With the arrival of heat, rain, and humidity, one of the most feared problems in any home is the appearance of cockroaches. The instinctive reaction when seeing one scurrying around the kitchen is usually the same: grab the nearest insecticide spray and spray mercilessly. However, according to pest control experts, this quick fix could be the worst mistake you make, especially if you’re dealing with small cockroaches.
A well-known expert, nicknamed “El Bicho Raro” on social media, has issued a clear warning that dismantles this traditional method. His advice is blunt: using spray for small cockroaches is not only ineffective, but can dramatically worsen the infestation.
The Big Mistake: The Difference Between Big and Small Cockroaches
Not all cockroaches are the same, nor do they require the same treatment. The expert clarifies that while the spray may be an acceptable solution for an isolated case, the situation is completely different for smaller cockroaches.
“The spray can be useful if a large cockroach appears and you want to eliminate it immediately, but with small ones, the only thing you can do is force them to leave, ” he explains. Small cockroaches, usually the German or kitchen species, are an indication that there’s a nest nearby and behave very differently when attacked.
The dangerous “eviction effect”: how a remedy exacerbates the problem
This is where the core of the warning lies. When you spray a group of small cockroaches, not all of them die instantly. The irritating effect of the chemical triggers a panic reaction and massive flight.
This phenomenon, known as the “eviction effect” , has a disastrous consequence:
- The surviving cockroaches escape in all directions.
- They seek refuge in new cracks, appliances, and corners of your home.
- The pest, once localized to one spot, spreads to multiple areas , creating new nests and making the infestation much more difficult and expensive to control.
“If you don’t want your house full of cockroaches, don’t use spray, for God’s sake,” the specialist warns emphatically. What seemed like an immediate solution becomes the catalyst for large-scale colonization.
The smart and effective alternative: insecticidal gel
So, if we shouldn’t use spray for small cockroaches, what’s the right way to get rid of them? The professionals’ unanimous recommendation is to use specific insecticidal gels .
This method works strategically and stealthily, attacking the problem at its root:
Attraction: The gel acts as a food bait that cockroaches find irresistible.
Delayed effect: The poison does not kill them instantly, giving them time to return to their nest.
Domino effect: Within the colony, they share the bait and contaminate other cockroaches through their feces and carcasses, even eliminating those that never left their hiding place.
To be effective, apply small drops (the size of a lentil) to key points:
- Kitchen cabinet hinges.
- Behind or on the rubber seals of refrigerators and microwaves.
- Under countertops and the sink.
- In cracks, crevices and door frames.
When is it time to call a professional?
If the infestation is large, you see cockroaches during the day, or the problem persists after using gels, it’s time to seek professional help. A pest control company has more powerful tools and products, as well as the experience to identify and seal entry points, eradicating the infestation permanently.
Conclusion: Act strategically, not instinctively.
The next time you’re faced with a small cockroach infestation in your kitchen, remember the expert’s warning. Resist the urge to reach for the spray and opt for a strategic solution like gel. Acting smart is not only more effective, but it will prevent a small problem from turning into a nightmare that invades your entire home.
Have you heard about the “eviction effect”? Have you ever had to deal with a cockroach infestation at home? Share your experiences or tips in the comments!
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