1. Air Pressure
Air pressure is my favorite way to get rid of roaches in electronics because it delivers immediate results.
Although it can be a bit gross, it’s well worth getting your computer back.
To start, remove the electronic from your home and place it inside a container.
If your electronics are small enough, you can use a storage container.
If it’s large, such as a TV, you can use a large plastic bag or tarp to contain the cockroaches.
Next, spray the container with insecticide to kill the roaches as they come out of your electronics.
For this, I recommend contact sprays such as Raid or Hotshot.
Keep your insecticide spray close by in case the infestation is more significant than expected.
Next, remove the electronic device’s cover plate.
For most electronic devices, you can do this with a simple screwdriver.
Otherwise, a simple google search should give you enough information on how to do so.
Next, used compressed air or a blow dryer in and around the crevices.
Remember to be gentle.
Also, don’t be so close as the pressure may cause cockroaches to go flying up in the air.
One pass over the crevices should be enough to force the roaches out of your device.
Once done, use a small paintbrush to brush off any visible cockroaches.
Feel free to use your insecticide spray to kill any roaches that are trying to getaway.
Finally, clean up any feces or eggs that the cockroaches may have left.
Feces can melt and damage the electronic components of your device and cause damage in the future.
To remove them, use a microfiber cloth or q-tip with a small bit of rubbing alcohol.
Be careful not to put too much alcohol on the cloth and q-tip. Doing so can damage your electronics.
2. Dehydrate Them
If you want to avoid dealing with live insects, then this method may work better for you.
The idea is to trap the roaches for an extended period without water.
To do this, place your device inside a ziplock bag.
If your device is too large, you can place a large plastic bag over it and seal it off with a tape or a zip tie.
One disadvantage of this method is that it can take up to 1-2 weeks.
If you want faster results, you can spray insecticide on the bag before you trap the roaches.
You can also spray a few paper towels with insecticide spray and place them inside the container.
If any cockroaches do crawl into the napkins, they will die.
3. Use Roach Gel
Gel bait is one of the most effective ways to eliminate cockroach infestations.
This control method is highly effective because it implements tertiary kills.
Here’s what I mean.
Gel baits turn cockroach feces into poison.
But, when cockroaches ingest gel bait, they don’t die right away.
Instead, they return to their homes where they defecate.
Because juvenile roaches (nymphs) rely on feces to survive, the toxic wastes will kill them.
But the termination doesn’t end there.
Once the nymphs die, they pass on the poison to the other cockroaches that eat their bodies.
Bait gels are great for getting rid of roaches in electronics because they are easy to clean up once you’re done.
They can take one of two forms.
- Bait Stations
- Syringe or Tube
For eliminating roach in electronics, I recommend using a syringe.
First, open up the backplate of your device.
Apply small pea-sized portions near entry points or along with the frame of your device.
Placing the gel precisely at these points will help speed up the termination process.
Be sure to keep these off any major electronic components to avoid damaging it.
Keep in mind that this method will take at least 4-5 days.
4. Treat Your Home
Having roaches in your electronic equipment could signify that you’re experiencing a more significant infestation in your home.
To keep cockroaches out of your devices for good, make sure you address the root cause.
Here’s a guide on how you can get rid of cockroaches in your home permanently.
Bonus tip: Treat All Used Electronics Before Bringing Into Your Home
If you purchase lots of used electronics, make sure they are roach free using one of the methods above.
Cockroaches can reproduce quickly.
If you bring in a few cockroaches in your device, it can grow to a population of several hundred within a month.
It’s always better to be safe than sorry, especially when it comes to cockroaches.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Why Are Cockroaches Attracted to Electronics?
Cockroaches love electronics for their warmth.
Electronics are also great hiding spots for roaches because they are filled with dark, tight crevices where they can hide.
Can I Kill Roaches by Freezing My Device?
While conceptually, this idea should work in practice, it is not practical.
For one, this only works for smaller devices that fit in a fridge.
Second, freezing your electronic device could damage its screen.
Finally, it can take between three days to a week before all the roaches become frozen and dead.
For a better alternative, follow the instructions above.
Can Cockroaches Damage My Electrical Equipment?
Cockroaches can damage your electronic device by ruining internal electrical components.
When cockroaches move around inside a console or a TV, they touch high voltage components that can cause short circuits.
Cockroach feces can also damage electrical equipment.
Feces can melt inside electronic equipment and cause damage in the future.
Can I Spray My Electronics With Raid?
No. Insecticide spray can damage your electronics when sprayed directly on it.
You can spray around and near your electronics to keep cockroaches away.
How Do I Keep Cockroaches Out of My Electronics?
The best way to keep cockroaches out of your electronics is to make sure your house does not have a roach infestation.
Typically you will only get cockroaches in your home if the infestation in your home is significant.
For more an immediate solution, you can spray insecticide around your electronics to repel roaches.
You can also use essential oils for a repellant.
Place cotton balls with essential oils the entry points of your electronics.
Some of the most effective essential oils repellants are:
- Orange Oil
- Oregano Oil
- Rosemary Oil
- Peppermint Oil
How Do I Keep Cockroaches Out of My Electronics?
The most common cockroach that infests electronics is the brown-banded cockroach.
Brown-banded cockroaches are the smallest common household cockroach. They also love dryer and warmer locations.
While other bigger household cockroaches such as the German and American can infest electronics, it is unlikely.
Both German and American roaches love to be in dark, damp places.
