Roaches in your microwave? It’s a creepy thought, but unfortunately, it happens more often than you might think. These resilient pests are attracted to food crumbs, grease, and warm, cozy spots – and your microwave can become their unexpected hideout. If you’ve spotted roaches crawling in or around your microwave, don’t panic! You can get rid of them safely and effectively with the right approach.
Here’s a friendly, step-by-step guide on how to get roaches out of a microwave and keep them from coming back.
Why Do Roaches Hide in Microwaves?
Roaches don’t actually live inside the cooking cavity of the microwave where the food heats up. Instead, they tend to hide in the body of the microwave – the vents, crevices, and other cooler, darker spots that aren’t affected by the microwave’s radiation or heat. They come into the cooking chamber only to scavenge for crumbs or leftover food.
Because microwaves don’t get hot enough inside to kill roaches, simply running the microwave won’t solve the problem. Plus, using sprays or pesticides inside your microwave is dangerous and can damage the appliance or even cause fires.
Step 1: Clean Your Microwave Thoroughly
The first and most important step is to remove any food sources that attract roaches:
– Unplug your microwave for safety.
– Remove any loose crumbs or food debris inside the cooking chamber.
– Use a microwave-safe bowl filled with water and lemon juice or vinegar. Heat it for 5 to 10 minutes to create steam that loosens grease and grime.
– Wipe down the interior, including corners and edges, with a clean cloth or sponge.
– Don’t forget to clean the exterior, especially vents and the back of the microwave where roaches hide.
A clean microwave will discourage roaches from sticking around and make your treatment more effective.
Step 2: Target the Roaches Where They Hide
Since roaches live inside the microwave’s body, you need to treat those hidden areas without damaging the appliance.
Method 1: Use Food-Grade Diatomaceous Earth (DE)
Diatomaceous earth is a natural, non-toxic powder that dehydrates and kills roaches. Here’s how to use it safely:
– Wear gloves and a mask to avoid inhaling the powder.
– Move your microwave to an isolated area.
– Sprinkle DE around the holes and vents on the sides and back of the microwave.
– Create a ring of DE around the base of the microwave.
– Leave it undisturbed for 4-5 days to kill the roaches.
This method is safe and chemical-free, making it ideal for use around kitchen appliances.
Method 2: Apply Gel Bait
Gel baits are an easy and effective way to lure and kill roaches:
– Clean the outside of the microwave to remove dust.
– Apply small dots of cockroach gel bait (like Advion Cockroach Gel Bait) around the holes and crevices on the microwave’s sides and back.
– The roaches will consume the bait and carry it back to their nest, killing others in the colony.
Avoid using sprays or bug bombs inside or on your microwave, as these can damage electronics or pose fire risks.
Step 3: Use Natural Repellents and Preventive Measures
To keep roaches from returning:
– Spray a mixture of essential oils such as peppermint, eucalyptus, or lavender diluted in water around your kitchen and near the microwave. Roaches dislike these smells.
– Store all food in sealed containers and clean up crumbs immediately.
– Regularly clean kitchen surfaces, floors, and trash bins to remove any food sources.
– Seal cracks, crevices, and entry points around electrical outlets and plumbing where roaches can enter.
When to Consider Replacing Your Microwave
If the infestation is severe and persistent despite your best efforts, it might be safer and more cost-effective to replace the microwave. Sometimes, roaches can damage internal components, and professional pest control or appliance replacement is the best solution.
Summary of Safe Roach Removal from Microwaves
| Step | What to Do | Why It Works |
|---|---|---|
| Clean Thoroughly | Remove crumbs, steam clean interior | Removes food sources and grease |
| Use Diatomaceous Earth | Sprinkle around vents and base | Natural, non-toxic roach killer |
| Apply Gel Bait | Place bait dots on microwave crevices | Attracts and kills roaches colony |
| Use Essential Oils | Spray peppermint or eucalyptus solution | Repels roaches naturally |
| Seal Entry Points | Close cracks and openings | Prevents roach entry |
Roaches in your microwave are unpleasant but manageable. With careful cleaning, targeted treatment, and preventive habits, you can reclaim your microwave and keep these pests at bay.