Can Cockroaches Survive Fumigation?
You’ve probably heard cockroaches can survive a nuclear holocaust which would mean they’re entirely indestructible. Well, it turns out that not only is this a myth, but roaches can be controlled using numerous pest treatments, including fumigation.
Fumigation is a great way to kill cockroaches when you’ve got a severe infestation and have exhausted all other elimination methods.
If you’re facing a roach problem in your home and are thinking about fumigation, this article may help you decide whether it’s a good option.
Does Fumigation Work?
Fumigation uses a lethal chemical for roaches and is a long-lasting and effective treatment to kill these bugs.
Since it’s a whole-home process, fumigation reaches all your home’s nooks and crannies, which most other elimination methods fail to do. The chemical soaks the whole structure of your house, getting even the roaches that are deep into hiding.
Fumigation works against all roach species and rarely ever requires any follow-up treatments. In addition, the gases kill the eggs, too, eradicating the problem.
Although potent, fumigation does not kill roaches immediately, and you may even see an insect here and there until two weeks after the fumigation has been done. Just be patient, and you will see results.
Before, During, and After Fumigation
Fumigation doesn’t just involve spraying your home and waiting for the roaches to die. Instead, it’s a lengthy process that requires careful planning so you can keep yourself, your family, and your belongings safe.
Here is what you can expect before, during, and after the fumigation process.
Before
After you’ve contacted a pest company, they’ll visit your home to assess the situation. Once they’ve noted everything down, they’ll estimate how long the fumigation process is going to take.
Depending on how bad the pest situation is and the size of the building, the procedure will take 24 to 48 hours to complete. In some cases, it may even take up to a week.
The pest experts will also discuss the two types of fumigation methods available and which will best suit your home or business. Your home will be sealed in plastic, tape, or a similar structure in one approach. In the other method, also called tenting, the building will be enclosed with a nylon tarpaulin tent.
Once the details have been sorted out, it is time to prepare your home for fumigation.
The harsh chemicals used in fumigation are highly toxic and cause severe health complications. Therefore, remove all food products, plants, pets, and medicines. Keep all edibles in fumigant-resistant containers.
You can ask the professionals if you’re unsure about a container, but generally, glass, wood, and metal will do.
In addition, cover your furniture and belongings. Store away your plates and utensils. Put toys and decoration pieces in sealed boxes.
The fumigant won’t harm your stuff, but putting your belongings away will prevent any chemical residue, which may put you at risk of exposure.
During
Experts will seal your home during the procedure, which means you won’t be able to enter your house until they tell you it is safe to do so. The company will ensure this by applying a secondary lock that only the company can undo.
Remember, only qualified professionals handle the fumigation process and know how to keep themselves safe. Those who lack the training and equipment are putting themselves in harm’s way. You may be tempted to go home or tend to your business, but you must strictly follow the company’s instructions.
After
Once the fumigator informs you that it is safe to enter, you may go home. A notice will be posted on the property to let you know the premises are now secure.
An additional sign may also be put up stating the licensee’s name, when the fumigation was performed, and the type of fumigant used.
By law, you’re to permanently keep these notices attached so that future home and business owners will know about the fumigation.
When you come back home, the first thing to do is open all the doors and windows to properly ventilate your home and remove any fumes.
The procedure may be over, but not all roaches are dead. Some surviving pests may take up to two weeks to be killed; therefore, you should not clean your home as this will remove any residual chemicals.
So don’t freak out if you see a couple of roaches here and there. You may even see nymphs going around that may have hatched during the process.
Seeing these bugs disturb you, but trust that the experts have done their job well and give it time. Don’t use any additional insecticides on the roaches, as this may encourage them to seek new hiding places in your home.
If you don’t like the sight of these insects, you can sweep or vacuum them out of your home.
Prevent Roaches in the Future
You’ll be happy to find your home pest-free. However, fumigation may have killed all the roaches, but it won’t stop more from coming into your home. Therefore you must take preventative measures to ensure your home remains roach-free.
Maintain Good Hygiene
Roaches are attracted to several things, but food and grease entice them the most. So make sure to remove any spills in your kitchen ASAP. If water isn’t enough, use a lemon and water or vinegar and water solution to scrub everything away.
Seal Entry Points
Roaches can come into your homes via cracks and crevices. Seal all these gaps to prevent the entry of these bugs.
Fix Water Leaks
Roaches like moisture and may be common in your home if you’ve got leaky pipes and faucets. Repair these and drain any extra water to prevent these pests.
Final Takeaway
If you’re looking for a long-term solution to your severe roach infestation, we recommend reaching out to a professional and discussing the option of fumigation.
Remember, fumigation may be the most effective and safe treatment for your roach infestation and should only be left to professionals. Do not attempt to do it yourself.
Once the fumigation process is over, keep your home clean and take other appropriate preventative measures, so you never have to deal with an infestation again.
