Would bombing my storage unit for roaches be effective?
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I want to clean up and organize my storage unit, but I am almost sure there are cockroaches in there and they petrify me. Would bombing the unit before the clean-up be an effective solution?
They get in the boxes and bags so that would not help- clean everything out first then bomb it and organize it
Do it! then you will be able to tackle the problem without concern!
No. If you read up on cockroaches it will not work as they can hide in tiny crevices and the bomb/foggers have no effect on them. You need to have a professional exterminator or you will NOT get rid of them.
Hi Danielle, you could "bomb" the garage area but I agree with Cheryl that it may not work completely as roaches can possibly survive if they are located inside boxes, plastic bags, bins. And, if the garage is a storage unit adjacent to other units, it's possible you'll have continuing invasion. So, no matter what you do ahead of cleaning and organizing, there's a possibly you'll encounter live roaches.
You can try but it may not kill them all. Roaches hide in very small crevices. They love to hide in the corrugations of cardboard. They find ways to get into plastic bags.
According to what I've read, bug bombs are often ineffective against roaches. Also, if this is a rented storage unit, you may need permission to do it.
It should get rid of the majority if you use one that is strong enough. Also, get some diatomaceous earth. It comes in large bag. Put some in a condiment dispenser (I got 2 in a pack at Dollar Tree, like you put barbecue sauce in) and squirt it around. It will "smother" them when they come in contact with it. Just in case any survive.
Hi Danielle: Bombing may be good for the roaches it reaches, but the ones behind and under stuff will not die. Boric acid is one of the best home remedies to get rid of roaches naturally. Mix equal amounts of boric acid, flour, and sugar to make a dough. Set balls of dough around the garage where cockroaches can feed on it. The flour and sugar will attract the roaches while the boric acid will kill them.
Good luck
I think it may be somewhat helpful, but as others have said the roaches could be hiding and safe from the roach bomb. It can't hurt to try though!
THis is a super comprehensive guide to getting rid of them. It will also help you identify if you have them before you go down that road. Honestly, I'd try to avoid the bomb if you can. https://www.hometalk.com/diy/outdoor/pest-repeller/how-to-get-rid-of-roaches-44425317
You'd definitely want to take everything out of the unit first to do this so you don't end up with the chemical all over your items. Indeed, they could be in other units so getting them all might be difficult. After you do it, toss down some diatomaceous earth everywhere which is all natural and pet safe.
What I would do is lay out parchment paper with a thin layer of half and half boric acid (dollar tree) and sugar. The sugar draws them and the boric acid kills them. No bomb needed.
We had to hire a professional service and they informed us that can roaches build up a tolerance to chemcials used in bug bombs.
They also live in card board and even like newspaper.
Everything must be sealed so they can't get in. Plastic bins with tight fitting lids are necessary for a bug proof fit. And metal garage cans with tight fitting lids are even better.
If this is a storeage unit the owner of the property should be familiar with what works best in your area.
Bombs have been found to be mostly useless against cockroaches, however they are generally more effective against other insects. Make sure it is permitted in your leasing agreement before you decide to bug bomb your storage facility.
First... clean everything out of the unit. Discard anything made of cardboard or paper (for games, etc. spray with a good roach spray, inside and out)
Wash or dry clean all fabrics and clothing making sure it is completely dried before storing in a plastic container.
Spray or treat any other items in your storage, to destroy any eggs or larva.
Replace the cardboard with clear plastic totes (ones that are the same size and shape will stack better and save space) so you can see the contents
Sprinkle a layer of Boric acid or Borax (laundry aisle) on the floor of the storage area and reapply as necessary or about every 90 days
I say do it, then go in and evaluate to see what survived. Bed bugs and spiders etc better at least partially dealt with before you get in there, at least for myself, I don’t want to feel eeked out while moving stuff so bomb away!!!
I have a lot of cardboard boxes and blue tubs. When I pack things away, I add boric acid in the boxes. You need to change the boxes every year. But- if you have an electric outlet, the best thing is those plug in's for mice and rats. Do not block the beam.