Fumigation is an excellent way to get rid of heavy cockroach infestations. But this is primarily a last resort for many seeking to eliminate cockroach nests because of chemicals used in insecticides. But the good news is — cockroaches cannot survive chemical fumigation.
There are various myths about these little critters that they are the sole survivors of a nuclear holocaust. People formed these myths due to the indestructible nature of these infectious pests. Fortunately, pest treatments such as fumigation are effective for killing roaches.
Let’s look into the process of chemical fumigation and how it helps get rid of cockroach colonies in your home.
What Does Cockroach Fumigation Include?
Cockroach fumigation consists of vaporized chemicals that permeate the home to kill pests. The vaporized chemicals are extremely strong and can penetrate the walls and small openings in the ceilings and floors.
Fumigation is the most effective pest-elimination method for killing various insects. So, it is best to consider the fumigation method if you have an uncontrollable cockroach infestation.
Does Cockroach Fumigation Work?
Fumigation uses lethal chemicals, so it has a long-lasting effect that kills cockroaches. These chemicals reach the roaches that hide in small spaces, while their vapors can penetrate deep inside the crevices killing small cockroaches.
The fumigation process works against all the roach species. You’d rarely require another follow-up roach elimination method to clear infestation as the chemical vapors clear up the entire roach colonies.
But you must know that the fumigation does not immediately kill the roaches. So you may spot some insects in your home for up to two weeks.
Unfortunately, cockroaches are challenging to kill because they develop insecticide resistance. But thorough fumigation with lethal chemicals can eliminate their large colonies.
The professional fumigation services fill your entire home with fumes when all other infestation control methods fail.
Does Fumigation Kill Cockroach Eggs?
Fumigation can kill cockroach eggs because the chemicals and gasses are extremely strong. Getting rid of cockroach eggs is a vital part of fumigation to prevent future infestations.
If the fumigators do not properly fumigate the house, the eggs can continue to hatch. If that happens, your home may require multiple follow-up treatments.
Therefore, you must fumigate properly, so the chemicals reach into tiny spaces where the cockroaches lay eggs.
Is Fumigation Useful to Eliminate Roaches From Homes?
Fumigation is super helpful to eliminate cockroaches from homes. These pests are the most common insects infesting homes through sanitation leaks. These scavengers are incredibly troublesome as they are unhygienic and spoil food by contaminating it.
Cockroaches freely move from garbage and filth to kitchen utensils and food, transferring pathogens and leading to food poisoning. They also shed their skins, causing different types of allergies.
Cockroach allergens can cause the following:
- Sneezing
- Watery eyes
- Congestion
- Asthma
- Running nose
- Itchiness
- Postnasal drip
- Skin rashes
- Cough
- Bronchial inflammation
- Wheezing
Prompt fumigation can help you prevent all of the above health dangers.
When Should You Fumigate Cockroaches?
You should fumigate your home when the infestation reaches an uncontrollable level. Ensure that you only use this process when you have tried all other infestation control methods because fumigation is hazardous to humans and pets.
You should fumigate roaches when:
- You don’t know the location of cockroach nests
- Other infestation control methods cannot access the roaches in tiny spaces
Buildings and apartments have various insect entry points. When roaches spot a source of food, they immediately form a nest.
These pesky creatures need moisture to survive well. Therefore, you’ll find cockroaches in manufacturing warehouses, shipping and cargo places, milling industries, etc. These places require frequent fumigation to eliminate heavy infestations.
If your home has a cockroach infestation, it’s best to use a less invasive method. It may be less effective, but it will significantly reduce the need for lethal fumigation.
You can use bait traps for minor infestations if your home does not have cockroach colonies. Besides this, diatomaceous earth and boric acid also help eliminate cockroach colonies. These are less invasive methods that are not hazardous to health.
Do Cockroaches Immediately Die After Fumigation?
Fumigation is the most effective pest control method, but the roaches do not immediately die. Instead, you must wait 24 to 72 hours to allow the toxic vapors to penetrate your home.
During this time, the chemicals eradicate the pests and kill the eggs. However, some roaches die two weeks after fumigation. Therefore, you might see cockroaches in your home after the fumigation.
Since fumigation is hazardous to health, you should move out for a few days. When you return, take the following measures to ensure the chemicals continue to work on the pests:
- Properly dispose of the trash
- Put a lid on the trashcans
- Seal the gaps, crevices, and cracks to eliminate all insect entry points
- Do not leave out food
- Clean up the dishes
- Clean grease spills
- Do not leave dirty items overnight
- Mop your floor
- Use a vacuum cleaner to clean tiny spaces in your home
Once fumigation eliminates the roaches, these pests won’t return for months. But you must thoroughly clean your home to reduce the chances of a future infestation.
What If You Still See Roaches After Fumigation?
If you still see cockroaches after fumigation, you must not panic, as it takes two weeks for the cockroaches to flush out of your home.
Heavy cockroach infestation will require a follow-up treatment. The fumigators usually know if your home needs a second treatment.
You can continue cleaning your home after fumigation if it requires a single treatment. If you still see some roaches, you can expect them to die within the next two weeks.
Remember that the roaches look for food and moisture. Therefore, you must keep the food away and protect your home from moisture. Otherwise, it will take longer for the cockroaches to die.
Wet paper and cardboard products also serve as a food source for cockroaches. So if your home has damp paper or cardboard, you must tuck it away.
What Should You Do Before Fumigation?
The fumigation process takes about 48 hours, so you must take some measures before getting your home fumigated.
The fumigation method will seal your home with plastic or tape and enclose everything with a vinyl-coated nylon tarpaulin tent. Before the fumigation, you must thoroughly clean everything:
- Vacuum your home and wipe off dust and grime from every surface.
- Clean the countertops and stove.
- Keep all the cups, plates, and kitchen utensils covered.
- Keep your belongings in sealed boxes.
- Open the drawers.
- Keep the furniture away from the walls.
What Should You Do After Fumigation?
Fumigation uses strong chemicals, you must thoroughly clean your home after the fumigation process as you don’t want the chemicals to affect anything in your home.
Since it takes about two weeks for the roaches to die after fumigation. Therefore, you must leave your home for about five days as you should not risk removing the residual chemicals that kill pests.
If you remove the residual insecticide, it will increase the risk of roaches staying alive. These cockroaches will lead to re-infestation of your home. Here are a few things you must do after fumigation:
- Open the windows and doors for ventilation
- Maintain hygiene to reduce the chances of re-infestation
- Keep your laundry in sealable boxes or zip-lock bags. When cockroaches do not find any food or water, they start to eat away at the fabric.
Are There Any Side Effects of Fumigation on Your Health?
Pest control methods require the use of chemicals that are hazardous to health. These chemicals have poisons. Due to this, people demand organic treatments.
Every pest control method is poisonous but not lethal for humans. But if you are allergic to fumes, you must stay outdoors during the fumigation process. Let the vapors and odor settle before you return home.
Demanding an organic pest control method is ineffective for heavy infestations as these methods are weaker. In addition, the chemicals are extracted from natural sources. Therefore, they are less lethal.
If you use organic pest control processes, you will require a second infestation control method. Thus, it’s best to choose fumigation to eliminate cockroaches and their eggs.
Fumigation has the following side effects on your health:
- Throat irritation
- Breathing troubles
- Eye infections
- Skin rashes
- Watery eyes
- Dizziness
- Nausea
- Vomiting
- Itchiness
How to Prevent Roaches in the Future?
Cockroaches are stubborn pests that are fond of forming settlements within your home. Once your home is pest-free, you must take some steps to prevent a future roach infestation.
Here are some preventive measures to keep your home roach-free:
Maintain Hygiene
You must maintain hygiene after a roach treatment as food and grease attract cockroaches. If your kitchen has moisture and food, it will attract the roaches, forming a nest within days. Therefore, you must thoroughly clean your kitchen and remove any spills.
Make sure to regularly scrub your countertops with water, vinegar, and lemon or a strong cleaning solution to keep the roaches away.
Seal Insect Entry Points
You must seal all insect entry points in your home to prevent the roaches from entering. Seal all gaps, holes, and crevices. You can also use insect repellents to keep the bugs away.
Fix Sanitation and Water Leaks
Roaches are common in places rich in moisture. To prevent roach infestation, you must fix leaky pipes, sinks, and water faucets. In addition, repair the drains and use roach repellents in the bathrooms.
FAQs
Can You Get Sick From Fumigation?
Fumigation uses toxic chemicals called fumigants, which can cause severe breathing issues due to inhalation. Exposure to fumigants occurs through eyes, skin, mouth, and inhalation. Therefore it’s best to move out of your home for three to four days until the fumigants settle.
Why Do I See More Cockroaches After Fumigation?
A cockroach infestation worsens after the fumigation process as more cockroaches start to come out of the tight spaces in your home. So if you see more cockroaches coming out, it is a good sign because it indicates that the pest control method is working.
Is Fumigation Safe?
The chemicals used in fumigation are hazardous to humans, pets, and the environment. In addition, some substances used by local fumigators are not federally regulated. For example, sulfuryl fluoride is an air pollutant and is not regulated federally. Therefore, you must contact legal fumigation services to fumigate your home.
Conclusion
Fumigation is the best choice if you want a long-term pest control solution. However, you must only contact professional fumigators for a safe and thorough process. You should never attempt to fumigate your home by yourself as it uses lethal chemicals.
Here’s a summary of how do get rid of cockroaches with fumigation:
- Cockroaches are extremely challenging to kill, but they cannot survive fumigation.
- You must contact professional fumigation services if your home has large cockroach colonies.
- Thoroughly clean your home before and after fumigation.
- Seal all insect entry points in your home to avoid re-infestation.