Seeing a cockroach in your house is alarming at any time. You want to get rid of it as quickly as possible, but it can be hard to keep up since they are fast when threatened. If you are wondering- is stepping on a cockroach a good idea? Sometimes, the only thing you can do is step on it to kill it. This leaves you with a gross mess to clean up and lingering bacteria to disinfect. It is not a fun process but has to be done at times.
This article will shed some light on what actually happens when you step on a cockroach to kill it.
Strength and Durability
Before you try stepping on a cockroach, consider how resilient they actually are. Cockroaches have a very tough exterior and are very quick-moving. Even if you are able to catch up, stepping on them once might not do the trick. There is nothing worse than attempting to kill a bug, only for it to get away from you. This is likely to happen when you try to step on a cockroach because they can still function very well when injured. After they scurry away, they will remain in hiding until they are back to health and able to linger around your home again. Your problem will still persist.
Since cockroaches are extremely resilient, you will probably want to opt for a better way to get rid of them. You need to make sure that you take care of the problem the first time. Another downside that comes along with stepping on a cockroach is that bacteria will be released. This can make you and other members of your household very sick. Not only will you have to clean up the mess, but you will also need to make sure everything is properly disinfected.
Alternative Methods
Instead of getting your shoes dirty and your home dirty, you can try other methods to get rid of your cockroach problem. From natural solutions to stronger chemicals, you will be able to kill cockroaches a lot easier. If you are looking for something free of chemicals, you can use essential oils and borax. Cockroaches will not die from the smells, but they will be repelled.
Also, make sure you are thoroughly cleaning any areas that are dimly lit and prone to moisture. Since cockroaches need moisture to survive, they will gravitate toward these areas in your home. Check your window sills, doorways, and drains.
For something stronger that will actually kill cockroaches on contact, you can use a special cockroach killing spray available at almost any grocery store or hardware supply store. This still leaves you with a mess to clean up, but the bacteria will be contained. You should also look into getting an exterminator to spray your home regularly. Whether you have a current infestation or want to take a preventative step, these regular sprays will keep all unwanted creatures out of your home.
Final Thoughts: Is Stepping on a Cockroach a Good Idea?
While you might think you can easily kill a cockroach by stepping on it, the end result is not always going to be the best fix. Try your best to avoid this method, only using it as a last resort. You want to fix the problem, not just find a temporary solution. Since cockroaches are incredibly resilient, you need to consider more long-term methods to use if you want to ensure that you have killed them all.
As long as you keep your living space clean and make sure they are not able to easily access your home, you should not have much trouble. There will always be a few that manage to make it inside, but using a repellant or chemical that is toxic to cockroaches will prevent an infestation.