What brings cockroaches inside? Here’s how to keep them out of your Washington state home

Chelsea Madden, Genevieve Belmaker
·3 min read
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Cockroaches are found all over the world and are becoming more common in Washington state, especially during scorching summer heat. So, as the summer heats up, here are some tips to help identify the pests and keep them away.

How to identify roaches

According to Reader’s Digest, a study examined the cities with the worst roach infestations, and New Orleans made the top of the list. Over 40% of New Orleans residents reported cockroaches in 2015.

While Washington is far from the top of the list, the state does have four different types of cockroaches. Here are the most common roaches found in Washington:

German cockroach (WA state’s most common)

  • Color: Tan with dark brown parallel stripes

  • Length: Smaller, around 1/2″ to 5/8″

  • Where: They can be found in kitchens around appliances and food.

Oriental cockroach

  • Color: Glossy with cherry-to-black coloring

  • Length: Large, measuring 1 to 1.25 inches in length

  • Where: They are usually found outdoors and active at night.

Brown-banded

  • Color: Brown/tan with dark colors on back

  • Length: 1.5 inch

  • Where: You’ll find them inside cabinets or the pantry.

American cockroach

  • Color: Light brown color with light yellow bands around the shield

  • Length: 2 inches

  • Where: They can be found in kitchens, bathrooms, pipes, sewers and basements.

A single cockroach like the American cockroach in this file photo won’t necessarily cause health inspectors to close a restaurant, but evidence of a significant infestation by these and other critters will prompt a shutdown until the problem is cleaned up.
A single cockroach like the American cockroach in this file photo won’t necessarily cause health inspectors to close a restaurant, but evidence of a significant infestation by these and other critters will prompt a shutdown until the problem is cleaned up.

Why do they come inside?

Although many think roaches are a sign of an untidy house, roaches enter homes to find four things: food, shelter, water and heat.

According to the website of Northwest Exterminating: “While dirty or cluttered houses can provide an ample supply of food and shelter, clean houses can provide many of these necessities for roaches, as well. Appliances offer a source of heat, so roaches are often found under or behind them. Leaky faucets or pipes can provide a water supply no matter how clean your home is.”

Of course, dishes piled up in the sink, an overfilled garbage can or a leaky bathtub faucet can appeal to the little crawlers, so keeping kitchens and bathrooms clean is best.

How to protect your home

Here are some tips from the National Pest Management Association to help keep cockroaches away from your home:

  • Seal cracks in walls and gaps near electric sockets

  • Keep counters, sinks, tables and floors free of clutter and crumbs

  • Don’t let dishes pile up

  • Avoid leaving food out in the open and store it in airtight containers

  • Vacuum at least once a week to remove food particles

  • Ventilate crawl spaces to prevent moisture buildup

Cockroach infestations can pose a harmful risk, especially for those with asthma. According to the American College of Allergy, Asthma and Immunology, the feces, saliva and shedding body parts of cockroaches can be trigger sources for people with asthma.

Cockroaches have also been known to carry Salmonella typhimurium, Entamoeba histolytica, and the poliomyelitis virus, according to the CDC.

These are the signs you have an American cockroach infestation, according to the National Pest Management Association, and you should call pest control:

  • Droppings in dim areas of your home

  • Presence of egg capsules, which are about 8 millimeters long and dark-colored

  • A musty smell around