Cockroaches are highly adaptable and resilient insects. Because of this, cockroaches are found on every continent except Antarctica. Cockroaches have evolved to thrive in various climates and environments, including the Pacific Northwest.
Cockroaches in the Pacific Northwest often live in areas that are moist and dark and that provide decaying organic matter as their food source. Cockroaches live in wooded areas with provided shelter or damp basements. Cockroaches often seek shelter, and your home can be the perfect place for cockroaches to hide, especially during the rainy season.
Cockroaches can enter your home through small cracks and gaps in your walls, windows, doors, and foundations. However, they often hitch a ride indoors on items such as cardboard boxes, grocery bags, or secondhand furniture. It is important when bringing items inside, to thoroughly inspect the areas and ensure your items are pest-free. When purchasing secondhand items, look for any signs of cockroaches. Be sure to check crevices, seams, or any hidden areas. Pay attention to any egg sacks or gnaw marks throughout the furniture that could have come from cockroaches seeking hiding.
There are other various signs you can look for when it comes to cockroaches within your home. The most obvious sign is the physical appearance of a cockroach, however, there are other signs such as shed skins. Cockroach skins are small and translucent or slightly brownish. These exoskeletons can be found in the kitchen, bathroom, near walls, or in a dark basement. Cockroaches can also hide in appliances like dishwashers, refrigerators, and stoves. If you see any exoskeletons, it is imperative to inspect these areas throughout your home.
There are numerous things you can do to help prevent these pests. Firstly, seal your home from any potential entryways and keep your home clean and organized. By keeping your home clean and organized, cockroaches are more exposed and have a harder time hiding. With a clean home, cockroaches are least likely to find crumbs or spills throughout the house, making it harder for them to access a food source.
Because cockroaches are attracted to food sources, it is important to keep your food in an air-tight sealed container. Cockroaches can often be found inside pantries or cupboards invading your stored food. By ensuring that your food is safely kept, cockroaches are least likely to stay in that area as they will leave and seek other food sources throughout the home. It is equally as important to fix any leaks throughout the home. Look for areas near your bathroom shower and sink faucets, in cupboards where the sink is located, behind and near the washer and dryer, and any other areas where a potential water source could be located.
If you have a persistent cockroach problem, hiring a professional pest control service may be the best solution for your home. Cockroaches reproduce rapidly and if you are unable to catch the initial cockroaches right away, they can multiply at rapid speed. When it comes to cockroaches, it is essential to be proactive in keeping them out of your home in the first place.
