Mechanical Roach Killer

Have you noticed that many insects look shiny or glossy on the outside? This is partly what makes many insects so beautiful. On the other hand, this shiny coating of wax is also what keeps the ugly insects alive! Please don't be offended if you are think cockroaches are cute.

Mechanical versus Toxic

A mechanical kill is different from a toxic kill. In this case, a mechanical kill, for a cockroach, is to remove the outer waxy coating of the insect. What this does is dehydrate the insect. The other option might be to catch a bunch of roaches and put them in your food dehydrator. Now, of course, that's a joke (in case you didn't get it).

A toxic kill is to spray some type of insecticide or fumigate. This type of kill is less desirable because it is more toxic to human occupants, insects can develop resistance, and it rarely takes care of the nest. In other words, it is an ongoing thing instead of total elimination.

Types of Mechanical Kills

Boric Acid

You can purchase roach bait with boric acid in it. The bait can work in three ways.

1- Internally, eating boric acid is like a human eating nails. It will irritate and destroy the inside of the cockroach.

2- In addition, some boric acid will get on the exoskeleton and destroy the outer waxy coating.

3- The bait is taken back to the nest to eliminate the source of the problem.

A good bait is the best solution, but there are other types of mechanical kills available.

Diatomaceous Earth

Diatomaceous earth is actually ground up fossils from millions of years ago. These tiny fossils have sharp edges that can only be seen with a microscope. When you look at the ground up fossils it just looks like flour.

You can actually purchase food grade diatomaceous earth. Some health food enthusiasts actually eat it. You should know that most diatomaceous earth is not food grade and so you need to check on that before consuming it.

Diatomaceous earth works by mechanical kill. When insects walk over it, some of the sharp edges stick to the insect. The sharp edges work at removing the outer waxy coating. Some formulations add pyrethrins, from the chrysanthemum flower, to aid in agitating the insect. The more the insect is agitated the more quickly the insect will become dehydrated.

Mechanical Prevention

Part of mechanical safety is to prevent insects from coming into your home. It is important to keep food in containers that don't attract insects. The windows should be repaired. The doors should not leave extra space for insects to crawl into the home. The outside of the home should not have entry points for insects. This is a simple task, but many homeowners forget about cracks and crevices that are long-term problems. If you have an insect problem, you should spend a bit of time cleaning everything up and making sure entry is as difficult as possible.

Best Roach Strategy

The best way to kill roaches is with boric acid roach bait. While this is a safe way to kill roaches, the safest product to use would be food grade diatomaceous earth. Finally, make sure your home is not attracting insects. Keep food put away and eliminate cracks and crevices.

For further information, please visit Roach Killer or you may also visit Boric Acid