Cockroaches in Microwave: How to Eliminate Them Effectively

Do you want to know how to get rid of cockroaches in microwave and prevent them from coming back?

If you answered yes to any of these questions, then this blog post is for you.

Why do roaches get in the microwave? 

Roaches are attracted to microwaves because they provide them with food, warmth, and shelter. Roaches can feed on the food crumbs, grease, and spills that are left inside the microwave after cooking.

They can also find a cozy place to hide and breed in the cracks, crevices, and vents of the microwave. Roaches can survive the radiation from the microwave because they have a high tolerance for heat and can withstand short bursts of exposure. 

How do roaches get in your Microwave? 

Roaches can get in your microwave in different ways, depending on where they are coming from and how your microwave is installed. Some of the common ways are: 

• Roaches can come from other parts of your kitchen, such as cabinets, drawers, sinks, or trash cans, and climb up to your microwave. They can use the power cord, the wall, or the countertop as a bridge to reach your microwave. 
• Roaches can come from outside your home, such as through windows, doors, or vents, and find their way to your microwave. They can use the pipes, wires, or ducts as a pathway to enter your kitchen and your microwave. 
• Roaches can come from inside your microwave, if they have already established a nest there. They can hide in the crevices, corners, or behind the control panel of your microwave. They can also lay eggs inside your microwave and hatch new roaches.

>> Read more: Peppermint oil for roaches: A Natural Roach-Free Solution.

How To Get Roaches Out Of Microwaves? 

Getting roaches out of the microwave is not an easy task, but it is not impossible either. You need to follow a two-step process: first, deep clean the cooking cavity; second, treat the sides with traps or baits. Here are the details of each step: 

First Deep Clean the Cooking Cavity

The first step is to clean the interior of the microwave thoroughly. This will remove any food residue, grease, or dirt that may attract or sustain roaches. It will also kill any roaches or eggs that may be hiding inside. 

Cleaning the Interiors

To clean the interiors, you will need a microwave-safe bowl, water, vinegar, lemon juice, baking soda, and a sponge or cloth. Follow these steps: 

• Fill the bowl with water and add a few tablespoons of vinegar and lemon juice. This will create a natural disinfectant and deodorizer. 
• Place the bowl in the microwave and heat it for about 10 minutes on high power. This will create steam that will loosen any stuck-on food or grease. 
• Carefully remove the bowl and wipe down the inside walls, ceiling, and floor of the microwave with a sponge or cloth dipped in the vinegar-lemon solution. Be sure to reach all the corners and edges. 
• Sprinkle some baking soda on any stubborn stains or spots and scrub them gently with a damp sponge or cloth. 
• Rinse the sponge or cloth with clean water and wipe down the microwave again to remove any residue or odor. 
• Dry the microwave with a paper towel or a dry cloth. 

>> Read more: Do roaches like Vinegar? How to use Vinegar Effectively.

Cleaning the Glass Tray

The glass tray is another part of the microwave that needs to be cleaned well. It may have food crumbs, grease, or roach droppings on it. To clean it, follow these steps: 

• Remove the glass tray from the microwave and wash it with hot water and dish soap. You can also use a scrub brush or a steel wool pad to remove any stuck-on food or grease. 
• Rinse the glass tray well and dry it with a paper towel or a cloth.
• Replace it in the microwave.

Cleaning the Door

The door of the microwave is another potential entry point for roaches. It may also have food splatters, fingerprints, or smudges on it. To clean it, follow these steps: 

• Wipe down both sides of the door with a sponge or cloth dipped in the vinegar-lemon solution. 
• Use a cotton swab or a toothpick to clean any dirt or debris from the hinges, latches, seals, or vents of the door. 
• Dry both sides of the door with a paper towel or a cloth. 

Second Treat The Sides

The second step is to treat the sides of the microwave with traps or baits that will kill any roaches that may be hiding there. You can choose from three methods: using dust traps (diatomaceous earth), using gel bait, or using pest control / dismantling the microwave. 

Method #1: Using Dust Traps [Diatomaceous Earth]

Diatomaceous earth (DE) is a natural substance that consists of fossilized algae. It has sharp edges that can cut through the exoskeletons of roaches and cause them to dehydrate and die. To use DE as a dust trap, follow these steps: 

• Buy some food-grade DE from a hardware store or an online retailer. 
• Wear gloves and a mask when handling DE as it can irritate your skin and lungs. 
• Sprinkle some DE around the base, back, sides, top, and bottom of your microwave. Be careful not to get any DE inside the microwave or on the power cord or the fan. 

• Leave the DE for at least a week and check for any dead roaches or signs of activity. If you see any, vacuum them up and reapply more DE. 
• Repeat the process until you are sure that there are no more roaches in your microwave. 

Method #2: Using Gel Bait

Gel bait is a type of insecticide that comes in a syringe or a tube. It contains a food attractant and a poison that can kill roaches. To use gel bait, follow these steps: 

• Buy some gel bait from a hardware store or an online retailer. Choose a product that is labeled for roaches and microwaves. 
• Read the instructions and warnings on the label carefully and follow them accordingly. 
• Apply small dots of gel bait around the base, back, sides, top, and bottom of your microwave. Be careful not to get any gel bait inside the microwave or on the power cord or the fan. 
• Leave the gel bait for at least a week and check for any dead roaches or signs of activity. If you see any, wipe them off and reapply more gel bait. 
• Repeat the process until you are sure that there are no more roaches in your microwave. 

Method #3: Using Pest Control / Dismantling the Microwave

If the above methods do not work or if you have a severe infestation of roaches in your microwave, you may need to use professional pest control services or dismantle your microwave. To do this, follow these steps: 

• Contact a licensed pest control company and ask them to inspect and treat your microwave for roaches. They may use sprays, fumigants, or heat treatments to kill the roaches and their eggs. 

• Alternatively, you can try to dismantle your microwave yourself and clean each part separately. However, this is not recommended as it can be dangerous and void your warranty. You may also damage your microwave or expose yourself to radiation or electric shocks. 
• If you decide to dismantle your microwave, make sure you unplug it first and wear protective gloves, goggles, and clothing. You will need a screwdriver, a plier, and a knife to open the casing and remove the parts. You will also need a vacuum cleaner, a brush, and some soap and water to clean each part. 
• Dispose of any dead roaches or debris in a sealed plastic bag and throw it away in an outdoor trash can. 

How to Prevent Roaches in the Microwave? 

After you have successfully gotten roaches out of the microwave, you need to take some preventive measures to keep them from coming back. Here are some tips you can follow:

Close the microwave door 

One of the simplest ways to prevent roaches from entering your microwave is to close the microwave door after each use. This will create a physical barrier that will deter roaches from crawling inside your microwave.

It will also prevent microwaves from leaking out and attracting roaches. 

Remove food crumbs from the microwave 

Another way to prevent roaches from entering your microwave is to remove any food crumbs or spills from your microwave after each use. This will eliminate any food sources that may attract or sustain roaches.

You can use a damp cloth or paper towel to wipe down your microwave or use a vacuum cleaner to suck up any crumbs. 

Wipe the microwave daily 

In addition to removing food crumbs, you should also wipe your microwave daily with a mild cleaner or vinegar solution. This will help sanitize your microwave and remove any grease, stains, or odors that may attract roaches.

You can also use a disinfectant spray or wipe to kill any germs or bacteria that may be present in your microwave. 

Clean your kitchen daily 

Besides cleaning your microwave, you should also clean your kitchen daily to prevent roaches from infesting it. You should wash your dishes, wipe your countertops, sweep your floors, and take out your trash regularly.

You should also store your food in sealed containers and keep them in the fridge or cabinets. You should also seal any cracks or holes in your walls, floors, or pipes that may allow roaches to enter your kitchen. 

Use Natural Roach Repellents 

You can also use some natural roach repellents to keep roaches away from your microwave and kitchen. Some of these repellents are: 

• Borax: You can mix some borax with sugar and sprinkle it around your microwave, baseboards, or corners. The borax will kill roaches that eat it or come in contact with it.
• Catnip: You can sprinkle some catnip around your microwave, vents, or cracks. The nepetalactone compound in catnip will repel roaches and other pests. 
• Peppermint oil: You can mix some peppermint oil with water and spray it around your microwave, countertops, or sinks. The menthol in peppermint oil will repel roaches and other bugs. 
• Bay leaves: You can place some bay leaves around your microwave, cabinets, or drawers. The smell of bay leaves will repel roaches and other insects. 

>> Read more: Bay Leaves for Cockroaches: A Natural Repellent Guide.

Avoid Leaving Food in the Microwave Overnight 

One of the worst things you can do is to leave food in the microwave overnight. This will not only attract roaches but also spoil your food and cause health problems. You should always remove your food from the microwave as soon as possible and store it properly.

You should also avoid reheating food multiple times, as this may reduce its quality and nutrition. 

Minor Precautions 

Some other minor precautions you can take to prevent roaches in microwave are: 

• Use a cover or lid when heating food in the microwave. This will prevent food splatters and spills that may attract roaches. 
• Use a timer when using the microwave. This will prevent overcooking or burning your food that may create smoke or odors that may attract roaches. 
• Use a lower power setting when using the microwave. This will reduce the heat generated by the microwave that may attract roaches. 

• Use a surge protector when plugging in your microwave. This will protect your microwave from power surges or fluctuations that may damage it or cause fires. 

Conclusion

You have learned how to deal with cockroaches in microwave using safe and effective methods. You have also learned how to keep your microwave clean and roach-free. We hope you found this blog post helpful and informative.

If you want to learn more about how to handle other pests in your home and garden, check out our other blogs from Pestweek.