How to Get Rid of Cockroaches in the Washing Machine
Cockroaches are often found in various areas of the house, including the washing machine. They look like uninvited guests, but in many cases, they are there on purpose. Washing machines are dark, moist places, and some of them have open spaces under them. These spaces are frequently forgotten about and are prime habitats for cockroaches. If they are in the washing machine, the best way to get rid of them is to clean out the contents of the machine as thoroughly as possible.
You can also use essential oils in the washing machine to disturb the cockroaches. The scent can make the house smell nice, and it will also kill any cockroaches in the machine. If you don’t want to use essential oils in your washing machine, you can also use bug spray. This spray will kill the eggs and cockroaches inside the machine.
In a Kansas University study, a 1% dishwashing soap solution in water was able to kill 95% of adult German cockroaches. While this is an impressive result, the reason why it works is still not clear. The problem is that soaps kill cockroaches only when they are sprayed on individual roaches, and the process doesn’t completely eliminate them. Also, most cockroach species live in colonies, so they don’t die immediately.
Once you’ve washed all your clothes, you’ll need to put them in a plastic bag before transporting them to the yard. It’s a good idea to do this when you find roaches in your clothing, as it will ensure total extermination. Aside from washing the clothing properly, you’ll also need to put them on the dryer, or leave them outside to dry.