Of all the household pests, the cockroach is probably the most hated. With its tough looking exterior, imposing size, and ability to survive extreme conditions, this pest is a creepy-crawly that we all would rather do without. So is it any surprise that, upon finding one in our homes, our first instinct is to squish it dead?
Part of this reaction comes from instinctive revulsion. Another part comes from the knowledge that these insects are hard to kill. We also don’t have the same sentimental attitudes towards cockroaches that we might have towards other common bugs, such as ladybugs or bumblebees. But is it ever ok to squish a cockroach at first sight? Or will it cause more harm than good? We've called on a pest expert to answer our questions.
Is squishing cockroaches a bad idea?
The answer is a little more complex than you might think. Squashing a cockroach can have negative consequences, but not the one that you’re most scared of.
“People worry that squashing a cockroach will release eggs and cause more to appear - but that’s highly unlikely,” says Sophie Thorogood, technical training manager at Pest-Stop.
“Most cockroaches lay their eggs in protective cases (oothecae) that they leave in safe, warm spots and it takes weeks for those eggs to hatch. Only the German cockroach carries its ootheca until the eggs are ready to hatch and even then, the chance of squishing one at just the right moment to release nymphs is extremely small.”
This means that you can confidently squash a cockroach without needing to worry about a future swarm of baby cockroaches. Still, experts like Sophie don’t recommend making this choice.
When you squash a cockroach, you may not be releasing eggs onto the surface – but you are smearing the insides of the insect onto its surroundings.
When you squash a cockroach, you may not be releasing eggs onto the surface, but you are smearing the insides of the insect onto its surroundings.
Not only is this unpleasant to clean up, but it can actually be dangerous to your health as cockroaches are known to carry various bacteria and pathogens that are harmful to humans.
When you squash a cockroach, the bacteria and other organisms are released from the insect’s body and therefore are easily able to infect any nearby humans. Even if there are no dangerous pathogens on that particular roach, when the roach’s body is crushed, it produces a chemical signal to other cockroaches in the area. If they then come to inspect the source of the signal, they might bring with them harmful organisms. These include allergens that can trigger an allergic or asthmatic reaction.
All in all, the risks are high that someone could become quite unwell from simply being exposed to the squashed bug.
What's more, a squashed cockroach will leak its bodily fluids, which can stain surfaces. These fluids often have an unpleasant odor as well, which can linger even after clean-up if the liquid has seeped into an absorbent material. While a good scrub should be able to remove any remnants of the dead insect, it’s not a task that most people will want to do.
How to get rid of cockroaches
Squashing the cockroach is out, but you still need to do something. Fortunately, there are a few different options that will minimize mess, health risks, and the presence of cockroaches in your home:
These include using sticky traps to catch cockroaches in the area, using a jar or container to manually capture the insect, for release outdoors, or if a serious infestation, a professional pest control.
Sticky traps
Sticky traps are exactly what they sound like: traps that use bait attached to an adhesive to catch cockroaches and keep them in place until you can come and dispose of them. Their supporters appreciate their cost effectiveness and ease of utility, while their detractors argue that they are insufficient for dealing with a full infestation and won’t resolve the root of the pest problem. If you have only one or two cockroaches about, sticky traps can be a practical, affordable way to address the issue.
Catch and release jars
Another, even simpler approach is to catch and release the insect with a receptacle on hand, such as a jar, container, or cup and a piece of paper.
When you see a cockroach, trap it under the container, then slide a piece of paper underneath the insect to seal off the area. You can now transport the cockroach outside and release it to the local environment. Both of these methods presume you are trying to remove just an errant bug here and there.
Ideally, use airtight, sealed, storage containers for dry goods, snacks or even pet food, to prevent ants making their way inside.
If you have a real infestation, then your best solution is to employ professional pest control. They will have the tools and know-how to identify where the pests are entering the home; to seal and treat these areas; and to kill and dispose of all the cockroaches present. This is a more extreme approach, but one that is necessary to fully eliminate the infestation.
How to prevent cockroaches
Once you’ve removed any pests from your home, you’re going to want to keep it that way: cockroach-free.
Experts recommend keeping the area clean and free of anything that a cockroach might eat, such as crumbs or open containers of food. Seal all food packaging and regularly vacuum your space to ensure that there are no tasty morsels lingering about that might appeal to a cockroach.
Next, locate and block off any potential entry points that a cockroach may use to get into your home. This is especially important if you didn’t use professional pest control to treat the area. Cracks, crevices and gaps in walls, doors, and window frames are prime opportunities for insects to climb through, so make sure you seal up any that you find.
Lastly, aim to reduce the overall moisture level of your residence. Cockroaches enjoy a wetter environment and can be attracted to open sources of water, so fix any water leaks and ensure that your home is getting proper ventilation. If you know the home is particularly susceptible to damp or mold, consider getting a dehumidifier to help bring down the moisture level.
More from Tom's Guide
- Got roaches? Pest experts say this is the one common liquid you should never pour down the drain
- 7 telltale signs of roaches in your home
- 7 things that attract roaches to your home
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