For many generations, roaches have been a source of stress and frustration to humans. These resilient pests can survive on nearly everything, including animal flesh and cardboard. So, how do you handle these annoying, unsightly insects?
Apart from the fact that cockroaches like to hide in dark, unfrequented places, the fact that they have also developed immunity against chemicals and products makes killing them difficult.
In the battle against these uninvited guests, people often turn to various household products, and one common question that arises is, “Does Lysol kill roaches?”
Let’s explore its effectiveness to help you decide whether to use Lysol to kill roaches in your home.
Does Lysol Kill Roaches?
Lysol can kill roaches since it has some insecticidal properties, but keep in mind that it isn’t the most effective or reliable roach killer.
Lysol is primarily a household disinfectant and surface cleaner intended to eliminate bacteria, viruses, and germs on various surfaces.
Its effectiveness against roaches is attributed to the following factors:
a) Suffocation
Roaches breathe through tiny tubes called spiracles on their bodies’ sides.These spiracles allow air to enter and circulate throughout their respiratory system.
As the spiracles become blocked with Lysol or other substances, the roach won’t be able to take in oxygen, leading to suffocation and death.
b) Toxic Chemicals
Lysol contains chemicals that are harmful to many insects, including roaches. The active ingredients in Lysol, such as ethanol and various disinfectant compounds, can be toxic to cockroaches when ingested or when they come into contact with the spray.
For instance, ethanol in Lysol is toxic to roaches as it can disrupt their nervous system, leading to paralysis and death.
Also, quaternary ammonium compounds, such as benzalkonium chloride or alkyl dimethyl benzyl ammonium chloride in some Lysol products, can disrupt the cell membranes of roaches, leading to cell leakage and eventually death.
Furthermore, phenol products are toxic to cockroaches if they ingest or come into contact with their bodies.
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c) Deterrent Effect
Lysol products’ strong and distinctive odor can overwhelm the roaches’ olfactory receptors, making the environment less appealing to them.
In addition to the strong smell, Lysol residue can be irritating or uncomfortable to cockroaches, thus further discouraging them from staying in the treated area.
Now that we know that Lysol can eliminate roaches, albeit being a temporary solution, let’s examine why it is not the most effective method against cockroaches.
Why Lysol Spray Is Not Effective Against Roaches
i) Limited Residual Effect
You must spray Lysol directly on the roach to have any effect. Due to this, it does not provide a long-lasting residual effect, meaning it won’t continue to kill cockroaches that come into contact with treated surfaces.
ii) Incomplete Eradication
As hinted earlier, roaches are notorious for hiding in cracks, crevices, and other hidden areas, which is problematic when dealing with cockroaches in hard-to-reach spots.
While you can successfully kill the roaches you see on surfaces with Lysol, it won’t necessarily reach the roaches hiding in these inaccessible areas or eliminate the entire infestation.
iii) Roach Resistance
Over time, roaches can develop resistance to chemicals, including those found in household disinfectants like Lysol. This resistance can reduce the effectiveness of Lysol as a roach-killing agent.
iv) Safety Concerns
Using Lysol or similar disinfectants to kill roaches may not be the safest option, especially in areas where you prepare food or if you have children and pets at home. Inhaling or ingesting Lysol can be harmful.
How Long Does It Take For Lysol To Kill Roaches?
Roaches can die or become immobile within a matter of a few minutes upon coming into direct contact with Lysol. However, the exact duration may vary, with some roaches surviving for hours. Keep in mind that Roaches can survive without oxygen for 45 minutes.
The duration it takes Lysol to kill roaches varies depending on the following:
a) Concentration and Type of Lysol
The concentration of Lysol and the specific formulation you use can impact its effectiveness against roaches. Lysol products with higher concentrations of different active will act faster against cockroaches.
Also, the Lysol formulation you choose (sprays, wipes, and liquid disinfectants) can affect how well the product adheres to the roach and how quickly it acts. For instance, a Lysol spray provides more direct contact and quicker results compared to using a Lysol wipe.
b) Direct Contact
If you spray Lysol directly on a roach, you will notice signs of distress or immobility relatively quickly. This is because it will allow Lysol to penetrate the roach’s exoskeleton and respiratory system, causing harm more quickly.
The active ingredients in Lysol can disrupt the roach’s physiological functions upon contact.
c) Roach Size and Health
The overall health and vitality of the roach can impact how quickly it responds to Lysol. Weakened or sickly cockroaches are more susceptible to the effects of the chemical and may succumb to its toxic properties more rapidly than healthier individuals.
It is also easier to kill smaller roaches with Lysol than bigger ones. This is because smaller cockroaches have a smaller body mass and a thinner exoskeleton, making it easier for the active ingredients in Lysol to penetrate.
Smaller roaches will also likely respond to the chemical faster because they have a higher surface area relative to their body mass.
d) Roach Species
Some roach species may be more sensitive to the active ingredients in Lysol than others. Sensitivity can vary based on the specific physiology and biology of the roach species.
Also, some roaches can develop resistance to Lysol if exposed to it repeatedly, thus slowing down the speed at which Lysol affects them.
e) Exposure Duration
The length of time that a roach is exposed to Lysol can also affect how quickly it dies. Longer exposure times allow more active ingredients to be absorbed through the roach’s exoskeleton and respiratory system. This may lead to more significant effects on the roach’s ability to function and survive.
f) Environmental Factors
Temperature, humidity, and environmental conditions can also play a role. The surrounding environment influences the body temperature of roaches because they are ectothermic creatures.
Roaches are more active and metabolically active in warm conditions, potentially speeding up their response to Lysol. Conversely, they become less active and less responsive to chemical exposure in cooler environments.
Roaches need moisture to survive, which is why they gravitate towards environments with higher humidity levels. High humidity can enhance roach activity and survival.
In contrast, low humidity can lower it. Therefore, roaches in drier conditions may be more susceptible to the dehydrating effects of Lysol.
If you apply this chemical to areas with high moisture content, you can increase the chances of roaches coming into direct contact with Lysol. This will increase the possibility of a quicker effect.
Lysol might dissipate quickly in well-ventilated spaces, reducing the concentration that roaches are exposed to and potentially prolonging the time it takes for them to be affected.
Does Lysol Spray Kill Cockroach Eggs?
Lysol spray kills cockroach eggs by weakening or breaking down the oothecae (egg casing), thus exposing the embryos.
The oothecae comprise proteins and other organic materials that are affected by ethanol and quaternary ammonium compounds in Lysol.
Also, the chemicals in Lysol can disrupt cellular processes and functions, affecting the embryo’s viability. Keep in mind that, like in adult roaches, Lysol has to come into direct contact with the eggs to die.
What Kind Of Lysol Kills Roaches?
You will find Lysol products in the form of laundry sanitizers, wipes, bleaches, disinfectant concentrates, power toilet bowl cleaners, multi-purpose cleaners, and antiseptic sprays.
However, not every Lysol has the ability to kill cockroaches, so you probably wonder, which Lysol kills roaches?
Lysol antiseptic sprays can kill roaches.
Final Remarks
While Lysol is not better or more effective in killing roaches compared to insecticides, it can help you address your cockroach problem. However, I recommend choosing a more effective method, especially when dealing with a large roach population. These include glue traps, diatomaceous earth, baking soda, and boric acid.
I’m Mike Hyle, an exterminator with 7+ years of experience handling all sorts of pests, including mice, cockroaches, bed bugs, and termites. I also write for Pest Solutions DIY blog to share my knowledge and help homeowners keep their homes pest-free. Outside work, I enjoy hunting, snowshoeing, and exploring nature. Check out my blog for helpful pest control tips!