When I came back from my vacation this time I noticed a problem. First there was one or two of them. But after killing around ten of them I learned that it was a proper infestation. Cockroaches. Can’t live with them. Can’t kill them.

First I tried to chase them and just get them with a rolled up magazine or something. This is more difficult than it sounds. They are very fast in running and when they feel like it they can fly too. Not very good fliers, but they use the flying ability as a sort of last resort when they really need to escape.

My second strategy was using the vacuum cleaner. This worked surprisingly well, just sucked it in there. Made me feel a little like a ghostbuster. Especially when I empty the tank. But. Using the vacuum cleaner is sort of clumsy. Takes time to bring it out and empty. This was before i learned what probably ever house wife in Japan know helps. Bugspray.

I bought this brand of can and I serves me very well. The long pipe attached as “barrel” works perfect when I sneak up on them. After I got this can, none of the cockroaches I have seen have got away. This spray is not mainly a poison but more like a sticky fluid style gel. It smells a little of kerosene so I guess it’s like napalm for a roach. (Yes it burns like a flame thrower, but do not try that kids).

When chasing a roach the problem is always speed. They are to fast and often manage to slip away into some crack or hole where you can not reach them This is where the spray comes in. It slows them down. The sticky spray gets to their wings and legs so they first slow down and then can not move at all. This is where you kill them.

As I know am in the process of chasing them down one by one I also want to do something about the infestation. I got this bottle at the store. It contains a white powder that should be strewn in a line around the house. The smell is supposed to scare them away. A bit voodoo is it? Does not work yet. I will put some more today.

Another tip I found on the net was this: Always keep a tight lid on your house hold trash can. Seems obvious sure, but I am from a cold country where roaches was never a problem. Will start with that too, today.

READER QUESTION:

Have you had problems with cockroaches? How did you get rid of them?
Please share your knowledge with me!
Write in the comments below or send me an e-mail.

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