Why Using A Cockroach Bomb Is A Bad Idea

When Googling cockroach control online, it won’t take you long to uncover the so-called ‘cockroach bomb’. Otherwise known as total release foggers, you should know that these roach bombs aren’t effective at eliminating cockroach infestations from homes.

According to a study published by BMC Public Health in January 2019, the study suggested cockroach bombs do little to kill roaches indoors. According to the report, the released chemicals don’t breach the areas in homes where cockroaches are abundant and thrive. These areas include cabinets and underneath surfaces. This blog will further discuss what the study revealed. Additionally, it will list the further shortcomings of using cockroach bombs as an effective method of cockroach removal.

What Else Did The BMC Public Health Study Reveal?

The BMC Public Health study involved testing four different commercial bug bombs with various insecticides in 20 homes with German cockroach infestations of varying severity. Weeks after the cockroach bomb treatment, there was no significant decline in the estimated cockroach population numbers.

Study researcher Zachary DeVries said: “The bug bomb products did absolutely nothing to control cockroach populations in these homes.” The research also investigated insecticide exposure in homes and its risks after a bug bombing. A month after cockroach treatment, they discovered 34% of flooring and surfaces still had insecticide residue present.

De Vries continued: “Bug bombs are not killing cockroaches; they’re putting pesticides in places where the cockroaches aren’t; they’re not putting pesticides in places where cockroaches are and they’re increasing pesticide levels in the home.”

How Is A Cockroach Bomb Meant To Work?

Cockroach bombs spray pesticide into the air in a confined space. As it falls to the ground, it coats infested surfaces and kills the associated cockroaches. Extension Entomologist at the University of Kentucky College of Agriculture, Michael F. Potter, previously spoke about how bug bombs work, or are intended to work.

He said: “Most foggers are designed to be placed in the center of a room on a chair or table and activated by depressing or removing a tab at the top of the can.

“The entire contents are released upwards, into the airspace, where the aerosol droplets remain suspended for a period of time and then gradually settle onto floors, countertops and other surfaces.

“When applied in this manner, very little insecticide actually penetrates into cracks, voids, and other hidden locations where cockroaches, ants, silverfish, and most other household pests congregate and spend most of their time.”

What Are The Other Problems When Using A Cockroach Bomb? 

So, we’ve established that cockroach bombs don’t reach the tiniest nooks and crannies that roaches love to hide out in. What else? Cockroach bombs are highly flammable and can be toxic due to the aerosol and pesticides used. In other words, cockroach bombs are problematic in unqualified or unskilled hands. If you are considering using bug bombs, you need to be aware of the associated safety risks.

The University of Kentucky Entomology Department actually recommends avoiding cockroach bombs altogether. Michael F. Potter continued: “Many insect foggers contain pyrethrin as an active ingredient. The ingredients within ‘bug bombs’ also tend to be repellent, causing insects to scatter and move deeper into walls, crevices, and other hard-to-reach areas.”

What About Cockroach Gel Baits? Do They Work?

Hopping back to the BMC Public Health study, Zachary DeVries and his team tested other popular cockroach removal tactics too. One of them included the use of cockroach gel baits. Their research showed that gel baits were more effective than bug bombs after treating an additional 10 homes with gel baits.

Wondering The Best Way To Get Rid Of Cockroaches? Call The Professionals At Terminix Canada

Ultimately, the best way to get rid of cockroaches is consulting with a professional cockroach exterminator like Terminix Canada.

Cockroaches are simply too resilient for the average Canadian homeowner to overcome alone. Our residential pest control teams can manage cockroach infestations with environmentally friendly solutions such as our Integrated Pest Management (IPM). This is a complete plan to get rid of cockroaches for good. Including proper procedures like inspection, monitoring, elimination and exclusion, you can be sure cockroach problems will crawl away for good.