Are you sick of cockroaches that keep coming into your house no matter what you do? If so, you may have heard that hairspray can be a valuable weapon in the fight against insects. But does hairspray kill cockroaches?
Yes, hairspray can kill cockroaches effectively. Hairspray can kill cockroaches by blocking their breathing pores, making them unable to breathe. In the past few years, this seemingly unusual way to get rid of pests has become more popular, and some people swear by it.
In this article, we’ll look at the science behind using hairspray to kill cockroaches and help you decide if it’s a good way to get rid of cockroaches.
Hairspray
Hairspray is a cosmetic type often used to keep hair in place. It usually has a mix of polymers, solvents, and propellants and comes in aerosol spray cans or pump bottles. Hairspray can be used on many different kinds and styles of hair.
Hairspray is mainly used for beauty, but it can also be used for other things, like killing bugs like cockroaches, as we’ve already talked about. You can also use hairspray as a craft supply to seal drawings or paintings or protect fragile items.
It’s important to know that hairspray can have chemicals that can be harmful if too much is eaten or breathed in. It’s important to use hairspray in a room with good airflow and to follow the directions on the bottle carefully.
Different Types Of Hairspray Can Kill Cockroaches?
Most hairsprays have the potential to kill cockroaches, but some may work better than others. In general, hairsprays with a lot of alcohol or the natural insecticide pyrethrin may kill cockroaches better than those that don’t have these ingredients. Here are some common hairsprays that may be effective for cockroach control:
Aerosol Hairspray
This kind of hairspray usually has alcohol and propellants in it that can kill cockroaches by suffocating and paralyzing them.
Pump Hairspray
This kind of hairspray may contain pyrethrin or other insecticides that kill cockroaches on contact.
Non-aerosol Hairspray
While non-aerosol hairspray is not as effective as aerosol or pump hairspray, it can still be used to immobilize cockroaches and make them more manageable.
It’s important to remember that hairspray can kill individual cockroaches, but it’s not a good way to stop an infestation in the long run.
Instructions For Spraying Hairspray On A Cockroaches
If you want to kill a cockroach with hairspray, here are some simple instructions to follow:
- Find the cockroach. Use a flashlight or another light source to find the cockroach since they are active at night and tend to hide in dark, tight spaces.
- Choose a hairspray that has alcohol, pyrethrin, or other insecticides.
- Shake the can or bottle to combine the ingredients, then hold it 6 to 8 inches from the cockroach.
- Point the hairspray at the cockroach and spray it for a few seconds until the cockroaches are completely covered with the spray.
- Ensure the cockroach’s head, chest, and stomach is covered.
- To get rid of the cockroach, wait a few minutes so the hairspray can work and stop the cockroach from moving.
- Then, put the cockroach in a tissue or paper towel and throw it away. Make sure to wash your hands thoroughly.
- Hairspray can kill individual cockroaches, but not a good way to stop an infestation in the long term.
How Long Does It Take Hairspray To Kill Cockroaches?
The amount of time it takes for the hairspray to kill a cockroach depends on several variables, including the type of hairspray used and the size of the cockroach. Usually, it takes a few minutes for the hairspray to kill the cockroach.
However, it’s important to note that hairspray is not as effective as commercial insecticides intended to kill cockroaches and may not be as effective against larger or more resilient ones.
It’s important to completely cover the cockroach in hairspray if you want it to kill the pests effectively. Also, it’s essential to let the hairspray work for a few minutes after spraying the cockroach before trying to get rid of it.
Is Hairspray A Better Way To Kill Cockroaches Than Pesticides?
Hairspray can kill cockroaches, it’s usually not a better way to get rid of cockroaches than pesticides that are made to control and prevent cockroach infestations.
Pesticides made to kill cockroaches have more powerful and effective insecticides that are made to target the unique biology and behavior of cockroaches. When used correctly, these pesticides can kill cockroaches and keep them from coming back
Many pesticides can be used to kill cockroaches, and many are available over the counter or through professional pest control services.
It’s necessary to use pesticides safely and according to the directions on the label. Pesticides can hurt people and pets if they are used too much or in the wrong way.
Is It Painful To Kill Cockroaches With Hairspray?
There is no direct evidence that using hairspray to kill cockroaches is painful for them. But it’s important to note that hairspray is not a humane way to get rid of pests, and it’s always essential to consider the ethics of killing any living thing.
When you use hairspray to kill cockroaches, the sticky substance may cause the cockroaches to feel uncomfortable. But it’s unlikely that the insect would feel pain in the same way that a mammal or other higher-order animal would.
Suppose you are concerned about the ethical treatment of insects or other pests. In this case, it’s advised that you investigate alternative pest control methods that don’t involve killing or harming the animals.
Why Do Roaches Go Crazy When Sprayed With Hairspray?
The chemicals in hairspray can make cockroaches act strangely. Solvents, fumes, and other chemicals in hairspray can affect the nervous systems of cockroaches.
When hairspray is sprayed on a cockroach, the chemicals in the spray can make it hard for the insect to control its movements and find its way around. The roach can move in strange ways, like running in circles or stumbling.
Also, the sticky texture of hairspray can make it hard for cockroaches to move or get away, making them even more upset. It’s important to remember that just because cockroaches act strangely after being sprayed with hairspray doesn’t mean they are in pain or suffering.
How To Get Rid Of Roaches Other Than Hair Spray?
Other than hairspray, there are many good ways to get rid of cockroaches. You can try some of the following:
Roach Baits
Using cockroach baits is a good way to get rid of cockroaches in your home. These baits contain a slow-acting insecticide that cockroaches will transmit back to their nest.
Once the bait has spread throughout the colony, it can kill cockroaches from many generations back, even if they didn’t directly eat it. Choose the right kind of bait for the situation you’re in. There are many kinds of cockroach bait, such as glue traps, gel baits, and bait stations.
Roach Traps
Using cockroach traps to get rid of cockroaches in your home can be an effective way to do so. Cockroaches lure into these traps with bait, and they can’t get out once they’re inside. There are many kinds of cockroach traps, such as those that are sticky, use pheromones, or use electricity.
Choose the trap that will work best for you. Sticky traps are a good way to catch cockroaches hiding in tight spaces or along baseboards. Electric traps kill cockroaches by giving them an electric shock. Pheromone traps use synthetic pheromones to lure cockroaches in.
Seal Entry Points
Sealing entry points is a good way to keep cockroaches out of your home and eliminate any already there. Cockroaches can get into your home through tiny cracks and holes in the walls, floors, and windows. To keep cockroaches out, you should find and seal these entry points.
Check your home for holes and cracks to find places where cockroaches could get in. Fill in any holes or cracks with caulk or sealant. Make sure to use a product made for the type of surface you have, such as wood, metal, or concrete.
Put weatherstripping around doors and windows to make a tight seal. Use door sweeps to block gaps under doors. By sealing off places where cockroaches can get in and keeping your home clean, you can make it much harder for them to stay in.
Call Professional Pest Control Service
An excellent way to get rid of cockroaches is to call a professional pest control service. Pest control experts have the knowledge and tools to get rid of cockroaches from your home safely and effectively.
Pest control services can help you eliminate cockroaches in many ways, such as with baits, traps, and insecticide sprays. They can also tell you how to clean and keep things clean properly and help you find and seal entry points to keep pests from coming back.
When looking for a pest control service, it’s important to find one with a good reputation and a history of getting rid of cockroaches.
Final Thoughts
It’s possible to kill cockroaches with hairspray, but it may not be the most humane or effective method. Hairspray can stop cockroaches from moving and make them suffocate, but it can also hurt and hurt them needlessly. Also, hairspray is not a long-term solution for a cockroach.
The best way to get rid of cockroaches for good is to use a combination of methods, such as cockroach baits, traps, and insecticide sprays, along with proper cleaning and sanitation practices and sealing entry points. These methods may take some time and work, but they are better and can stop future problems.
References
Gaire S, Romero A. Comparative Efficacy of Residual Insecticides against the Turkestan Cockroach, Blatta lateralis, (Blattodea: Blattidae) on Different Substrates. Insects. 2020 Jul 28;11(8):477.
