How to Get Rid of Roaches in Your Car

Roaches are not only unsightly and gross, but can also carry pathogens and bacteria. Finding them skittering across the dashboard can turn your pleasant drive into a distressing ordeal. Read on to learn more about how to get rid of roaches in your car, where they like to hide, and why they’re making your vehicle their new home.

Why Are There Roaches in My Car?

Are you wondering why roaches have found their way into your vehicle? The simple answer lies in the basic needs of these pests: food, warmth, and shelter. Cockroaches are not picky eaters; they’re attracted to even the smallest crumbs and spills. 

So, when you eat in your car, those food particles that inadvertently fall between the seats, onto the floor, or get stuck in hard-to-reach corners create an all-you-can-eat buffet for roaches, while also providing warmth and shelter.

Are Roaches Dangerous?

Yes, cockroaches can be dangerous. Unlike bed bugs, which are mostly a nuisance due to their bites, roaches pose a more serious health risk by carrying pathogens and disease agents on their bodies when they scavenge for food in dumpsters and other unsanitary areas.

When roaches enter your home or car, these pathogens can be transferred to the surfaces there where you and your passengers can come into contact with them. Moreover, cockroach feces in confined spaces can cause or exacerbate allergic reactions, including asthma.

Here are some of the diseases cockroaches can spread:

• Dysentery
• Diarrhea
• Salmonella
• Staphylococcus infections
• Streptococcus infections

Where Do Roaches Hide in Cars?

Roaches are most likely to be found where food crumbs often fall and go unnoticed. They also like warm, dark nooks and crannies. Identifying the roaches’ hideouts is crucial for effectively targeting and eliminating these pests from your vehicle:

Here’s where you’re most likely to find roaches in your car:

• Under the seats
• Under floor mats
• Glove compartments
• Center consoles
• Door interiors
• Seat cushions
• Trunks
• Ventilation systems

Signs of Cockroach Infestation

Recognizing the signs of a cockroach infestation in your car is crucial for taking timely action to eliminate these unwelcome passengers. If you notice any of the following indicators, it might be time to take action:

• Oily or musty smell: If you notice an unpleasant odor that wasn’t there before when you entered your car, it could be a sign of cockroaches.

• New allergy symptoms: If you start experiencing allergy symptoms, such as sneezing, coughing, or itchy eyes when you’re in your car, it could be due to allergens from roaches.

• Cockroach droppings: These can appear as small specks that resemble coffee grounds or black pepper, or they may be cylindrical. Finding these indicates roach activity.

• Oval-shaped egg cases: Roaches lay eggs in cases called oothecae, which they often hide in crevices or under mats and seats.

• Shed skins: As roaches grow, they molt and leave behind their exoskeletons.

• Live cockroaches: Perhaps the most obvious sign, seeing live roaches scurrying around your car, especially during the night or when you turn on the lights, indicates there might be an infestation inside.

How to Get Rid of Roaches in Your Car

Eliminating roaches from your car requires a detailed and methodical approach. By following these steps, you’ll be closer to getting a roach-free vehicle. Here’s what you need to do to get rid of roaches in your car:

1. Deep Clean Your Car

The main cause of cockroaches is having food crumbs attract them. Start by clearing out all trash, clutter, and personal items from your car. Ensure all food wrappers and crumbs are removed. This will make cleaning easier.

Use a vacuum cleaner to reach under seats, between seat cushions, and in other tight spaces where crumbs and debris accumulate. Make sure you wear a mask and gloves to protect yourself from the bacteria and allergens that roaches may leave behind. A steam cleaner can also be a good idea to disinfect and sanitize your car.

2. Dust Your Car With Boric Acid

Boric acid is an effective roach killer, dehydrating their exoskeletons and disrupting their digestive system when ingested. However, it must be applied carefully to ensure safety and effectiveness. Here’s how to do it:

• Use a narrow applicator: Boric acid powders often come with a narrow applicator tip for precise application in tight spaces. If yours doesn’t, consider purchasing a powder duster separately.

• Apply a fine layer: Dust the boric acid thoroughly in areas where you suspect roach activity. Make sure the layer is fine and barely visible; roaches tend to avoid noticeable piles or clumps of boric acid.

• Avoid sensitive areas: Do not apply in the center console, electronics, or the ventilation system. The fine dust can potentially damage these components. Also avoid areas where children and pets might touch or sniff.

3. Sprinkle Diatomaceous Earth

Diatomaceous earth (DE) is an excellent natural alternative for those looking to rid their car of roaches naturally. It is made from fossilized diatoms, and it works similarly to boric acid by dehydrating insects.

Given its natural composition, DE is generally safer to use around kids and pets, especially if they often ride in your car. However, it should still be applied carefully (use a mask to avoid inhaling it) and in areas where they don’t usually touch or sniff, like underneath mats and between seats.

4. Employ Baits

Roach baits are designed to attract cockroaches with a food source (an attractant) that contains a slow-acting insecticide. The roaches eat the bait, return to their hiding places, and die there within one to three days, where other roaches are likely to come into contact with the poisoned individual or its feces.

To maximize effectiveness, place roach baits on the floor near the seats or flush against the walls of your car, focusing on areas where roaches are likely to travel or feed, or spots that you might not be able to clean as thoroughly. 

5. Spray Insect Growth Regulators (IGRs)

Insect Growth Regulators (IGRs) work by preventing insects from reaching maturity and affect the development of eggs. This means that even if adults are present, their ability to create a next generation and increase the infestation is compromised:

The Nebraska Extension in Lancaster County highlights some effective IGRs for cockroach control:

• Hydroprene (Gentrol)
• Pyriproxyfen (Archer, Nylar)
• Noviflumuron

Focus on spraying IGR’s in areas where cockroaches are known to hide or travel, such as under seats, around the edges of the carpets, and in crevices where the car’s interior meets the floor. Make sure to always follow the product’s instructions carefully.

6. Spray Insecticides

Insecticides are often available as sprays or aerosols, and they contain active ingredients that can kill roaches on contact. Some also provide lasting protection by creating a residual barrier against new infestations. 

Look for roach sprays containing pyrethroid active ingredients, such as:

• Cyfluthrin
• Bifenthrin
• Deltamethrin
• Cypermethrin
• Esfenvalerate

While effective, insecticides must be used with caution. Always read and follow the instructions carefully. Some of these chemicals can be harmful to humans and pets if not used according to the product guidelines. Moreover, there’s a risk that they might stain the fabrics of your car, such as the surfaces of seats or carpets.

Pro tip: Do not apply insecticides if you’re using baits. They can deter roaches from getting near and consuming the bait, reducing its effectiveness.

7. Employ Nuvan Strips

Another effective way to battle roaches in your car is by employing Nuvan strips. These strips release a vapor with DDVP (2,2-dichlorovinyl dimethyl phosphate), a pesticide known for its high toxicity to roaches and other pests like bed bugs. Here’s how to use them:

1. Place the strips in your car.
2. Close all windows and doors.
3. Wait 48 to 72 hours.
4. Remove the Nuvan strips and open all windows.
5. Wait at least several hours before entering your vehicle. (Read the label for instructions.)

8. Call a Professional

When home remedies and over-the-counter solutions don’t seem to be solving your cockroach problem, or if you’re dealing with a severe infestation, it may be time to call a pest control professional. They have the knowledge and tools necessary to address cockroach infestations.

Before hiring a service, confirm if the pest control pro or company is willing to treat vehicles as well, as not all companies offer this service.

How Long Does it Take to Get Roaches Out of Your Car?

The time it takes to eradicate roaches from your car depends on the severity of the infestation and the type of treatment you choose. 

In general, if you’re using only diatomaceous earth, it may take 2 to 3 weeks to fully eradicate an infestation. Roach baits are more effective and will probably show results within a few days. However, insecticide sprays contain chemicals that can kill roaches on contact, so it will only take a few minutes if you manage to find all their hiding spots.

Pro tip: Successfully eliminating roaches from your car typically requires an integrated pest management (IPM) approach, which involves combining multiple methods to tackle the infestation. Rarely does a single treatment provide a complete solution.

How to Prevent Roaches in Your Car

Implementing preventive measures can make your car an unwelcoming environment for roaches, saving you time, money, and the stress of dealing with these gross pests. Here’s how you can maintain a roach-free car:

• Keep your car clean: Regular cleaning is the cornerstone of preventing roach infestations. Vacuum the interior frequently, wipe down surfaces, and ensure no food wraps are left to attract pests.

• Avoid eating in your car: Each time you eat in your car, you risk dropping crumbs and food particles that can attract roaches.

• Keep windows closed and seal entry points: Roaches can enter your car through open windows or cracks and fissures in the vehicle’s exterior. Ensure windows are kept closed and inspect for potential entry points.

• Inspect items before bringing them into your car: Cardboard boxes and other items stored in infested areas can harbor roaches. Before placing these items in your car, thoroughly inspect them.

• Avoid leaving clutter in your car: Clutter provides roaches with numerous hiding spots and nesting areas. Keep your car organized to avoid hiding spots.

FAQ About Roaches in Cars

Can I Bomb My Car for Roaches?

It is not recommended to use roach bombs in your car. Roach bombs, or roach foggers, are pesticides that release an aerosol spray intended to kill these pests. However, the University of California points out that bug bombs are generally ineffective against crawling insects such as cockroaches.

This is due to the roaches’ ability to hide in crevices and other hard-to-reach places within your car, escaping direct exposure to the insecticide.

If you do decide to use a roach bomb, carefully follow the product’s label instructions regarding the appropriate size and application for your vehicle. Additionally, the chemicals used in foggers are flammable, so never use a roach bomb while your car engine is on.

Will Roaches Die in a Hot Car?

While cockroaches do not survive in temperatures above 115 F, eliminating them with the heat of a hot car is not a reliable method. The interior temperature of a car can vary significantly, influenced by factors such as the climate, the car’s color, and where it’s parked. In addition, roaches can find refuge in cooler spots within the car, such as under the seats.

Can Roaches Survive in a Cold Car?

Yes, roaches can survive in a cold car. Cold treatments are most effective when they deliver a sudden “shock” to the cockroaches’ systems, something a gradually cooling car is unlikely to achieve. If roaches experience a slow decrease in temperature, they can activate physiological mechanisms that enable them to survive in a cold car. 

Using cold to kill roaches works best if you place them in a sub-zero environment, such as a freezer. However, this method is impractical for treating roaches in a car.

When to Call a Pro

Battling roaches in your car requires a multifaceted approach. While DIY methods can be effective, cockroaches’ resilience and adaptability sometimes call for professional intervention. Call a roach exterminator near you to tackle your roach infestation today. 

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Main Image Credit: Sergey Nivens / Canva Pro / License edited using Canva Pro