How To Get Rid of Roaches in Car: [10 Easy Steps]

by Posted on

 

Anyone would experience a panic attack upon discovering a cockroach inside their car. Aside from giving most people the creeps, cockroaches are notorious for contaminating things and causing damage. Cockroaches typically live in groups, which just makes matters worse. Females produce between four and thirty eggs during a single reproductive cycle. That’s correct; the roach that crawled over your dashboard probably brought along a few friends along.

How can you get rid of these unpleasant pests and prevent a rising cockroach population from taking over your car? You’ll be relieved to learn that getting rid of roaches is rather simple if you have the correct equipment and knowledge. This practical guide will explain how to quickly get rid of roaches in your car.

Contents

Are Roaches dangerous?

Cockroaches are undoubtedly disgusting, but do they pose a direct threat to you or your car? Yes, they do.  Cockroaches enjoy spreading contaminants through their droppings. In addition to emitting an unpleasant smell, cockroach waste can transmit various dangerous diseases, such as Dysentery, Gastroenteritis, E-coli, Staphylococcus, Listeriosis, Streptococcus, and Giardia.

Some people are allergic to roaches and may have breathing difficulties or itchy skin when they are around.

Cockroaches have even been known to chew through wires and burrow into furniture. They may not be as destructive as termites, but a large group of determined critters can ruin the appearance and functionality of your car in a matter of days.

Cockroaches can also attract other pests. When rats detect the odor of roach droppings, they are likely to want to join in the fun and severely ruin your day. If a rodent manages to get into your car, it won’t be long before it begins chewing on wires and leaving bacteria-laden feaces all over the place.

People are usually embarrassed when they discover a roach infestation in their car. Don’t worry; it happens to all of us, it doesn’t mean your car is filthy. Cockroaches are found in large numbers in countries worldwide – you can’t get away from them!

Roaches are also extremely adept at squeezing through tiny gaps. After all, they have flat bodies and will go to great lengths to find food and shelter. The following are the most common entry points for roaches attempting to enter a vehicle:

  • Air vents
  • Exhaust vents
  • Electrical outlets
  • Sunroofs
  • Broken window seals
  • Weatherstripping
  • Front grill
  • Engine blocks

Where do roaches tend to hide in a car?

Cockroaches feel safer and relieved when tucked between objects, so check for tight spaces and get ready to find a large group of them.

They can hide almost anywhere, but their favorite spots are:

  • Air vents
  • The trunk
  • HVAC systems
  • Foot mats
  • Inside cracks and crevices
  • Glove compartments
  • Footwells
  • The rear window
  • The engine 

What are the common symptoms of a cockroach infestation?

Please note that trying a variety of methods can yield the quickest results and increase your chances of permanently getting rid of bugs. The following are 10 simple ways to get rid of the roaches in your car:

1. Use a vacuum cleaner to clean your car.

2. Wash the car

3. Sprinkle boric acid (a pesticide) in your car to eliminate the nests.

4. Use diatomaceous earth as pesticide if you have kids or pets.

5. Spray Scent oils or use air fresheners to get rid of the pungent smell of roaches in your car

6. Place good-scenting plants or strong herbs in your car

7. Set sticky traps

8. Place baking soda in your car to eliminate cockroach infestations

9. Use Catnips to drive roaches away.

10. Close your windows and doors properly

How to keep roaches out of my car for good

Now that you’ve gotten rid of your roach issue and can step into your car without the worry of stepping on a creepy-crawly, you need to take preventive measures to ensure roaches don’t find their way back in. If you are not careful, you will have to repeat the entire elimination process.

Fortunately, there are some things you can do to stop re-infestations and keep your car’s environment hygienic. These are some examples:

1. Keep the windows closed

This step should be obvious. Even in safe neighborhoods, leaving your windows open poses a severe security risk. It is a sure way to draw roaches, wasps, spiders, beetles, ladybugs, and silverfish, among other pests. So always remember to lock the doors of your and close all windows, including the sunroof. Cockroaches cannot survive in a hot environment.

2. Complete any necessary repairs

No matter how little the damage appears, even minute cracks and fissures can serve as cockroach access places. Therefore, once your cockroach issue has been resolved, don’t forget to check your car for damage and finish any necessary repairs right away. The safest course of action is to visit a mechanic frequently, but you might be able to solve the issue on your own with DIY tools.

3. Clean your garage

Once your car is clean, tidy up your garage by removing clutter and potential pest food sources.

 

Published by Regan