Cockroaches in Microwave: Why They Love It and How to Keep Them Out for Good

Imagine warming up your favorite meal, only to discover cockroaches scurrying inside your microwave. It’s not just gross, it’s a health hazard. Here’s how to tackle this problem effectively.

The thought alone makes anyone’s skin crawl!! Microwaves should be safe, clean appliances where we heat food, not some secret home or bad ghosts.

Unfortunately, cockroaches do sneak into the most unexpected places.

Suppose you’ve ever found yourself asking, “How do I get rid of cockroaches in microwave?” you’re not the only one.

The heat, the moisture, the food particles, and even, sometimes, warmth itself are the reasons why cockroaches are drawn to the cosy, often overlooked interior of your microwave.

Don’t panic, though; the situation is under control.

We’ll cover the most efficient methods for destroying cockroaches in your microwave, how to prevent them from coming back, and whether the microwave can actually kill these tenacious pests.

By the end of this article, you’ll have what you need to deal with this unwanted situation. Let’s dive in!

Why Are Cockroaches in Microwave?

Cockroaches in your microwave can be surprising, but it’s not as uncommon as you might expect. Roaches are extremely adaptive creatures and are always looking for food, water, and warmth.

Of course, your microwave is warm, and with a random chance of leftover crumbs or spills, it can become an unexpected haven for these pests.

Common Reasons Roaches Are Attracted to Microwaves

Warmth: They are drawn to warm places, especially at night when the house is cooled down. A spot in your microwave, sometimes warm after use, can be the perfect place to hide from viewing a roach while it takes a nap.

Food Particles: Cockroaches can even be attracted by a small crumb or greasy splatter. Pests will be attracted to regular microwaves that are not cleaned regularly as they have bits of food that they can eat in seconds.

Moisture: The roaches need water. Moisture inside the microwave, even from spills or condensation, can create a congregation of moisture that roaches love and will love to take up residence in your microwave.

Can Microwaves Live Roaches?

Yes, cockroaches can live in microwaves, but not for long. They don’t require the microwave to reproduce or live, but they provide some kind of hiding and safety. They’re unlikely to build a real nest inside the microwave, but they might find shelter there temporarily.

How to Get Rid of Cockroaches in Microwave: A Step-by-Step Guide

Don’t panic if you’ve found cockroaches in your microwave. Eliminating them is possible with the right approach and with your microwave pest-free. To get rid of these cockroaches in the microwave, here’s a step-by-step guide.

Step 1: Turn Off and Simply Unplug your Microwave

Before you try to clean or address the roaches, be certain your microwave is off and unplugged. It will avoid any injury when you are working on the appliance.

Step 2: Clean the Microwave Thoroughly

Leftover food crumbs, grease, and moisture are often things that pull in roaches. The first thing to do is to remove them if the food and water source is eliminated. Here’s how:

• Remove any food debris: Clean the inside of the microwave thoroughly. Look for crumb-collecting corners and crevices.

• Use a disinfectant: Mild detergent or a mix of water and vinegar to clean. Not only does this remove food remnants, but it will also get rid of the smells that attract pests.

• Clean the exterior: Don’t forget to wipe down the outside of the microwave, including the door seals, to make sure none of that food is left in there.

Step 3: Use Natural Methods

After cleaning out the microwave, you are able to ward off roaches from coming back using naturally devised methods. Boric acid and the diatomaceous earth are two popular options.

• Boric Acid: A natural substance that can kill cockroaches is Boric Acid. All you have to do is sprinkle a bit inside and around the microwave, specifically in the crevices and cracks. It is the quality that roaches will come into contact with it, eat it, and eventually die from it. Use with caution; boric acid can be used if you have pets or very small children.

• Diatomaceous Earth: This is a non-toxic, powdery substance that dries out the insects. Cockroaches are being eliminated safely around pets and children, but they are safe to use. Then, dust it inside of the microwave and surroundings lightly.

Step 4: Chemical Solutions (When Necessary)

Natural methods don’t always work, and if you have a more severe infestation, you’ll have to resort to chemical solutions. But be careful, and follow the manufacturer’s guides. Some options include:

• Cockroach Sprays: These sprays are available at most stores and will kill roaches on contact. When using them, be sure to follow safety guidelines, especially in food preparation areas.

• Cockroach Baits or Traps: These can be placed near the microwave to attract and kill roaches over time.

Step 5: Proper Disposal of Dead Roaches

After you’ve applied natural or chemical treatments, you might find dead roaches inside or near the microwave.

However, you need to remove and dispose of them properly, not leaving any lingering odours, and ensure the area is clean.

• Vacuum or Sweep: To remove dead roaches, use a vacuum or dustpan. Put them into a sealed trash bag and wash your hands thoroughly afterwards.

Step 6: Check the Microwave’s Ventilation and Seals

It can be hard for cockroaches to squeeze themselves into tight places, so make sure to check the ventilation holes and door seals in the microwave.

If you notice any gaps, these could be entry points for future infestations.

• Seal Any Gaps: Seal any cracks or holes you find with food-safe sealants or caulk to stop the access. Roach prevention also means keeping your microwave tightly sealed.

How to Prevent Roaches from Returning to Your Microwave

Once your microwave is free of roaches, you now need to be sure they don’t come back. Pests such as cockroaches are best prevented. Here are some tips to help keep your microwave roach-free for the long term:

1- Keep Your Microwave Clean

Food particles, moisture, and grease are food to cockroaches, and the best defence against future cockroach infestations is regular cleaning. Make sure to:

Clean after every use: Remove the food that builds up on the microwave after each use. Watch the edges and corners to see how the crumbs and spills may hide.

Remove food splatters immediately: Pests are attracted to any food or grease that spills, so you should clean it up right away.

Deep clean regularly: It’s time to perform a more thorough cleaning at least once a week. Do not forget to clean the turntable and the inside of the door.

2- Seal Your Microwave Properly

Now, check the door seals on your microwave. Look for broken or loose seals where the roaches may slip in. If the seals are broken, worn, or damaged, make sure that the microwave is closing tightly. Replace seals as necessary to maintain a tight closure.

3- Use a Microwave Cover When Cooking

Microwave-safe cover can be used to prevent food from splattering inside and consequently attracting roaches. It also keeps the microwave cleaner for longer stretches.

4- Perform Regular Inspections

Preventive measures are always a good idea, but even with them, it’s always a good idea to check once in a while. Do your inspection of the microwave and any other food-containing areas in your home once a month, looking for signs of pests or for food remnants.

The sooner you can spot any problems, the sooner you can address them.

5- Deal with Larger Infestations: Call a Professional

If you see a bunch of cockroaches in your microwave or anywhere throughout your kitchen, it may be time to call your local pest control guy.

They can afford to do a thorough inspection and use better methods to get rid of the infestation.

Can Roaches Survive Microwaves?

A common question that many people ask when they find cockroaches in their microwave is, “Can roaches survive microwaves?”

The answer is even more complicated than a simple yes or no. While microwaves are designed to kill germs and heat food, they aren’t always effective at exterminating roaches.

How Roaches Handle Heat

Cockroaches are a tough bunch, and they can take a lot of heat. In fact, many roach species live in temperatures that can be as high as 90°F to 100° (32°C to 38°C), which is near the operational temperature of a microwave oven. Cockroaches exposed to short-term heat may run out of the microwave and continue to live.

Why a Microwave Won’t Always Kill Roaches?

Although most people use microwaves to heat food by emitting electromagnetic waves, microwaves don’t generate the kind of heat that will kill cockroaches quickly.

The microwave energy works on water molecules, but the water molecules aren’t deep enough to cook or dehydrate pests that you’re cooking with.

Microwaves are meant to heat food evenly but might not do so evenly within the appliance. Small and tough, cockroaches can take advantage of cool spots inside the microwave to hide out so the heat won’t claim them directly.

In short, while the microwave might temporarily harm or scare a cockroach, it is unlikely to completely kill it unless subjected to prolonged heat or high temperatures.

How to Get Roaches Out of Microwave Clocks or Other Hard-to-Reach Areas

But cockroaches don’t just hide inside the microwave’s main compartment; sometimes, they take cover in harder-to-reach places, such as the microwave clock, inside vents or around the turntable motor.

The ordinary cleaning overlooks such areas, which make them ideal sites for pests. If you’re struggling to put roaches out of the microwave clock or other tricky spots, here’s how to do it.

1- Unplug and Turn Off the Microwave

Make sure you have your microwave turned off and unplugged before you start to clean or inspect any part of your microwave. This way, you will be staying safe while working on the appliance.

2- Remove the Microwave’s Exterior Panels

You may need to remove some of the exterior panels just to get to the clock or vent area. Remove the screws simply that are holding the panels, and do so very carefully.

Once you remove it, you should be able to see the inner workings of the microwave.

When removing panels, be careful not to remove them fully; these panels might have electrical components or wires.

If you’re not comfortable doing this yourself, then it’s best to call a professional.

3- Inspect the Microwave Clock Area

If you suspect roaches have gathered behind the microwave’s clock, you may need to gently remove the clock cover (if possible).

Some microwaves have a removable cover, but if you have the kind that requires you to disassemble the front panel to get to the clock, then this is the job you’ll have to take on. Once exposed:

• Vacuum the area: To get rid of any cockroaches or debris, you can use a handheld vacuum or a small brush.

• Check for signs of roach nests: Egg cases or droppings might indicate an infestation, so look for them.

4- Use Insecticide for Hidden Areas

An insecticide spray that is designed to be used in appliances can help if you’ve got a difficult problem that you can’t seem to resolve and you can’t get to certain areas.

Make sure to follow the manufacturer’s instructions and use the product carefully so it doesn’t fit into the microwave or on food contact surfaces.

5- Reassemble the Microwave

Clean and treat the hard-to-reach areas of your microwave, and then carefully reassemble it. Make sure all the components are secure and have everything plugged back in.

Focusing on this part will ensure that you leave no roaches behind and that your microwave is pest-free.

Conclusion: Keeping Your Microwave Roach Free

Coming across cockroaches inside your microwave can be creepy, but if you have the right approach, it’s something you can be rid of.

Use natural or chemical solutions to thoroughly clean the appliance of all pests and take preventative steps to prevent those unwanted guests from returning. You should be able to do it yourself.

Keeping your microwave free of cockroaches requires persistence and knowledge. Implementing cleaning, sealing, and prevention strategies can help.

Professional pest control services may be necessary for severe cases. Consistent effort and awareness will ensure a safer, roach-free kitchen environment.