.
After having lived with a hoarder as well as having gone on visits to see my dad and grandparents whom had a massive infestation of mice and roaches I became paranoid. I developed OCD and a really bad bug phobia.
As an adult I found myself constantly cleaning everything all the time. I always use too much detergent, soap, spray, wipes, towels, EVERYTHING! Nothing can ever be clean enough for me. I unconsciously over wash things because I am always in constant fear of contamination. I was devastated when I had learned the hard way from my boyfriend, friends and landlord that there was very little that could be done about roaches.
Take out the trash at least once every day. Do not become lazy and put off disposing of your garbage!
After having lived with a hoarder as well as having gone on visits to see my dad and grandparents whom had a massive infestation of mice and roaches I became paranoid. I developed OCD and a really bad bug phobia.
As an adult I found myself constantly cleaning everything all the time. I always use too much detergent, soap, spray, wipes, towels, EVERYTHING! Nothing can ever be clean enough for me. I unconsciously over wash things because I am always in constant fear of contamination. I was devastated when I had learned the hard way from my boyfriend, friends and landlord that there was very little that could be done about roaches.
It Can't Be Helped!
Roaches are inevitable. No matter how clean you are you will have roaches! Roaches in Japan are NOT like roaches in America in any way shape or form. They are much bigger and in my opinion scarier, faster, and harder to kill too!
Everyone has had them and most people get them throughout the year occasionally. You can't avoid them forever! No matter how much you clean your home you will (unfortunately) either deal with a full-blown infestation or you will spot a stray brown guy out of the blue every so often (thus experience a small infestation). Having roaches here is just like seeing ants or spiders in your home. It is simply unavoidable. It is nothing to be ashamed or embarrassed of and by no means is it a sign that you are dirty (necessarily)!
I believe that this is another reason (one of many) why most Japanese families tend to clean their homes very often despite the fact that shoes aren't worn inside their homes.
The Solution
Baits
Consider using baits over sticky traps. Baits act as a long-term solution. They work by attracting roaches with their strong chemical-cookie like smell. Roaches will quickly grab a small piece of the poisonous cookie from the trap and will bring it back to share with the nest. The roaches who partake in the delicious arsenic cookie will become gravely ill. Their dead bodies and any deification left behind will also act as a bait and poison since roaches eat their own and others poop. They are also cannibals.
Roaches usually make their nests in hard to reach places such as in dark areas that are out of sight so by using a bait you are allowing the roaches to do all of the work for you. It is impossible to be at home 24/7 to see every single bug that makes its way into your living quarters. Baits are unsightly but they work the best! You can expect to see them practically vanish over the course of as little as 3 days to a few weeks depending on how many baits you buy, the locations you place them in, and of course the size of the infestation.
Traps
Traps are just that! They are black, sticky, rectangular shaped trays that cause anything that touches them to become stuck. If you are afraid of bugs it will be difficult to dispose of the traps as you'll have to come face to face with their living or dead bodies.
This is not a good solution for people with pets or small children.
This solution doesn't resolve the problem long-term as it only kills the bugs who accidentally step onto them. Baits kill roaches that have probably never even stepped foot into your house or at least not in that particular area of it.
Sprays
A good roach spray is easy to use for a short term and fast on the spot solution. They allow you to kill roaches instantly from a distance or up close without having to smash them with a shoe, tissue, or a swatter, all of which can be quite messy and scary if you fear them (as much as I do).
They're usually made up of strong poisonous chemicals that instantly kill the bugs on sight (so you might not want to use them in a small enclosed area without first opening a window).
There are several different kinds that can be used. You an even make your own solution by mixing a good concentrated dishwashing liquid and warm or hot water into a spare bottle. I personally prefer to use a more expensive option that is a lemon scented foaming cleaning spray. It's a discreet item to keep in any room in your house and it works faster as its only requires a few squirts.
Bug sprays shouldn't be used anywhere near baits as they will damage them if they are sprayed directly on or anywhere near the baits which may stop roaches from being attracted to the baits and can also damage or dilute the product itself.
I assume that they'll be able to pick up the poisonous smell. Sprays do not solve the problem longterm if there is a chance of an infestation, as this only kills the bugs that you can see and spray on site. If there is a roach, no matter how big or small it is then there is a nest somewhere! Using baits allow the roaches that are hiding from you and that you do not see to kill themselves and their friends and family. Using baits is really a win-win situation!
The Final Verdict
While it may seem a bit embarrassing to have traps or baits set up around your home it is the best and cheapest long term solution with very minimal mess and cleanup as the traps are solid and don't really contain any liquid. They are good for up to 3 months for less than ¥10000 you can easily rid your home of these pests. It's okay to use a combination of sprays, traps, and baits long as you don't spray near the baits and are willing to remove of the sticky traps without a problem.
It will typically take about 2 months or less for all of the roaches to disappear for good and of course you'll have to continue keeping up the good work with cleaning on your end too!
What To Do Once You've Spotted A Brown Guy
- Place 1-2 baits in every corner of your home in each individual room. Consider placing at least 1 additional bait in every kitchen and bathroom cabinet, on windowsills, and inside and outside your front and backdoors.
- Be sure to keep windows and door closed while you are asleep or away from home.
- Cover all of the drains in your kitchen and bathroom when not in use. You can purchase a drain protector from Daiso or any other convenience or grocery store.
- Try to find possible sources/ways/paths of entry. Check for cracks and openings inside or near windows, air conditioners, ventilations, and doors. You can purchase a heavy duty putty or pay for a professional (recommended) to properly seal off these areas.
- Dispose of any open food, such as fruit, cereal, seasonings, spices, or drinks that have been left open in your cabinets, fridges or on countertops. Roaches can carry diseases and can contaminate your food with salmonella poisoning. It sucks to waste "good" food but it's better to be safe than sorry. Besides you don't want to accidentally bake a roach into your cake or stir one into your cup of joe in the morning by accident. Sugar, flour, and various spices might be full of baby roaches. Yuck!
- Bleach and thoroughly clean your kitchen and bathroom sinks as well as the bathtub.
- Bleach and thoroughly clean your dishes.
- Cover your trash can or tie the bag. You don't want to provide the bugs with a free food pantry.
- While this method isn't proven, I personally believe that keeping your home cool, leaving the lights on, and playing music throughout the day or evening will keep them out of site and comfort you if you have a phobia and are paranoid of encountering another little brown guy. It worked for me!
- Have a spray that is easily accessible in areas that they tend to frequent so that you can act fast should you come across a little brown guy. I like to keep a spray bottle, on my kitchen sink, and inside my bathroom so that there's no chance of it getting away.
Roaches are inevitable. No matter how clean you are you will have roaches! Roaches in Japan are NOT like roaches in America in any way shape or form. They are much bigger and in my opinion scarier, faster, and harder to kill too!
Everyone has had them and most people get them throughout the year occasionally. You can't avoid them forever! No matter how much you clean your home you will (unfortunately) either deal with a full-blown infestation or you will spot a stray brown guy out of the blue every so often (thus experience a small infestation). Having roaches here is just like seeing ants or spiders in your home. It is simply unavoidable. It is nothing to be ashamed or embarrassed of and by no means is it a sign that you are dirty (necessarily)!
I believe that this is another reason (one of many) why most Japanese families tend to clean their homes very often despite the fact that shoes aren't worn inside their homes.
Everyone has had them and most people get them throughout the year occasionally. You can't avoid them forever! No matter how much you clean your home you will (unfortunately) either deal with a full-blown infestation or you will spot a stray brown guy out of the blue every so often (thus experience a small infestation). Having roaches here is just like seeing ants or spiders in your home. It is simply unavoidable. It is nothing to be ashamed or embarrassed of and by no means is it a sign that you are dirty (necessarily)!
I believe that this is another reason (one of many) why most Japanese families tend to clean their homes very often despite the fact that shoes aren't worn inside their homes.
The Solution
Baits
Consider using baits over sticky traps. Baits act as a long-term solution. They work by attracting roaches with their strong chemical-cookie like smell. Roaches will quickly grab a small piece of the poisonous cookie from the trap and will bring it back to share with the nest. The roaches who partake in the delicious arsenic cookie will become gravely ill. Their dead bodies and any deification left behind will also act as a bait and poison since roaches eat their own and others poop. They are also cannibals.
Roaches usually make their nests in hard to reach places such as in dark areas that are out of sight so by using a bait you are allowing the roaches to do all of the work for you. It is impossible to be at home 24/7 to see every single bug that makes its way into your living quarters. Baits are unsightly but they work the best! You can expect to see them practically vanish over the course of as little as 3 days to a few weeks depending on how many baits you buy, the locations you place them in, and of course the size of the infestation.
Traps
Traps are just that! They are black, sticky, rectangular shaped trays that cause anything that touches them to become stuck. If you are afraid of bugs it will be difficult to dispose of the traps as you'll have to come face to face with their living or dead bodies.
This is not a good solution for people with pets or small children.
This solution doesn't resolve the problem long-term as it only kills the bugs who accidentally step onto them. Baits kill roaches that have probably never even stepped foot into your house or at least not in that particular area of it.
Sprays
They're usually made up of strong poisonous chemicals that instantly kill the bugs on sight (so you might not want to use them in a small enclosed area without first opening a window).
There are several different kinds that can be used. You an even make your own solution by mixing a good concentrated dishwashing liquid and warm or hot water into a spare bottle. I personally prefer to use a more expensive option that is a lemon scented foaming cleaning spray. It's a discreet item to keep in any room in your house and it works faster as its only requires a few squirts.
Bug sprays shouldn't be used anywhere near baits as they will damage them if they are sprayed directly on or anywhere near the baits which may stop roaches from being attracted to the baits and can also damage or dilute the product itself.
I assume that they'll be able to pick up the poisonous smell. Sprays do not solve the problem longterm if there is a chance of an infestation, as this only kills the bugs that you can see and spray on site. If there is a roach, no matter how big or small it is then there is a nest somewhere! Using baits allow the roaches that are hiding from you and that you do not see to kill themselves and their friends and family. Using baits is really a win-win situation!
The Final Verdict
While it may seem a bit embarrassing to have traps or baits set up around your home it is the best and cheapest long term solution with very minimal mess and cleanup as the traps are solid and don't really contain any liquid. They are good for up to 3 months for less than ¥10000 you can easily rid your home of these pests. It's okay to use a combination of sprays, traps, and baits long as you don't spray near the baits and are willing to remove of the sticky traps without a problem.
It will typically take about 2 months or less for all of the roaches to disappear for good and of course you'll have to continue keeping up the good work with cleaning on your end too!
What To Do Once You've Spotted A Brown Guy
- Place 1-2 baits in every corner of your home in each individual room. Consider placing at least 1 additional bait in every kitchen and bathroom cabinet, on windowsills, and inside and outside your front and backdoors.
- Be sure to keep windows and door closed while you are asleep or away from home.
- Cover all of the drains in your kitchen and bathroom when not in use. You can purchase a drain protector from Daiso or any other convenience or grocery store.
- Try to find possible sources/ways/paths of entry. Check for cracks and openings inside or near windows, air conditioners, ventilations, and doors. You can purchase a heavy duty putty or pay for a professional (recommended) to properly seal off these areas.
- Dispose of any open food, such as fruit, cereal, seasonings, spices, or drinks that have been left open in your cabinets, fridges or on countertops. Roaches can carry diseases and can contaminate your food with salmonella poisoning. It sucks to waste "good" food but it's better to be safe than sorry. Besides you don't want to accidentally bake a roach into your cake or stir one into your cup of joe in the morning by accident. Sugar, flour, and various spices might be full of baby roaches. Yuck!
- Bleach and thoroughly clean your kitchen and bathroom sinks as well as the bathtub.
- Bleach and thoroughly clean your dishes.
- Cover your trash can or tie the bag. You don't want to provide the bugs with a free food pantry.
- While this method isn't proven, I personally believe that keeping your home cool, leaving the lights on, and playing music throughout the day or evening will keep them out of site and comfort you if you have a phobia and are paranoid of encountering another little brown guy. It worked for me!
- Have a spray that is easily accessible in areas that they tend to frequent so that you can act fast should you come across a little brown guy. I like to keep a spray bottle, on my kitchen sink, and inside my bathroom so that there's no chance of it getting away.
Taking Initiative & Lifestyle Changes
Don't wait until it's too late! Just because you haven't seen a roach yet doesn't mean that you don't have them! While everyone deals with an occasional roach wandering into their homes you don't have to encourage an infestation to take place. You have to start a routine of daily cleaning and proper storage of both your food and garbage.
Food Storage
Avoid leaving food out in the open. Store fruits,vegetables and snacks in ziplock and plastic bags. Make sure that you bags have been tied nice and tight or sealed properly so that smaller bugs don't manage to get inside. I would also recommend purchasing reusable clear/see-through plastic storage containersDish Storage
I would recommend that place dishes into a clean and clear plastic storage container or in a box. If you can't afford to do so or if you're not too bothered by the bugs then I'd suggest that you at least begin thoroughly rinsing all of your dishes with hot water before cooking with them or eating off of them.Garbage Disposal & Storage
Purchase trashcans with a lid. Place food inside of plastic bags and tie them before disposing of them.Take out the trash at least once every day. Do not become lazy and put off disposing of your garbage!
Keeping It Clean
Clean your home religiously! You should sweep, mop, and vacuum your floors daily. Wash and dry all of your dishes, pots, pans, and cooking utensils immediately after use. Keep your counter tops spotless and free of crumbs and spills. Roaches can survive for as long as a month from just a single crumb of food. If your home doesn't have easily accessible food it will slow down their breeding and they will choose to visit and nest elsewhere.
Bug Disposal
You must get rid of them as soon as you kill them! Similarly to must bugs they can survive a fall as they have exoskeletons, as well as sprays that are intended to be used to kill them. You don't want them to play dead and later recuperate themselves and leave the scene!
Dead roaches that are pregnant can still lay their eggs and hatch more roaches! Roaches are cannibals so leaving their dead bodies lying around id not only gross and unsanitary but you're providing a big meal for other bugs that may be hiding in your home.
Dispose of their dead bodies immediately! If you can't do it yourself then ask a friend, your neighbor or your partner to help you do so.
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