We’ve all had that moment: you see a cockroach scurrying across the floor and your first instinct is to smash it. But while it might feel satisfying, squishing a cockroach isn’t just ineffective — it could actually make things worse. Here’s what you need to know.
Crushing cockroaches doesn’t work — and it might backfire
Cockroaches are surprisingly tough. Their exoskeletons are incredibly resilient — strong enough to survive pressure up to 900 times their body weight. That means even if you think you’ve crushed one, there’s a good chance it might still be alive and crawling around later, especially if you just toss it in the trash.
But there’s more. When you crush a cockroach, you may be releasing allergens into your home. Their shells contain particles that can trigger allergic reactions — things like sneezing, itchy eyes (conjunctivitis), or nasal issues (rhinitis), especially in kids or sensitive individuals.
Squashing cockroaches might make your problem worse
Here’s something a lot of people don’t know: dead cockroaches actually attract more cockroaches. These pests are scavengers — they’ll happily feed on their own kind. So when you leave a squished one behind, it can become a food source and draw in even more.
Even worse, when cockroaches are killed in a certain way — like being crushed — they release stress pheromones. These chemicals signal danger to other cockroaches, causing them to scatter and hide deeper in your home, making them harder to eliminate.
What you can do instead
1. Keep things clean
Cockroaches thrive where there’s food. Stay ahead of them by:
- Wiping down counters, stovetops, and tables after meals.
- Washing dishes right away instead of letting them sit overnight.
- Vacuuming frequently, especially in hidden spots like under appliances or furniture.
2. Store food safely
Don’t give them easy access to snacks:
- Use airtight containers to keep food sealed.
- Empty your trash daily and always use bags that can be tightly closed.
- Make sure outdoor garbage bins are shut properly.
3. Reduce moisture
Roaches love damp environments. To keep your home less inviting:
- Fix any leaks in the kitchen or bathroom.
- Open windows or use fans to let rooms air out.
- Consider using a dehumidifier in humid spaces.
Smarter solutions for getting rid of cockroaches
If you still see cockroaches despite your efforts, don’t panic. There are better, safer ways to deal with them:
- Place sticky traps to track where they’re hiding.
- Try cockroach gel bait, which targets them without making them scatter like sprays often do.
- If things get out of hand, it’s time to call a professional pest control service.
One last important step
Don’t forget to “seal cracks and gaps” in your home, especially around walls, baseboards, and pipes. These tiny openings are how cockroaches sneak in — blocking them can make a big difference.