5 Tips to Keep Your Car Cockroach-Free

Cockroaches are a real inconvenience. Not only do they cause distress but they can also transmit numerous diseases, which is why it’s only natural that we try to keep these pesky insects out of our homes. Cockroaches will come inside vehicles for the same reason they come inside our homes: to find food, shelter, and a place to lay their eggs.

Here are 5 simple tips you can follow to keep your car cockroach-free.

Tip #1: Avoid Eating in the Car

Food is the number one lure for cockroaches. As much as we try to eat carefully in the car, food residue or crumbs are enough to attract roaches to your vehicle, regardless of how little. This may be a hard rule to implement, especially with children, but it is something that will prevent these pests from getting attracted to your vehicle. If you can’t avoid it completely, make sure to always do a thorough clean-up afterwards.

Tip #2: Clean the Car Regularly

Regular car cleaning is one of the most reliable ways car owners can do to keep their vehicle cockroach-free. Don’t overlook areas such as carpets, in-between car seats, and sides of the door. These areas are often neglected and can collect waste and food particles, which attract cockroaches. It’s important to thoroughly vacuum and disinfect these areas regularly, including secondary transfer of cockroaches externally. In addition, cockroaches feed on garbage, so make sure you throw out any garbage every time you leave the car. Cockroaches are also attracted to humid environments including water, so make sure that any spills in the car should be wiped up right away.

Tip #3: Avoid Clutter in the Car

Whether it is old receipts, piles of newspapers, cardboard, or sports equipment, clutter is one area they like to hide out in, especially in the boot of the car. The boot of the car actually creates ideal conditions for cockroaches to hide and breed in with its dark and humid environment. If you must keep items in your car, store them in a hard plastic container with a tight lid to keep cockroaches out.

Tip #4: Close Vents, Windows, and Doors Properly       

No car is completely airtight, but making sure that you block primary entryways is a must. Before leaving your vehicle, make sure you close all windows, doors, and A/C vents properly. Air conditioning vents are one of the main entry ways cockroaches use to enter the car.  Apart from this, avoid parking in places where they thrive such as drainage openings, sewage drains, and near garbage bins.

Tip #5: Use Insecticides When Necessary

Although a temporary and risky solution, insecticides are quite effective in contact killing of cockroaches when necessary, however it will not resolve the root source of the problem. One thing to keep in mind when using insecticides is to not stay inside the car, as the chemical can be flammable and very toxic to humans and pets. Insecticides should be used as a last resort for this very reason. Insecticide gels, on the other hand, would dry up due to air-conditioning of your vehicle, which would defeat the purpose of cockroach control.

Although these tips are not guaranteed to keep your car cockroach-free, it will significantly minimize the risk of cockroach infestation in your car and your home. If you think you have an infestation in your vehicle or home, make sure you hire a professional to take immediate action for a fast solution to the problem and to minimize the associated health risk associated with this pesky insect.