No one wants to think about cockroaches, much less deal with them. But if you have to ask yourself how long they can survive in the microwave, chances are good you’ve already encountered a few of these pests.
The answer to this question is a bit complicated as cockroaches can survive the heat from the microwave within three minutes and while others can indefinitely survive even if they are being heated. The fact is, it all depends on the wattage of your microwave. The time will depend on the wattage of your microwave, and the number and types of cockroaches that are lingering inside your oven.
Microwave ovens use electromagnetic radiation to heat food. They use water molecules in the food to create friction, which produces heat. The microwaves cause the water molecules to rotate at high speed and create friction with other particles in the food. This is how your microwave heats your food.
Cockroaches have a higher tolerance for heat than most people realize. They can withstand temperatures up to twice as hot as what humans can endure.
Can You Kill Cockroaches by Heating Them up in a Microwave?
It’s easy to think that cockroaches will easily die from the microwave’s heat, right? Unfortunately, the warmth that microwave ovens produce makes it the perfect breeding ground for these pests. It’s warm, and the heating elements don’t seem to affect cockroaches the way it affects other insects (or humans). As mentioned earlier, microwave ovens utilize water molecules to create friction and heat up food.
Smaller cockroaches are more challenging to kill inside the microwave because they contain less water content. On the other hand, giant and adult cockroaches have a higher water content, making them easier to kill with microwave radiation. If you try to kill a cockroach inside a microwave, but the roach survives, you’ll just end up with a very angry and agitated roach.
When this happens, the cockroach will likely try to escape the microwave and run toward you. If you have a fear of cockroaches, this is probably not the best method to use to get rid of them. Another thing to consider is that if you do manage to kill a cockroach inside your microwave, it’s going to leave behind a nasty mess. Considering this is where you heat your food, you’ll want to be extra careful about cleaning the microwave thoroughly.
How to Stop Cockroaches from Getting Inside Your Microwave
Have you ever opened your microwave to find a cockroach scrabbling around inside? While it may seem like these pests are somehow drawn to your food, the truth is that they’re just looking for a warm, dark place to hide.
Fortunately, there are a few simple steps you can take to keep cockroaches out of your microwave.
Ensure No Food Debris is Left Inside the Microwave
Cockroaches are attracted to crumbs and grease, so taking the time to wipe down your microwave regularly can make a big difference. After each use, make sure that you give your microwave a good wiping and spray with a natural deodorizer like white vinegar.
Alternatively, you can also cover the food you’re heating up inside the microwave. This will make sure that there won’t be grease splattering around the walls of your microwave.
Use Cockroach Repellents
There are a number of natural cockroach repellents that you can use to keep these pests at bay. Some of the most effective include:
- Peppermint Oil
- Bay Leaves
- Citrus Peels
- Lavender Oil
All you need to do is simply place your cockroach repellent of choice in areas you don’t want them. While the above won’t kill the roaches, these are proven to effectively repel cockroaches, keeping them out of areas you don’t want them to stay, such as near your microwave.
Peppermint oil is one of the most effective roach repellents as it can effectively mask the pheromones that cockroaches use to communicate. Citrus peels and lavender oil also work similarly, as these can also hide the pheromones that cockroaches use. On the other hand, Bay leaves release a chemical called linalool, which is toxic to cockroaches.
Seal Any Cracks or Holes Around Your Microwave
If your microwave oven is a bit worn out and you’ve noticed that there are a few holes and cracks around it, then this could be one of the reasons why cockroaches are getting inside.
Cockroaches can squeeze through tiny spaces and cracks, so it’s essential to check your microwave for any holes or gaps. If you notice any, make sure to seal them with caulk or steel wool to prevent these pests from getting in.
You should also check the door seal of your microwave and make sure that it’s tight and free from any holes or cracks. If there are any gaps, cockroaches will be able to easily slip through. While it may sound like common sense, many people tend to forget and leave their microwave doors open. This is an excellent opportunity for cockroaches to sneak in and make themselves at home.
Use Cockroach Traps and Baits
If you’ve tried all of the above and still find cockroaches in your microwave, it’s time to get a little more hands-on with your approach.
One of the most effective ways to get rid of cockroaches is by using traps and baits. These work by luring the cockroaches into a trap where they will be killed.
There are a number of different traps and baits you can use, but one of the most effective is boric acid. This is a white powder that’s made from Boron, which is a naturally occurring element. When ingested, boric acid will kill cockroaches by dehydrating them.
Alternatively, you can also visit your local hardware store and purchase roach gels and baits. There are various brands and types available, so make sure to ask for advice from the experts before making your purchase.
Final Thoughts
Keeping roaches away from your microwave ensures better chances of you getting rid of these pests rather than relying on using microwave heat to kill them. Most cockroaches don’t die even after being exposed to microwave heat for long periods of time.
The best way to keep cockroaches away from your microwave is by ensuring that there’s no food debris left inside, using natural repellents, and sealing any cracks or holes around the appliance. If all else fails, you can also use traps and baits to get rid of these pests.
