Cockroaches. The mere mention of these resilient insects is enough to send shivers down the spines of many homeowners.  

In a country like Japan, where the hot and humid climate provides the perfect breeding ground for these pests, without proper care and foresight cockroaches can quickly become an unwelcome guest in your home.  

But fear not! With some proactive measures and a bit of know-how, you can keep these critters at bay. In this article, we’ll discuss five essential steps to avoid cockroaches in your home, whether you’re a resident of Japan or just visiting this beautiful country. 

If you are looking for a new home in Japan, be sure to check out the Village House website for listings across all of Japan.  

1. Keep a Clean Room 

Let’s start with the most crucial step in pest control: cleanliness. Without a doubt, keeping a clean room should be your priority if you want to keep cockroaches out of your home.  

Cockroaches are notorious for their attraction to waste, especially leftover food, crumbs, and grease.  

To keep cockroaches at bay, it’s essential to maintain a clean living space. Regularly clean up food spills, wash dishes promptly, and ensure your kitchen counters are free of crumbs. 

It is especially important to keep your eating and bathing spaces clean. Why? Food and moisture are the things that will attract cockroaches most.  

For those who find it challenging to keep up with cleaning chores, consider creating a cleaning schedule. This way, you can distribute tasks evenly and avoid the overwhelming burden of cleaning everything at once.  

By maintaining a clean environment, you’re taking the first and most crucial step in cockroach prevention. 

2. Avoid Moisture in Your Home 

Cockroaches are drawn to moisture and thrive in dark, damp environments. Any source of water or moisture can be a potential lure for these pests, including leaky pipes, damp basements, and even standing water around your home.  

It is important to try to keep your homes dry, and cockroaches will seek out wet spots like sinks, tubs, and wet bath mats. 

To eliminate this temptation, make a habit of wiping down your tub and shower after each use. Fix any leaks promptly and ensure proper ventilation in areas that tend to accumulate moisture.  

By reducing dampness in your home, you’re making it less inviting for cockroaches. 

3. Close Windows 

You should make an effort to keep out cockroaches before they lay eggs and become a serious problem. The easiest way is to keep all possible entrances closed.  

One common way cockroaches enter homes is through open windows. While fresh air is essential, it’s best to keep windows closed during particularly hot and humid times, especially in Japan, where these pests can fly even to higher floors.  

If the heat becomes unbearable, consider using air conditioning to maintain a comfortable temperature while keeping your windows sealed. 

4. Seal Small Gaps 

Older houses often have small cracks and gaps that can serve as entry points for cockroaches. While this is natural for older homes, it’s essential to address these vulnerabilities. 

Seal gaps around windows and doors with weatherstripping, and use caulk to close up any cracks. 

Additionally, consider using insect-repellent tape, which is coated with chemicals that cockroaches detest. Apply this tape to potential entry points, such as gaps in the walls, to ward off these unwanted intruders. 

5. Make Use of Cockroach Repellent Smells 

Cockroaches are sensitive to smells, and certain odors can either attract or repel them. Avoid leaving lingering smells of food, especially starch, sugar, grease, meat, and cheese, as these are cockroach magnets. 

Clean up thoroughly after cooking and dispose of your garbage regularly to prevent odors from building up. 

On the flip side, you can use specific scents to repel cockroaches. Lavender, citronella, eucalyptus, citrus, garlic, mint, and oregano are all smells that these pests dislike.  

There are various products available, such as sprays and candles, that contain these scents and can help keep cockroaches away. 

In conclusion, while cockroaches may be an inevitability in a hot and humid country like Japan, you can take proactive steps to prevent them from becoming a permanent problem in your home.  

Start by maintaining a clean living space, eliminating sources of moisture, keeping windows closed during critical times, sealing small gaps, and using both cleaning and repellent smells to your advantage.  

By following these five steps, you’ll create an environment that is far less welcoming to these unwanted guests, allowing you to enjoy a pest-free home in the Land of the Rising Sun. 

If you are looking for a new home in Japan, be sure to check out the Village House website for listings across all of Japan.