Are you looking for an effective and easy method to kill roaches? If so, then you may have heard about lysol, so in this blog, we will discuss, does lysol kill roaches?
Roaches are one of the most exasperating insects as they are capable of fighting against inauspicious conditions, so it is hard to kick them out.
Therefore, I have discussed a productive method in this blog to help you reduce stress and kill roaches efficiently.
Moreover, I have been working on pest control methods for a long time and have reviewed various insecticide sprays and normal germicides in this regard.
So, I will share some compelling details and the effect of one of these germicides on roaches. Now, let’s begin the journey of gaining advanced knowledge.
Does Lysol Kill Roaches?
The short answer to this question is yes, lysol can lead troublesome roaches to the stage of death. Lysol is an antiseptic that destroys and inactivates disease-causing agents, mainly bacteria and viruses; It can kill roaches by making its route through their respiratory pores and disturbing the supply of oxygen to the cells of roaches.
Oxygen is a central life-giving chemical molecule mandatory for every living organism; it takes part in reactions that derive energy from nutrients.
Lysol blocks the walkway of air (containing oxygen molecules) into roaches by covering the holes in the thorax and abdomen, which results in the death of cells. Eventually, roaches die.
Introduction to Lysol
Before heading towards the effect of lysol on roaches, you must know what lysol is; for this purpose, I have stated its short introduction, so let’s have a look!
Lysol is a brand that features various germicides, sanitizers, and antiseptics; these products have a significant role in maintaining our health.
All these products are liquid and contain chemicals and ingredients that can fight against the main culprits of human diseases.
Yes, you guessed right; I am talking about microorganisms, specifically bacteria and viruses, associated with typhoid, cholera, flu, diarrhea, and many more.
The main ingredients or chemicals in its composition are hydrogen peroxide, alcohol, and benzalkonium chloride, which kills the germs on our hands, floor, and surfaces.
Moreover, the application of lysol products is not limited to our houses; they are also used in hospitals and different industries.
Industries use various instruments for handling products; these instruments are contaminated with microorganisms present in the environment, so lysol helps to make them safe for use.
In addition, medical instruments that doctors use also need to be disinfected before interacting with humans, so lysol also fulfills this requirement.
Ingredients Present in Lysol
As mentioned above, lysol can kill roaches, but how is it possible? It is possible because of the ingredients present in its composition.
The mechanism of roaches’ death by lysol involves interruption in the breathing process, so it is understood that chemicals in lysol are capable of reducing or blocking oxygen availability.
I have researched chemicals and their ratio in lysol products listed in the table below. So let’s see and find out the chemical has a prominent role in killing roaches.
| No | Ingredients | Percentage |
| 1 | Potassium hydroxide | 3-4 % |
| 2 | o-Phenylphenol | 0.1 % |
| 3 | p-Chloro-o-benzyl phenyl | 5-6 % |
| 4 | Isopropyl alcohol | 1-2 % |
| 5 | Hydrogen peroxide | 0.88 % |
| 6 | Ethanol | 1-3 % |
| 7 | Dimethyl Benzyl Ammonium saccharinate | 0.10 % |
Importance of Oxygen for Roaches
You have learned that the central role of lysol in killing roaches is to cut off their oxygen supply but have you thought about why the reduction in oxygen causes the death of cockroaches?
If not, it doesn’t matter, as I will explain the importance of oxygen for cockroaches under this heading.
- Oxygen is a chemical molecule involved in multiple reactions inside a roach body; these reactions are essential to maintain life.
- Without oxygen, the reactions resulting in the production of new tissues and cells are impossible, inhibiting growth.
- Moreover, oxygen is like food for cells; without it, they start dying, which stops various life-sustaining reactions and ultimately results in death.
- Oxygen also plays its role in reactions that allow the breakdown of food and derive energy from the nutrients needed to carry out internal processes.
- In addition, oxygen molecules also help to carry out reactions taking part in the production of ootheca inside a female body.
Mechanism of Action of Lysol
Now, let’s discuss a detailed mechanism through which lysol products cause the death of cockroaches.
As I have stated, the constituents of lysol above, which proves the presence of alcohol. Alcohol can be used on wounds, injuries, and lesions on the skin.
The skin wounds undergo microbial growth, and the risk of infection increases, but alcohol in lysol stops their growth and activity, preventing infections.
This alcohol also has a significant role in the death of cockroaches. So let me explain by stating an experiment performed by me.
I bought two types of insecticides and germicides, one having alcohol in its composition and the other which was deficient in alcohol.
Then I applied these liquid sprays on some insects, including termites, roaches, and wasps; you will be surprised to know that insects readily absorbed insecticide containing alcohol.
On the other hand, the rate of absorption of no alcoholic insecticide was minimal as compared to the former one.
This experiment proved that alcohol increases the absorption of lysol in the roach body, which helps it to perform its action.
Apart from this, another chemical in lysol performs the main action: Benzalkonium chloride; it covers the roach spiracles, aiding breathing and blocking the air.
The air contains oxygen molecules, so its blockage results in the blockage of oxygen, which finally results in the death of a particular roach.
Is It Cruel to Kill Cockroaches with Lysol?
Most people think that roaches feel pain in death, so it is cruel to kill them, but the fact is that roaches don’t feel pain when you apply any insecticide or disinfectant to them.
If you use other methods like crushing, poisons, or burning, they don’t feel like humans as they lack pain receptors.
Now, you must consider roaches’ response when spraying with lysol or another insecticide. So, let me explain why they do so.
Roaches don’t feel pain, but this doesn’t mean they are unaware, as they can detect danger by working receptors and neurons, which send the message to the brain.
As a result of this message, the brain resends the signals to the roach muscles to escape danger. Therefore, roaches start a rapid movement when exposed to lysol.
Which is Better At Killing Roaches? Lysol Vs. Insecticides
You may need clarification about using lysol or insecticides, but don’t worry; I will help you decide on one of them with the help of the benefits and drawbacks of both products.
- Benefits of Using Lysol
Let’s first discuss why lysol is good to use for killing roaches.
- It does not contain any dangerous or toxicant chemicals, so it is safe for use.
- Lysol is capable of killing roaches’ cells by blocking oxygen.
- It is also proven effective in killing roach eggs.
- Lysol has antibacterial and antiviral chemicals that help deactivate pathogens, reducing the risk of infection from the material excreted by the dead body of the roach.
- It can be sprayed on any surface.
- Drawbacks of Using Lysol
Now let’s see the drawbacks or limitations of using lysol on roaches.
- Roaches are known to resist a reduction in oxygen supply for about 30 to 45 minutes.
- The death of roaches by lysol is a slow process.
- Roaches can detect danger and escape the situation as they can run fast.
- For killing roaches with lysol, it is essential to spray it properly, which is only possible if a particular roach is trapped.
- Lysol contains chemicals that produce a strong smell, which isn’t enjoyable.
- Benefits of Using Insecticides
I have listed some advantages that justify insecticides’ use for killing cockroaches, so let’s look!
- Insecticides are made explicitly for killing pests, including cockroaches.
- They attack the roach brain, which steals its ability to detect the smell of food.
- Insecticidal sprays cause muscle paralysis in roaches, so they can’t move to find food and moisture.
- Nerve damage caused by insecticides results in a loss of signals between the brain and stomach, which diminishes roaches’ ability to break food and utilize nutrients.
- In addition, they also affect the vital organs of roaches, such as the gut.
- Drawbacks of Using Insecticides
Apart from advantages, there are also some drawbacks, due to which I mostly prefer using baits for roach-killing purposes. So, let’s see what these are.
- Some insecticides contain toxic substances that pose serious health issues.
- Miss-handling of insecticide spray can result in skin infections and irritation.
- Moreover, some insecticidal sprays contain a strong smell ringing the emergency alarm for roaches so that they can escape the situation.
- The toxicants in pesticides form vapors and are added to the environment, which can cause breathing difficulties when inhaled.
- Because of harsh chemicals, some sprays can damage furniture and clothes, so their use is limited.
Now it’s time to derive conclusions from both products’ benefits and drawbacks.
In terms of effectiveness, I will prefer insecticide sprays made explicitly for killing roaches, but if you don’t have one in your house, you can use lysol as its alternative.
Does Lysol Kill Cockroach Eggs?
Eggs of cockroaches are one of the main factors contributing to their infestation as a single egg mass of a roach can cause a massive increase in their population by adding 14 to 50 newborns.
So, you must know about the effectiveness of lysol against cockroaches. You can find the answer if you have read the above details keenly.
You will be pleased to know that lysol is effective against cockroaches’ eggs. A female roach lays an egg case called ootheca, which contains several eggs.
The ootheca is appropriately closed to protect the eggs inside, but as discussed above, lysol contains a good amount of alcohol, increasing its absorption ability.
So, lysol is easily absorbed in ootheca and can kill eggs by removing their fluid content. Moreover, I also experimented to prove it, which is mentioned above.
How Long Does It Take for Lysol to Kill Roaches?
The duration of death relates to the product’s effectiveness, so it is essential to know the period taken by lysol to kill cockroaches.
As you know, lysol kills roaches by causing a shortage of oxygen, but unfortunately, roaches have a backup plan to resist this scarcity.
Now, I will discuss the characteristics of cockroaches that I found most riveting, which is also one of the reasons for my love for roaches.
I am talking about roaches’ flexibility, which enables them to survive cold conditions. Roaches can close the openings on their body surface called spiracles, aiding breathing.
They can retain carbon dioxide for about 45 minutes when oxygen is unavailable and the route is closed. So when sprayed with lysol, they can remain alive for about 45 minutes.
What to Do Next After Killing Roaches with Lysol?
If you have seen a roach wandering in your house, it means you are at higher risk of developing an infestation. It would help if you carried out some procedures to protect yourself from roaches.
I have listed some steps to keep roaches away from entering your house. Moreover, I have personally used these practical steps.
- Keep a check on sanitation, as roaches are attracted to dirty places. I suggest using a vacuum cleaner for this purpose, as it removes the tiniest food particle.
- Roaches attract moisture, so if you have leakage problems in your bathroom pipes, fix them as early as possible.
- Roaches are flexible and can compress their bodies to make their way through tiny cracks and holes, so fix these as well.
- Garbage boxes are one of the most appealing commodities, so don’t let them overfill and clean them with disinfectant-containing roach-repellent odors.
- Clean your kitchen before going to bed, don’t leave utensils and dishes unwashed, as roaches can smell them.
Which Lysol Product is Effective Against Cockroaches?
As I have mentioned above, lysol is a brand that features various products, including cloth stripes used to clean kitchen shelves and floors.
Moreover, some detergents and sanitizers under the label of lysol are used for denaturing pathogens, but can you use all of these for cockroaches?
The straightforward answer to this question is no; the only effective product is lysol disinfectant spray that comes in liquid form.
Moreover, you can also use other products for dealing with roaches if they contain 70 % alcohol which makes it readily absorbed, and benzalkonium chloride, which can block breathing pores.
Closing Lines:
The urge to get rid of stubborn roaches raises questions about the effectiveness of various chemicals, one of these questions is: Does lysol kill roaches?
Lysol cannot handle the large population of roaches, so if you are dealing with a roach infestation, I will advise you to use other methods, like roach baits, traps, and insecticides.
But, if you don’t have a bait, insecticide, or roach trap, then you can use lysol antipathogenic spray, as nothing is better than something.
I hope you have found this blog helpful in killing roaches and learning something productive.
FAQs:
Can Dettol Disinfectant Spray Kill Cockroaches?
Dettol is efficient for killing roaches, but it cannot be absorbed in an ootheca, so it is ineffective against roach eggs. Besides, it cannot keep roaches away as they don’t bother its odor.
Are Roaches Scared of Lysol?
Lysol contains isopropyl alcohol, which is responsible for its sharp smell; when roaches are exposed to it, their nerve impulses generate a fear response, and they try to stay away.
What Cleaner Do Roaches Hate?
Roaches hate some odors, one of which is of fruits belonging to the citrus group, so you can use cleaners with artificial chemicals to produce the smell of citrus fruits like oranges.
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