Keeping Bugs Where They Belong

Keeping Bugs Where They Belong

3 Ways to Prevent Bringing Home Roaches When Buying a Used Refrigerator

Judy Lute

If there is one place that looks attractive for nesting in the eyes of a cockroach, it is an appliance, especially refrigerators. When you think about it, it is easy to see why that is the case. Refrigerators have a concealing metal shell with all kinds of nooks and crannies to hide in on the inside. Plus, refrigerators generate heat and moisture, which are vital for a roach to survive. If you are picking up a used fridge, there is always a chance there are roaches hanging out inside that you don't see. To prevent bringing roaches into your home, there are a few steps to follow before you take a used refrigerator into your house. 

Thoroughly clean the refrigerator inside and out. 

Cleaning alone will not be enough to get rid of roaches, but it can definitely help you get rid of eggs and even help you determine if there are roaches in the refrigerator you plan to take inside the house. Make sure you:

  • clean around all door seals, being careful to get in between the folds of the rubber
  • clean out the drip tray beneath the refrigerator 
  • clean off dust and debris on the back panel of the refrigerator

Remove the back panel with screwdriver and look for signs of bugs. 

The back panel of a refrigerator is basically a thin sheet of metal that can easily be removed with a screwdriver. Make sure the power cord at the base is out of the way before pulling the panel off. Once you have the back panel off, you will be able to see the motor and inner working components of the refrigerator. Look closely for bugs, which will probably clustered around parts that would normally be warm, such as the motor or power connections. 

Have the appliance treated by a professional pest control agent. 

If you spot roaches in the refrigerator, it is a good idea to have the appliance treated by a professional before you take it inside of your home. If you cannot get someone to the appliance for a few days, it is a good idea to place the fridge in storage or outdoors away from your home and covered with a tarp. Roaches can and will travel to get to food sources, so if you do store the fridge on your property, it is a good idea to invest in some store-bought roach control spray and heavily douse the area around the fridge and the outside of your home.


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Keeping Bugs Where They Belong

Nothing is more frustrating than dealing with pests inside your house. In addition to giving you the creepy-crawlies, it might also make friends and family members think twice before they lounge on your sofa or stay the night. However, you don't have to let bugs ruin your lifestyle. By paying a professional who handles pest control, you can add an invisible barrier inside your home to ward off harmful insects. My blog discusses all different types of pest control methods, so that you understand the options you have available. After treating your home, you can sit back, relax, and enjoy a clean and relaxing space.

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