Cockroaches are extremely common pests, and they seem quite disgusting to most people. They are also carriers of a number of diseases. Therefore, getting rid of a cockroach infestation is of high importance. In this article, we shall look at how one can use roach bombs safely to get rid of a roach infestation.
Before you activate a roach bomb, it is important to seal all food items (except what is in the fridge) and clothing in heavy-duty plastic bags, as the pesticide can even enter cabinets and cupboards through the smallest of spaces, putting you at the risk of poisoning. Just a close look at a cockroach can cause people to freak out. These insects can be easily found in moist areas, such as kitchens and bathrooms, across the globe. They contaminate food products and spread germs wherever they go. Due to the dangers of diseases, it becomes important to get rid of these pests.
Using a roach bomb, or roach fogger, is one of the more popular methods for killing roaches. These are actually an aerosol spray can which releases its contents once activated. Roach bombs are easy to use, and this is something you can try before you need to call in an exterminator. However, because of its toxic chemical composition, proper preparations are needed to avoid getting your family and your pets from getting poisoned. Let us now look at the correct procedure on how to use a roach fogger.
- The first step is to choose a roach fogger that is appropriate for the area of your home. You will need to study the product pack carefully for this purpose.
- Keep all the closet and cabinet doors open. This will allow better penetration of the chemical spray.
- Cover and protect all food, clothes, toys, bedding, waxed surfaces, and electric equipment, including fans, air conditioning, and lights.
- Close all windows and doors to stop the spray from getting out of your home.
- Read all the instructions given on the roach bomb canister very carefully, and ensure that all the mentioned requirements are followed.
- Place the canister on a tall chair or stool, in the center of the area that is being treated.
- Remove all people and pets from your home.
- Trigger and activate the canister, followed by your immediate exit from your home. Close the door well behind you.
- Stay out of the house for at least 5 hours, or the duration mentioned on the roach bomb canister.
- Now, quickly enter your home and open all the doors and windows, before going outside again.
- You must now wait another 30 – 45 minutes to allow the toxic fumes to escape.
- You may have to repeat the process again, in case the infestation is severe, and there are still some roaches left alive.
- Never use a roach bomb canister that is meant for a larger space than the rooms you are treating, as this can lead to excessive toxic fumes when you enter your home, or become a fire hazard.
- Reading and understanding the instructions for operating the roach bomb correctly is extremely important. Improper usage of the canister is a very common cause for fires and poisoning.
- Gas and electricity supplies must be shut off before activating the canister.
- Although it is important to remove pets from the house before starting the procedure, it is not necessary to remove fish tanks from your home, as long as they are well covered and protected from the pesticide particles.
- After the house is completely aired out, and no toxic fumes are left, it is important that all surfaces, such as counter tops, tables, ovens, and flooring be wiped thoroughly to remove the residue of the fogger. Only after this is done should you allow kids and pets inside the house again.
- All linen/cloth items must be washed if they were exposed to the fogger.
- If anyone experiences symptoms such as nausea, vomiting, headache, and lethargy after the pest-control procedure, it could indicate pesticide poisoning, and should get prompt medical attention.
- Cockroaches are highly resilient to most chemicals. Hence, to completely solve the problem, you must remove all food, water, and shelter sources that are accessible to them.
- It is always better to ventilate the rooms longer than what the label on the canister says.
- Most people forget to turn off their electric water heater or refrigerator. Because these machines cycle power repeatedly, they are a fire risk, and they must be shut down along with the other appliances.
- Store unopened canisters in a place which is not accessible to kids or pets, so as to avoid triggering it accidentally.
- Keeping a clean and sanitized environment in your home will reduce the chances of cockroaches reentering your home.
- When choosing to buy a roach fogger, it is a better choice to use a cold fogger rather than a thermal one when used indoors.
- Use a combination of barrier pesticides, baits, and sticky traps along with the fogger to get the best results.
- If you are wondering what is the best roach bomb to use, the general guideline is to go with reputed brands, as these companies have good research teams, and their canisters are less likely to leak or have other accidents. Currently, the most popular brands in the market include Raid, Hot Shot, Adams Plus, and TAT foggers.
- It is always a good practice to wear a face mask while conducting any insecticidal procedure.
- Inform your neighbors about what you plan to do, so they can be prepared in case their house is in the fogger’s range.
- Never use foggers in areas with very small spaces. This can cause many health and safety problems.
Cockroach foggers are not the safest option for controlling an infestation. Hence, roach bomb safety is highly important, or you can use other organic methods to have a human- and pet-safe pesticide. With a little patience and elbow grease, it is possible to stop the roach menace completely.