You have been startled by the presence of cockroaches in dishwasher having opened it. Moreover, these repulsive creatures raise the question of how they managed to infiltrate the dishwasher in the first place. Once you acquire some knowledge about cockroaches, it becomes evident that the dishwasher is an irresistible magnet for them.
So, how can you effectively eliminate cockroaches from your dishwasher? This article delves into the biology of cockroaches, explains their attraction to dishwashers, and provides practical measures you can take to prevent any unpleasant encounters with these pests in the very appliance that is meant to ensure a clean kitchen.
Why Are There Roaches in My Dishwasher?
Roaches have basic needs just like any other living creature. They require food, water, and shelter for their survival and proliferation. Unfortunately, a dishwasher conveniently fulfills all three of these necessities.
1. Your dishwasher houses food sources
Unclean dishes serve as a plentiful food source for cockroaches. Even if you diligently rinse your plates before placing them in the dishwasher, there is often enough food residue left behind to sustain several roaches. Given their ability to consume almost anything, even a thin layer of sauce or small food fragments can serve as a satisfying meal for these pests. Moreover, any food remnants that find their way into the dishwasher may not always be completely washed away. It is possible for food to remain trapped in the drain tube, creating an accessible food reservoir for cockroaches.
2. Water sources from your dishwasher
Your dishwasher also offers an abundance of water sources for cockroaches to sustain themselves. Water can be left behind on supposedly clean dishes, accumulate in the drain, or form small droplets on the inner surfaces due to the high humidity within the device.
Furthermore, if your dishwasher has any leaks at the back or underneath, it provides an additional reliable water supply that cockroaches can depend on. Meanwhile, according to Whirlpool (a top dishwasher manufacturer), below are common causes of a dishwasher leak:
- The water supply line leaking
- Drain line leaking
- Unlevel dishwasher
- Damaged latch or gasket
- Incorrect detergent used
- Soiled or dirty door gasket
- Damaged component
3. Shelter
When it comes to shelter, cockroaches in a dishwasher typically do not inhabit the dishwashing compartment where you load your dishes and utensils. If you happen to find one in there, it is likely just a temporary visit as the cockroach was searching for food or water.
However, the space underneath and behind a dishwasher serves as an ideal hiding spot for cockroaches. These pests are particularly drawn to dark, damp, and confined areas.
In some cases, people have even discovered cockroaches residing inside the housing of their dishwasher, such as within the dishwasher door. We will explore this further later on.
How Do Cockroaches Get into Dishwasher?
Although cockroaches are unable to survive within the main wash chamber of a running dishwasher due to the heat, certain design flaws, loose seals, and tiny gaps in your dishwasher can serve as entry points for these pests. Leaving the dishwasher door slightly ajar, a common practice for many of us when it is not in use, can also provide an opportunity for cockroaches to infiltrate.
Due to their remarkably flat bodies, most cockroach species are capable of squeezing through narrow cracks. Even newly acquired machines may have gaps and loose seals that inadvertently allow cockroaches to slip inside the outer shell.
Where Do Roaches Hide in Dishwasher?
Cockroaches in a dishwasher can hide beneath the dishwasher (typically below the bottom plate of the dishwasher), and not just in the washing compartment. They also hide in the small gap between the counter and the cabinets when you look behind your dishwasher door.
If you spot cockroaches in your dishwasher, it does not necessarily mean they are residing inside it. In most cases, they are likely dwelling beneath the dishwasher. Underneath dishwashers, there is typically a sizable empty space through which the plumbing runs. This area serves as an ideal shelter for cockroaches due to its moisture, warmth, and darkness.
Merely closing the dishwasher door is insufficient in combating the presence of cockroaches, as they will seek out alternative sources of food and water within your home.
How to Get Rid of Cockroaches in Dishwasher
At this point, you might be considering getting rid of your dishwasher as the ultimate solution to eliminate the roaches. However, there is no need to worry. There are simple and effective methods to eradicate cockroaches, even within the dishwasher. Follow these simple steps to remove cockroaches in dishwasher:
1. Set up roach traps and baits near the dishwasher
To begin, you want to eradicate the adult cockroaches present in your dishwasher. These roaches have likely laid numerous eggs in various hiding spots throughout your kitchen, which we will address in the subsequent steps. Cockroach traps and gel baits are highly cost-effective and efficient tools that should be integral to any strategy aimed at removing a cockroach infestation, regardless of its location within your home.
a. Traps
Traps typically use sticky glue that ensnares roaches upon contact. These adhesive traps are often designed as thin sheets of cardboard with a highly sticky side. Placing such traps underneath or at the base of your dishwasher can effectively capture cockroaches as they come and go. We recommend these roach traps for a permanent solution. Furthermore, sticky traps serve as valuable monitoring devices to gauge the progress of your ongoing cockroach infestation treatment.
b. Roach baits
Baits consist of enticing food infused with potent insecticides that disrupt the cockroach’s nervous system, ultimately leading to their demise. The efficacy of roach baits stems from the fact that cockroaches engage in behaviors such as sharing food, consuming each other’s vomit and feces, and even feeding on deceased roaches. When one cockroach consumes the bait, it can inadvertently transmit it to several others. Check out our tested and trusted gel baits for cockroaches. You can also use them for Airbnb to prevent a bad guest experience due to roaches.
Strategically place bait near your dishwasher, in the cabinet beneath your kitchen sink, and in any other accessible areas near your dishwasher.
Regularly monitor the cockroach bait every day or two. If the bait disappears, replenish it in the same location. If cockroaches show no interest in the bait after three days, remove it and attempt baiting elsewhere. Fresh bait is preferred by cockroaches, as they are less likely to consume stale bait.
2. inspect the condition of your dishwasher’s seals for leaks
To minimize the risk of attracting roaches, it is essential to keep your dishwasher in good condition. Begin by locating the small panel beneath the dishwasher door. With a flashlight in hand, remove the panel and thoroughly examine the space beneath the appliance for any signs of roaches, such as feces, food remnants, or eggs.
Pay close attention to the seals on your dishwasher. Typically, there are only two areas where roaches can potentially enter the interior.
Over time, the main seal on the door can weaken or sustain damage, preventing a secure seal to the outside. Another potential entry point is the drain line, where some dishwasher models may not fully seal with the drain they empty into. This can allow small cockroaches to find their way into the unit via the drain tube.
3. Tidy up and apply insecticidal dust for effective control
Roaches are drawn to the scent of feces, dirt, food scraps, and cockroach odors, which can accumulate beneath your dishwasher and serve as attractive harborages. To address this issue, start by thoroughly vacuuming the area to remove the mess. If possible, use bleach to disinfect and wipe down the surfaces under and around the dishwasher, eliminating the enticing smells that attract cockroaches.
Consider using insecticidal dust, available in different forms such as Diatomaceous Earth, or dust products containing synthetic insecticides. These products work by targeting the cockroaches’ exoskeletons, causing them to dehydrate and perish over time.
Use a billow duster and distribute it under and behind your dishwasher. This method creates a barrier that can effectively kill cockroaches that come into contact with it. If undisturbed, the dust can continue to provide long-lasting protection for months or even years.
Raid Spray or Bug Bomb for Dishwasher Treatment [Which is Best]?
Toxic insecticides like Raid are not suitable for direct application on surfaces involved in food preparation. If such substances are introduced into the dishwasher, they will inevitably contaminate plates, silverware, and other items. Although they may appear clean, they will undoubtedly carry chemical residues.
Besides, cockroaches typically do not reside inside the dishwasher itself, so there is no need to treat that specific area with pesticides.
Ultimately, follow the aforementioned recommendations to get rid of cockroach infestations in your dishwasher without resorting to toxins. That’s because you use your dishwasher for meal dishes. There is absolutely no reason to contaminate your dishwasher with insecticides when you can follow these methods to ensure the safety of your kitchenware and food preparation surfaces.
