How to Get Roaches Out of Air Conditioner
Introduction:
You may want to remove roaches from the air conditioner if they are infesting your house. These annoying insects are often ignored, but their population can be dangerous to everyone living in a home. Roaches can cause respiratory problems and allergic reactions when ingested. In addition, you should not let these pests live inside your walls because they might end up nesting there and spreading. In this article, I will be discussing how to get roaches out of air conditioner. So let us get started.
Do Roaches Damage the Air Conditioners?
Well, it is not that roaches are destroying the AC itself. It’s just they create a lot of odor and contaminates allergens when they take shelter inside your air conditioner.
Usually, you won’t notice this because you don’t stay at home every day to check out if your AC has new tenants or not. You only find out when the smell starts kicking in, but by then, it’s already too late to get rid of them.
Suppose there’s one thing we all love about the summer season – besides its tropical weather- which is our air conditioners since they keep our homes cool. However, keeping our air conditioners clean and free from pests seems impossible during these hot days. In fact, many homeowners would likely have encountered several problems after getting roaches in the air conditioning system, and it is truly not an easy thing to get rid of them.
For those worried about having cockroaches inside their AC, there are a few signs that you should look for, such as live sightings or feces on your air conditioner’s vents, which may be mistaken as bird droppings. And then again, sometimes these pests would make themselves comfortable hiding in hidden places, so expect some other signs like bug bombs or pesticide cans near your air conditioner and even dead roaches behind the appliance itself.
9 Step-wise Guide on How to Get Roaches Out of Air Conditioner:
Step 1: Examine the Air Conditioner
Please take a deep look at your conditioner and examine it completely. You may find some hidden areas closed by a grille. Open them if you have to. You will need to clean those areas to make sure that no cockroaches are hiding inside the AC unit. If any such area remains uncleaned, they will start multiplying again, resulting in further infestation later on. So, just for your own good, don’t forget to thoroughly inspect the entire air conditioner for cockroaches or other pests before starting with the cleaning process.
Step 2: Vacuum Cleaning Trick (for soft surfaces)
If you have found out that there are still no cockroaches inside the AC unit, you should not be relieved yet. There may still be many places where they can hide even though you see nothing with your naked eye. For example, sometimes cockroaches like to make their nests near or on soft surfaces such as wires and cables. Therefore, you should vacuum-clean all such spaces to kill all undetected cockroaches.
Step 3: Spray Foam into Seams (for Hard Surfaces)
If your air conditioner has hard surfaces on its body, then this method will most probably help you to kill all the unseen roaches hiding in there. Just spray foam into every tiny space between the hard surfaces of an air conditioner that seems inaccessible otherwise. This solution will work perfectly for the hard surfaces of your air conditioner. Acid-based foam is highly poisonous for roaches and anything else that comes in contact with it. The foam will not be able to reach cockroaches hiding on soft surfaces, but for some reason, if you want to kill every single cockroach inside the AC unit, then this method can help you do that.
Step 4: Use a Professional Pest Control
If none of these ways helped you get rid of cockroaches from an air conditioner, then you should call pest control immediately because doing such work on your own can be pretty dangerous sometimes. A professional company has many ways to control pests, even when hidden away somewhere unreachable by common household pesticides and poisons, using techniques involving different chemicals and equipment such as a ‘hot shot’ to be sprayed into the air conditioning unit or a ‘gunk gun.’
They can also spray pesticides on walls and around AC units, which triggers cockroaches to come out from their hiding places. However, the chemical may not be strong enough to kill these pests instantly, but it will at least make them sick.
Step 5: Use a Cockroach Trap or Bait
There are plenty of cockroach traps available in markets that you can use if you have noticed a minor infestation in your air conditioner. These traps attract and poison roaches when they feed on the bait inside, eventually killing them. However, this is not a permanent solution because it does not eliminate cockroaches from their breeding ground.
Step 6: Using Heat Treatment
Cockroaches usually die at temperatures above 140 degrees Fahrenheit (60 degrees Celcius). Thus, if you can manage to increase your air conditioner’s temperature and maintain it for several hours (at least four or more), then all roaches inside the unit will die. However, this method is not recommended since it can damage the AC and may even cause a fire hazard. You should only use this as a last resort.
Step 7: Keep Your Home Clean
It is important to keep your home clean if you want to prevent a roach infestation in the first place. Cockroaches thrive in dirty and cluttered spaces, and air conditioners provide them with the perfect hiding spot. Regularly vacuuming, mopping, and sanitizing your living space can help decrease the chances of having cockroaches inside your AC unit. Make sure to also keep your kitchen clean, as cockroaches are attracted to food. Otherwise, they will eventually find their way to your air conditioner.
Step 8: Seal Up Cracks and Holes
Cockroaches can enter your home through even the tiniest of cracks and holes. To prevent them from getting inside your air conditioner, make sure to seal up any gaps or openings near the AC unit. Use caulk or silicone to seal these spaces, providing no room for roaches to squeeze in. Doing this will also help in preventing other pests from entering your home. You can also use screens on your windows and doors to keep cockroaches out.
Step 9: Consult a Professional for Regular Maintenance
The best way to keep your air conditioner free from cockroaches is by scheduling regular maintenance with a professional. They can inspect and clean your unit thoroughly, preventing any pest infestation. Additionally, they can also seal any potential entry points that may be present in your AC unit. Regular maintenance not only keeps your air conditioner functioning efficiently but also helps in keeping pests away. So, make sure to have your AC unit serviced a few times a year to keep it in optimal condition and prevent any future cockroach infestations.
Following these steps on how to get roaches out of air conditioner can help you get rid of cockroaches in your air conditioner and prevent them from coming back. Remember, a clean and well-maintained AC unit is key to keeping pests away. So, ensure to regularly check and clean your air conditioner to avoid any unwanted visitors. The last thing you would want is to have your air conditioner serve as a home for cockroaches. So, keep it clean and pest-free!
Do You Need to Use Professional Help?
If you have a severe cockroach infestation in your air conditioner, it is best to consult with a professional pest control company. They have the expertise and equipment to handle these situations effectively and safely. Additionally, they can also provide guidance on how to prevent any future pest infestations in your air conditioner. With their help, you can be confident that your home will be free from unwanted pests.
However, if you have a minor infestation and are able to handle it with DIY methods, then go ahead and try these steps first before seeking professional help. It is always better to exhaust all options before spending money on pest control services. But remember, the safety of your family should always come first, so don’t hesitate to call for professional help if needed. So, keep your air conditioner clean, and enjoy the cool breeze without any unwanted guests!
How Much Will It Cost?
The cost of getting rid of cockroaches from your air conditioner will depend on the severity of the infestation and the method used to eliminate them. If you opt for DIY methods, then cleaning supplies or traps may cost you a few dollars. However, if you decide to hire professional pest control services, the cost can range from $100 to $300, depending on the company and the extent of the infestation. It is always best to get a quote from multiple companies before choosing one, as prices may vary.
Additionally, regular maintenance and prevention methods can help avoid any future costs for pest control services. So, investing in keeping your air conditioner clean and maintained can also save you money in the long run. It is essential to pay attention to the cleanliness and maintenance of your air conditioner, not only for the sake of your comfort but also for the health and safety of your family.
Precautions While Performing How to Get Roaches Out of Air Conditioner:
1. Ensure no one is present when the cleaner is sprayed, as this might lead to human death due to gas poisoning.
2. Do not spray on flowers or plants, as they are sensitive and may die after being exposed to chemicals for a prolonged period of time.
3. Keep all people and animals away from the room air conditioners while spraying roaches out of them. That will help avoid accidents occurring due to breathing in gasses contaminating the area around them.
4. Children must also be kept away from the area sprayed to get rid of roaches who may inhale insecticide by mistake and get ill, thereby suffering an injury that can prove fatal if not treated properly within the time limit (depending upon the amount ingested).
5. Also, ensure that your pets or animals are not exposed to insecticide since they have sensitive bodies and might die if sprayed on them.
Which Pesticides Are Suitable for Roaches?
Pesticides are widely used to get rid of roaches! The common pesticides include boric acid, oil, or aerosol insecticides. Many homeowners opt to use these when dealing with a roach problem in the house rather than professional services because they save money and can do it themselves. But if the problem persists, then calling in a professional pest control service may be necessary. They use pesticides that are stronger and more potent than what you can get from the store. Plus, they have proper training and equipment to handle those chemicals safely.
How Long Do They Last?
Boric Acid Stored Properly: It is straightforward to store properly because it doesn’t have any special storage. You need a small jar and place the bait inside tightly. Once you put the bait into a corner where roaches frequently go through, roaches will find and eat it. One thing that makes this hard for pest control professionals is the long time frame between treatment and seeing any results.
Sugar-Based Baits: These baits work on the principle that roaches are attracted to sweet things and continue to return for more. Basically, when a roach eats it, it will stick to its stomach and slowly reduce it until it dies of hunger. As far as effectiveness goes, this one is about parred with high pesticide-concentration sprays.
Cooking Oils: Some people use cooking oils mixed with ant poisons or boric acid powder to deal with a cockroach problem in your house effectively. Since it’s only used internally by the roaches, it means that most of them won’t avoid poisoned food sources once they are already inside your house and can’t smell any danger signs from outside.
Professional Pest Control: Professionals have several effective ways to deal with roaches. Some examples include gels, powders, and spray pesticides which can be used for extra effectiveness. However, you’ll need professional help if you want to clear your house completely, as many different types of live insecticides that are used are too dangerous for the general public to handle.
Frequently Asked Questions:
Q: How Do I Know if My Air Conditioner Has Cockroaches?
A: You may notice a foul smell, droppings, or dead roaches inside the AC unit. Additionally, you may also find live roaches crawling out of the unit when it is turned on. It is important to regularly inspect and clean your air conditioner to prevent infestations. You can also call a professional pest control company to inspect and treat your unit if needed.
Q: Can Cockroaches Survive in an Air Conditioner?
A: Yes, cockroaches can survive in an air conditioner as it provides them with shelter and moisture. They can also enter the unit through small openings and breed inside. Regular cleaning and maintenance of the air conditioner can help prevent infestations. You can also use pest control methods to get rid of any existing roaches in the unit.
Q: How Long Does It Take for Roaches to Die After Exposure to Pesticides?
A: The time it takes for roaches to die after exposure to pesticides depends on the type of pesticide used and the severity of infestation. Generally, it can take anywhere from a few hours to a few days for the roaches to die. It is important to follow instructions carefully when using pesticides and keep children and pets away from the treated area. Overall, it is best to consult a professional for the effective and safe elimination of roaches.
Q: Can I Prevent Cockroaches from Entering My Air Conditioner?
A: Yes, you can prevent cockroaches from entering your air conditioner by sealing any cracks or openings in the unit and keeping the outdoor unit clean and dry. Additionally, regularly clean and inspect your air conditioner to prevent any potential entry points for roaches. Professional pest control services can also provide preventative measures to keep roaches away from your AC unit. So, it is important to take the necessary precautions and maintenance steps to keep your home free of cockroaches and maintain a healthy living environment.
Conclusion:
I hope this article has helped provide all the relevant information on how to get roaches out of air conditioner. Thank you and have a nice day! Always remember to take necessary precautions and seek professional help when needed. So, if you ever find roaches in your air conditioner, just follow the steps mentioned above and you’ll have a cockroach-free unit in no time! Remember to regularly clean and maintain your air conditioner to prevent any future infestations. Stay safe and healthy!
