Getting rid of cockroaches is never the most pleasant process. They are fast and resilient creatures that you never want to find roaming around your house. What do you do when you cannot kill it but still want to get rid of it? Most would think to simply trap them and flush them down the toilet.
Even when it comes to dead cockroaches, flushing cockroaches might sound like a quick way to get rid of them. There are a few concerns that come up, like what if they can crawl back up the pipes. Before you proceed to flush these nuisances away, dead or alive, you need to know exactly how resilient they are and how risky this could be. With the right information, you can go from ridding your home of cockroaches instead of continuing to spread an infestation.
Safety Concerns
As long as the cockroach is dead, there is no risk if you decide you want to flush it down the toilet to dispose of it. Since they are organic creatures, they will break down in the sewer system. There should be no risk of experiencing a clog or backup if you regularly flush dead cockroaches. This is entirely up to you and your personal preference.
In terms of your own safety, there should be nothing inherently dangerous about flushing cockroaches down the toilet. As long as you are not touching the cockroach with your bare hands, you should be just fine. Cockroaches are notorious for spreading bacteria, so you should definitely use a tool or wear gloves when disposing of one. Make sure to thoroughly wash your hands and clean your toilet with disinfectant after you are done, as well.
Can They Swim Back Up?
Now, it is time to answer the age-old question. Can cockroaches swim back up the pipes if you flush them down the toilet while they are living? There is some truth to this assumption because cockroaches can actually hold their breath for up to 40 minutes! While the force of the flush might be enough to take them all the way into the septic tank, they truly can be very resilient.
While they do not necessarily “swim” back up, they can float. Paired with the ability to hold their breath for a long time, there is a risk of them returning back to your toilet bowl after you flush them down. To prevent this from happening, never flush a living cockroach. It is not a guarantee, but this is likely something you do not want to take a chance with.
Pros and Cons: Flushing Cockroaches Down the Toilet
As you can see, there are several pros and cons when it comes to disposing of cockroaches down the toilet. It really just depends on if the cockroach is alive or dead. If it is alive, do not flush it down the toilet. If it is dead, then you have the option to flush it if you choose. Knowing that you do not have to worry about ruining your pipes or your septic system, you can make the decision that works best for you when you are dealing with dead cockroaches. If you can find a safe way to pick them up and place them in the toilet, you can go ahead and flush them down.
One of the biggest hurdles you will have to get over is knowing that you have flushed a cockroach down the toilet. Many people get grossed out for good reason. If this does not feel hygienic to you, even after disinfecting everything, then you can opt for another way to get rid of dead cockroaches. You can choose to throw them away in the outdoor trash bin so they do not have to remain in your house. There is also the option of putting them into your compost pile if you keep one.
In some cases, you will need to get rid of multiple dead cockroaches at once. A lot of people create a fire and burn them all at once outdoors. This is easier when you have to get rid of a lot of them and prevent the bacteria from spreading inside your home. If you have access to a fire pit, this method can prove to be very convenient.
Even though it is not an ideal situation, it is still a relatively quick and easy way you can get rid of them safely. Nobody ever wants to worry about seeing cockroaches in the house, let alone disposing of the dead ones.
