Roaches – they’re dirty, ugly, and just plain icky. Nobody wants them in their home, but getting rid of them can be a real challenge once they get in.
Homeowners want them gone, and Lysol seems to be making some waves as an effective solution among the different products. But does it really work?
Lysol is well-known as a household cleaner. The brand is well-known for its strong antibacterial properties. It is often a top choice for cleaning and disinfecting homes. But surprisingly, it has also become a top choice for killing roaches – fast.
It works quickly by suffocating these roaches. Since these pests breathe through what’s called spiracles, which are tiny openings found on the roaches’ back.
This is how they breathe, and Lysol takes advantage of this by blocking these spiracles, causing the cockroach to suffocate and die.
How Lysol Kills Cockroaches?
There’s no denying that roaches are pretty resilient and tough creatures. Radiation, nuclear warfare – you name it, and they’ve probably survived it.
With their existence going back 300 million years, it’s no wonder they’re one of the most common household pests. They can withstand extreme hot and cold temperatures and can go without food for a month. But does that mean that they’re indestructible? No, not quite.
While the facts mentioned above are quite frightening, these creatures have some weaknesses too.
Pesticides and insecticides can be effective in killing them as long as you use the right amount and kind. However, take note that other pesticides, such as Raid, work differently from Lysol.
Pesticides work by targeting the cockroach’s nervous system. It works by either paralyzing them or causing them to convulse until they die.
This is usually the case in most pesticides and works surprisingly well with a wide range of bugs, roaches included. As soon as the pesticide gets absorbed by the bug’s body, it immediately travels to the brain.
The cockroach will start to lose control of its movement and, eventually, die.
Lysol’s mode of action, on the other hand, is different. It works by suffocating them. Since these pests breathe through what’s called spiracles, which are tiny openings found on the roaches’ back.
This is how they breathe, and when Lysol is sprayed on them, it blocks these spiracles. The cockroach will start to suffocate and die.
Although Lysol doesn’t contain ingredients similar to pesticides, it works just as good in suffocating these creatures.
Lysol Alternatives: Will Other Similar Brands Work Too?
Let’s first take a good look at Lysol’s main ingredients: isopropyl and ethyl alcohol are the two primary active ingredients in most Lysol products.
According to studies, both types of alcohol are pretty effective in terms of killing and suffocating roaches. But what makes Lysol stand out is the additional ingredient called benzalkonium chloride.
Combined with alcohol, this instantly sticks and immediately kills the cockroaches crawling under your kitchen sink.
In any case, any antibacterial and deodorizing spray that contains all these ingredients can be used as a Lysol alternative.
However, we strongly suggest that you still grab a can of your favorite pesticide for your home. Sure, Lysol gets the job done and can work as a quick and emergency solution just in case you spot a roach or two in your home. But we don’t recommend that you use it as your only solution to getting rid of these pests for good.
Pesticides, on the other hand, can be used as a long-term solution in keeping your home free from roaches and other bugs. With Lysol and other similar products, you have to spray the product directly on the cockroach.
This will only work when it’s used with direct contact. Pesticides, on the other hand, contain chemicals that can linger in the air and on surfaces.
When roaches come in contact with these chemicals, their nervous systems will be directly targeted, which will then lead to their demise.
Final Thoughts
The combination of alcohol and benzalkonium chloride in Lysol makes it an effective roach killer. As soon as these ingredients stick to their bodies, they will eventually kill them through suffocation.
It’s a great alternative when you see a roach crawling in your home – especially if you don’t see any pesticide lying around your home. However, for severe infestation and roach problems, choosing a product with stronger active ingredients targeting the bug’s nervous system.
