You open your microwave to reheat leftovers, and there it is: a roach scuttling inside. That moment hits you like a gut punch and you ask “how do you get roaches out of a microwave?”
I’ve been there (well, close enough), and trust me: you can fix it. But you’ve got to go about it smartly. Microwaves are electrical devices, and you can’t just douse them with chemicals recklessly.
Let me walk you through safe, practical steps to evict roaches from your microwave and block them from coming back.
Why Roaches Hide in Microwaves (and Why Heating It Won’t Always Work)
- Warmth + darkness + hidden spots: Roaches love warm, enclosed areas. The inside and internal components of a microwave often provide this kind of sanctuary.
- Grease, food crumbs, moisture: Leftover food residue or spilled liquids in or around the microwave draw them in.
- “Dead zones” in microwaves: Microwaves heat by agitating water molecules, but certain parts of the appliance don’t get hot (corners, insulation, vent passages). Roaches can slip into those cooler recesses and survive.
- Resilience of cockroaches: These insects are known to withstand harsh conditions. Even if part of the microwave gets hot, many roaches will flee to safer nooks instead of dying.
So, microwaving with the goal of “cooking them out” often fails and may damage your appliance or leave contamination behind.
Step-by-Step: How Do You Get Roaches Out of a Microwave Safely
Here’s a method I’d use if this were my kitchen:
1. Unplug the microwave
Before doing anything else, disconnect it from power. You don’t want accidental electrical hazards or damage while treating it.
2. Remove all removable parts & clean them thoroughly
Take out the glass turntable, roller ring, and any trays. Wash them with hot, soapy water. You may even toss those parts into the dishwasher (if safe) to sterilize.
Then wipe down the interior walls, ceiling, door, corners, and seams using a mild detergent or a vinegar + water solution. Focus on any sticky or greasy spots.
3. Vacuum or brush out vents and crevices
Use a vacuum with a crevice tool or a small brush to pull out any debris or roaches hiding in the ventilation holes or junctions. Be gentle around wiring. This helps expose hidden insects.
4. **Use roach bait **outside or near the microwave, not inside
To avoid damaging the electronics or risking contamination, place gel baits near (but not inside) the microwave, behind it, along the sides, or under it. The roaches will hopefully consume the bait while leaving their hiding spots.
5. Sprinkle food-grade diatomaceous earth (DE) around the base
DE is non-toxic to humans and pets (in small amounts), but it kills roaches by dehydrating them. Sprinkle a thin layer around the edges and underside of the microwave. Do not put it inside the electronics.
6. Use natural repellents around the area
Essential oils like peppermint, tea tree, or eucalyptus diluted in water can act as deterrents. Spray around the microwave (again, avoid spraying directly into its internals). This helps discourage roaches from re-entering.
7. Monitor and repeat as needed
After your treatments, keep an eye on the area. Check for new droppings, egg casings, or roach sightings. Maintain traps and bait until you’re confident the infestation is gone.
8. Consider replacing the microwave or seeking professional help
If roaches have invaded internal components, insulation, or the electronics (hard to reach spots), you may be better off replacing the microwave or calling a pest-control professional. This ensures safety and avoids damaging the unit.
Bonus: How to Prevent Roaches from Coming Back
- Keep it spotless: Wipe the microwave every time you use it. No crumbs, no spills left behind.
- Seal cracks and gaps: Inspect around your kitchen — check for gaps around walls, outlets, baseboards, etc., and seal them.
- Don’t leave food exposed: Store leftovers, pet food, and dry goods in airtight containers.
- Control moisture: Fix leaky faucets, avoid standing water on counters, keep the kitchen as dry as possible.
- Use traps elsewhere: Place sticky traps or bait stations in other parts of your kitchen to reduce overall roach population.
FAQs on How Do You Get Roaches Out of a Microwave
Can roaches actually survive being microwaved?
Yes, and often they do. Since parts of the microwave don’t heat evenly, roaches can flee to cooler sections and survive the cycle.
Is it safe to spray insecticide inside a microwave?
Generally, no. Spraying chemicals directly into a microwave risks damaging sensitive electrical parts and leaving dangerous residues. Using gel bait outside the unit is safer.
Will replacing the microwave solve the problem permanently?
It may eliminate the nest inside that particular unit, but unless you treat the surrounding infestation, roaches will just move into the new one. Always combine appliance replacement with broader pest control.
How do the roaches get in?
They slip in through the ventilation slots, gaps in seals, wiring openings, or vents behind and underneath the unit. They exploit even tiny cracks.
How long will it take to get rid of them?
It varies. For small infestations, you might see results in days. For heavy ones, weeks or months may be necessary. The key is persistence and tackling the entire kitchen, not just the microwave.
Last Words…
Finding roaches in your microwave is creepy and frustrating, but it’s not unsolvable. With unplugging, deep cleaning, smart placement of baits/traps (outside the microwave), and consistency, you can evict them without wrecking your appliance.
If things are severely embedded, replacing the unit or hiring a pro can be your best move.