Opening the dishwasher door just to find cockroaches in it can be shocking and gross at the same time. Why would such filthy insects infest your dishwasher?
Like all creatures, these pesky pests need food, moisture, and shelter to thrive.
Your dishwasher offers cockroaches all the above necessities, especially when not running. In addition, if you keep dirty dishes waiting in the dishwasher for some time before running it, cockroaches will be lured by the food scraps.
That said, cockroaches in the dishwasher can be a serious health problem as they carry disease-causing germs.
Fortunately, roaches in dishwashers can be treated, and you can solve your roach problem. But first, you need to know why they are attracted to your dishwasher, how they get inside it and how to get rid of cockroaches in your dishwasher.
Keep reading to learn more.
Why Do Roaches Love the Dishwasher?
Roaches love the dishwasher because it provides them with everything they need to thrive, including, water, shelter, dampness, and food.
Water
Cockroaches can go for some time in a hostile environment without eating food; however, they can only survive for seven days without water.
Unfortunately, there is plenty of water for them in your dishwasher. The cockroaches can drink water left on clean dishes, in the drain, or from tiny droplets on the interior lining of the dishwasher from the high humidity.
Besides, if the dishwasher leaks, cockroaches will find it an excellent source of water to rely on.
Shelter
You cannot see cockroaches living in a dishwasher. So, if you see any in the machine, it has reliable food and water sources.
Besides, cockroaches cannot withstand extreme temperatures, especially when the machine is running. That said, cockroaches can hide under or behind your dishwasher since they love dark, confined, and damp areas.
Moreover, there are some instances where cockroaches have been found living and building their nests in the casing of the dishwasher, for instance, in the dishwasher door.
In addition, smaller roach species, like German cockroaches, can easily squeeze into your dishwasher. They will get inside the machine’s components, like the control panel.
Food
You will be attracting cockroaches if you leave dirty dishes inside the dishwasher. This is because leftover food particles on the dirty plates offer abundant nourishment sources for cockroaches.
So, it doesn’t matter if you rinse the plates before placing them in the machine. Cockroaches can eat anything; even a thin layer of sauce or the food particles on dirty dishes is enough for them.
In addition, food scraps sometimes get stuck within the drain tube, giving any cockroach access to plenty of food.
Read More: Diet and Lifespan: How Long Can Roaches Live Without Food?
Dampness
If your machine is old, you are more likely to have a cockroach infestation in your dishwasher. This is because most old models have poor ventilation.
The heating function will fail to dry the dishes entirely without adequate ventilation. Instead, the machine will have a moist environment where cockroaches can survive.
How Roaches Get Inside the Dishwasher
Cockroaches like to live in dark, secluded, and moist areas with enough food and water sources. Besides, cockroaches infest dishwashers because people are usually hesitant to spray them.
But how do they get into the dishwashing machine? Cockroaches will find an entry point into your machine if there is an opening.
So, even if you think of spraying the dishwasher, roaches will escape the poison by congregating elsewhere and coming back through the opening once the pesticide has washed out.
That said, roaches can gain access to your machine from many places. For instance:
The Door Panel
The door panel is situated on the outer part of the dishwashing machine. It is usually fastened to the dishwasher with four bolts and can sometimes be tailored to blend in with the other kitchen cabinets.
The panel might be securely attached, but cockroaches can quickly climb through it if it is loose or there are gaps.
Dishwasher Drain
The dishwasher drain is found at the bottom part of the machine. It is where all food and water get washed into after a cycle is complete.
Typically, there will be a hose connecting the drain to a kitchen sink or garbage disposal based on where the dishwasher is located. This hose can be under the sink or at the back of the machine. The food debris and water will attract cockroaches to these outlets.
They will then enter the sink hose or drain and travel through them to the dishwasher.
Dishwasher Air Gaps
The air gap in your dishwasher is a tube fitting that links the drain in the sink to your dishwasher to prevent dirty water from running into and out of the dishwasher during a cycle.
Depending on your location, you might be required to have one installed. Conversely, others plumbing codes might need you to have a high loop installed.
The air gaps have small holes connecting the garbage disposal and drain hose. So, dishwasher cockroaches can use it as an entry point.
Behind the Dishwasher
Cockroaches will have an easy time accessing the dishwasher from the back. This is because no matter how secure the machine is, there will always be a crevice between the cabinet and the machine.
Getting Rid of Roaches in the Dishwasher
Cockroaches are one of the most challenging pests to eliminate. They are hardy and can adapt and escape any eradication attempt.
Besides, the dishwasher is fragile, and most people are hesitant to spray it, making it complicated to get rid of cockroaches inside it.
Follow these DIY steps to get rid of cockroaches in your dishwasher.
Clean the Dishwasher
After seeing cockroaches in your dishwasher, the first thing to do is remove all utensils and all the racks and thoroughly clean the machine using dishwasher detergent.
In addition to cleaning the machine, ensure you clean the drain, as most roaches will be hiding there. Moreover, dishwasher cockroaches love dark and tight spaces with ample food.
After cleaning the machine and the drains, run the dishwasher without the dishes and rack to remove any dishwasher cockroaches. Don’t forget to clean the dishwasher pull too.
Use Vinegar
White vinegar can be used to eliminate roaches in your dishwasher. Put a cup of vinegar on the top rack, choose the hottest cycle from the panel, and let the machine run for at least sixty minutes.
Doing this will keep the dishwasher clean. In addition, the steam will kill all the roaches as they cannot stand extreme heat.
Eliminate Entry Points
Once the dishwasher is sanitized and all the dishwasher cockroaches are dead, you must take preventive measures to ensure they don’t return.
Start by checking the dishwashing machine for open spaces and cracks and seal them. Also, ensure no loose seals are on the dishwasher’s doors.
Use Boric Acid
Boric acid is an excellent roach repellent and is harmless to humans. To use boric acid against cockroaches in your dishwasher, scatter a fine layer on the floor under the machine. That way, all the remaining roaches will die.
Use Natural Repellents
Insecticides might not be safe to use in your dishwasher. So, try using natural essential oils that can repel roaches. This might include tea tree, eucalyptus oil, and oregano oil in corners of your kitchen or utility room.
Uphold Cleanliness
After a week, clean the drain and the garbage disposal. Also, ensure your kitchen counters are clean and free from food particles. In addition, clean the dishwasher regularly
Eliminate Roaches in Your Dishwasher
Cockroaches are known for their resilience and the ability to survive most elimination tactics. However, this doesn’t mean you cannot eliminate them.
In addition, roaches carry pathogens, and seeing them in your dishwasher can be gross and shocking. Moreover, it could indicate a cockroach infestation.
Therefore, you must take immediate action to solve the cockroach problem. Follow the above steps, and if the issue persists, don’t hesitate to get pest control experts.
These experts will control and prevent cockroaches from coming back to your home.
