Does WD-40 Kill Cockroaches [Know The Truth]

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Cockroaches are the most tenacious and reviled household pests. They are notoriously difficult to get rid of, and people are constantly looking for new and innovative ways to get rid of them. One solution that has gained popularity recently is using different household cleansing products. However, does WD-40 kill cockroaches?

Yes, WD-40 can kill cockroaches; however, no scientific evidence supports this claim. Also, using WD-40 as an insecticide can be hazardous. It is highly combustible and can emit dangerous fumes in enclosed areas.

In this discussion, we will look at the effectiveness of using WD-40 as a cockroach killer and its associated risks and benefits.

Will WD-40 Keep Cockroaches Away?

Yes, WD-40 may keep some insects away, including cockroaches, on contact. But it is not an effective or long-term method for keeping these pests away. Cockroaches are drawn to food, moisture, and warmth and can enter dwellings through minute fissures.

Spraying WD-40 on surfaces or using it as a repellent won’t solve the problem or stop more roaches from entering your home. WD-40 is not meant to be used on surfaces where food is prepared, and eating it can be harmful.

While WD-40 may have limited effectiveness against cockroaches, it is not a dependable or recommended method for keeping them away.

How To Kill Cockroaches With WD-40?

Even though WD-40 can kill cockroaches, it is not recommended as a primary way to get rid of pests. If you have a lot of cockroaches, it’s best to call a professional pest control service. But if you want to use WD-40 as a temporary fix, you can do the following:

Find the areas where the cockroaches are hiding.
These places are usually dark, warm, and damp, such as under sinks, behind appliances, and in cracks and crevices.
Before using the WD-40 spray, shake the can well. You can also use the straw with the can to direct the spray better.
Spray a small amount of WD-40 directly on the cockroaches or in the places where they are hiding.
The oil in WD-40 can suffocate the cockroaches and kill them.
Repeat the process as many times as necessary.
After you’re done spraying, make sure to open the windows or turn on a fan to let air into the room.

Is WD-40 An Effective Method Of Cockroach Control?

No, WD-40 is not an effective cockroach control approach because it provides a temporary remedy and does not treat the underlying cause of the infestation. Cockroaches are resilient pests that may thrive in a variety of situations. Thus, cockroach control has to be comprehensive.

Sanitation, exclusion, and insecticide treatment are the most successful cockroach control measures. Before deciding on a management plan, it is critical to identify the cockroach species and the degree of the infestation. In the case of severe infestations, professional pest control services are required.

What Are The Risks Of Using WD-40 To Kill Cockroaches?

It is not recommended to use WD-40 to kill cockroaches because it comes with several risks including:

First of all, WD-40 is not an insecticide. Even though it might keep some cockroaches away.
Second, WD-40 is an aerosol that can catch fire, so it’s dangerous to use it near open flames or other sources of ignition. WD-40 fumes can also irritate the lungs, especially in people with asthma or other breathing problems.
Third, spraying WD-40 in places where food is made or stored can make the food unsafe for people and animals.
Lastly, using WD-40 as the main way to get rid of cockroaches can hide an underlying infestation, letting it grow and become more difficult to eradicate.

Does WD-40 Have Any Ingredients That Are Toxic To Cockroaches?

Mostly, WD-40 is composed of petroleum-based lubricants, solvents, and additional chemicals like corrosion inhibitors and scents. Some of these ingredients may keep cockroaches away, but there is no evidence that they are harmful to cockroaches.

Cockroaches are hardy, so using a product like WD-40, which isn’t meant to be used as a pesticide, probably won’t make much of a difference in a cockroach infestation.

Is WD-40 Poisonous To Cockroaches?

Yes, WD-40 is poisonous to roaches if ingested in large amounts. WD-40 is not an insecticide, and it is not made to get rid of cockroaches in particular. Some of the things in WD-40 may make cockroaches run away, but there is no evidence that it is poisonous to them.

Cockroaches are notoriously hardy pests that have become immune to a wide variety of insecticides. So, using a product like WD-40 which is not designed for use as a pest control agent, is unlikely to have a significant impact on a cockroach infestation.

How Long Does It Take For Cockroaches To Die From WD-40?

How long it takes for cockroaches to die from WD-40 depends on a number of factors, like the size of the roach, the amount of WD-40 used, and how it is applied.

Although WD-40 may have some insecticidal characteristics, it was not developed as a roach killer, and there is a wide range of effectiveness in terms of how well it kills roaches. In some cases, WD-40 may not kill the roaches outright, but only stop them from moving or keep them away.

Does Using WD-40 To Kill A Cockroach Attract More?

Yes, using WD-40 to kill a cockroach will likely attract more cockroaches. WD-40 is mainly a lubricant to stop rust. It may be able to kill insects and is known to attract more cockroaches.

Dead roaches can serve as food and shelter for other roaches and insects, including ants, flies, and beetles. These scavenger insects are attracted to the dead roaches and will eat them, which could lead to more infestations in your home.

But if you use WD-40 to kill roaches, cleaning up the dead cockroaches and any WD-40 residue as soon as possible is essential. Leaving dead cockroaches or WD-40 behind can bring in other pests, like ants or flies that look for food.

Are There Any Commercial Insecticides That Are More Effective Than WD-40 For Killing Cockroaches?

Yes, there are many commercial insecticides that are more effective than WD-40 at killing cockroaches. Some effective insecticides for killing cockroaches are:

Bait Traps	Bait traps are small plastic containers with poisoned food bait that attracts roaches. The roaches eat the bait and return it to their nest, where it spreads to other roaches and kills the whole colony.
Insecticide Sprays	Insecticide sprays are made to kill roaches as soon as they touch them, and they can be used to target specific areas where cockroaches are found.
Dust	Dust is an insecticide-laced powder that can be sprinkled behind appliances or in wall voids where roaches like to hide.
Gel Baits	Gel baits are like bait traps, but they come as a gel that can be spread on surfaces. When roaches eat the bait, they get poisoned, and the gel also has a chemical that stops them from having babies.
Fipronil	Fipronil is a strong insecticide that is often used to kill cockroaches. It works on American and German cockroaches and can be used as a spray, bait, or gel.
Hydramethylnon	Hydramethylnon is a slow-acting insecticide that kills cockroaches, even those resistant to other insecticides. It is often put in bait stations to kill cockroaches, and it does this by messing up its metabolism.
Imidacloprid	Imidacloprid is a systemic insecticide that can be used as bait or gel. It is efficient against American and German cockroaches and functions by interfering with the insect’s neurological system.

Final Thoughts

WD-40 may kill cockroaches on contact, however, it is not a recommended method for pest control. The WD-40 spray is not meant for use in locations where food is prepared or consumed. It can be harmful when ingested or inhaled by humans or animals.

In addition, it is not a successful long-term remedy because it does not address the infestation’s core cause.

To avoid cockroach invasion, it is preferable to implement preventative measures such as regular cleaning and sealing of cracks and crevices. It is suggested to seek the services of a professional pest control agency in the event of an infestation.

FAQs

No, WD-40 isn’t a safe or effective insecticide. WD-40 works to lubricate and protect metal surfaces, but it is not meant to kill insects and can hurt plants, animals, and people if used incorrectly. The website for the company that makes WD-40 says that it shouldn’t be used as a bug spray. WD-40 can also be dangerous as an insecticide, as it is very flammable and can catch fire when it comes in contact with heat or flames.

Cockroaches are unlikely to develop resistance to WD-40 as it was not formulated as an insecticide. Also, WD-40’s active ingredients aren’t made to target insects or disturb their biological processes, so it’s unlikely that insects would build up a resistance to it. But using WD-40 as an insecticide over and over again can cause problems like damage to the environment, harm to good bugs, and health risks for people and pets.

Yes, ingestion and inhalation of WD-40 are harmful to humans and pets.WD-40 is not meant for human or animal consumption. Moreover, the WD-40 spray might irritate the eyes, skin, and lungs. Keep WD-40 out of the reach of children and animals, and use it in a well-ventilated location. In the event of accidental intake or exposure, seek immediate medical attention.

WD-40 can damage some surfaces and materials due to its tendency to dissolve adhesives and some plastics. Moreover, it may leave a residue that attracts dirt and causes discoloration. When applying WD-40 to a larger surface, it is vital to conduct a test on a tiny, inconspicuous region. Moreover, it should not be applied to painted surfaces and electrical equipment.

References

Zhang B, Qu D, Yang H, Long X, Zhu Z, Yang Y, Zhao Z. Genome Wide Identification and Characterization of Apple WD40 Proteins and Expression Analysis in Response to ABA, Drought, and Low Temperature. Horticulturae. 2022; 8(2):141.