Tips to Remove Roaches from Your Car

The presence of a single roach is too many because the sighting of a roach means that there may be others, roaches can become a real nuisance. These disease-carrying insects can multiply quickly which can lead to an infestation. What makes matters worse is the odor that emanates from their feces is sickening. Mice can be found in gardens, near or inside garbage disposal areas, sewers, inside homes, building structures, among garden debris, and even in vehicles. It seems that the places these pests seek out and hide are endless.

But what do you do if you discover that roaches have invaded your car, the question is how did they get there and what can you do to bring control? If you are having a roach issue you are not alone. The good news is there are several proven ways to get rid of roaches out of your car. There are natural methods and the use of insecticides and traps if you’re facing an infestation. Here is what to do.

How do Roaches get Inside a Car?

Have you ever wondered how these little pests found their way into your car, keep reading because you may be surprised.

• Roaches hitch-hike in boxes and bags that are brought into your car.
• Potted plants are another way they enter your car.
• Pieces of furniture or clothing brought from a yard sale.
• Leaving your car window down.
• Leaving your car sunroof open.
• Roaches can travel through your car’s A/C or air condition vent.
• Leaving your car door open, even if the door is cracked and that space is large enough a roach can use that small opening as an entry point.
• Children’s bags/lunch bags.
• Parking near drain openings, garbage storage areas, and sewage drains.

What are Their Favorite Hiding Place

To your surprise, you may see a roach crawling around freely in your car without a care, and your thought may most likely be where did this roach come from? There are many places in a car where a roach can hide or take cover. Here are some of those places.

• Under car mats.
• The interior of your car doors.
• Center consoles.
• Your car’s trunk
• Under the car’s cushion.
• The glove compartment.

Natural Ways to Control Roaches from Getting in My Car

Rodents and insect pests have bascially four things in common so when they show up at your door steps means unknowingly you’re providing them with either all four of these necessities or at least two. What are these four necessities?

• A food source.
• A water source.
• Shelter.
• A place to raise their young.

Here are a few natural ways to control roaches in your car.

• Cleaning your car regularly is the most effective way to manage roaches or keep them out of your car.
• Don’t eat in your car.
• If you must consume foods in your car use a car vacuum and remove food particles and possibly even roaches may be vacuumed up also. Make sure to vacuum crevices, corners, under the car seats, under car mats,
• Don’t leave food wrappers in your car.
• Inspect items before placing them in your car.
• Juice and sweet drink spills should be whipped up with a damp cloth with dish liquid to remove sugar.
• After coming from a trip inspect your luggage to ensure roaches are not hitchhiking.
• Whether bringing home your prize treasured plant from the plant nursery or from a friend or relative inspect pots first before placing them in your car.
• Be careful where you park your car and don’t leave your car with windows and even the sun roof open.

Using Insecticides and Trap for Roach Control

• Bait stations can be placed in problem areas around your car, for example in the trunk,  center console, under the seats, and glove compartment.
• Glue traps are another option to control roaches, place traps near corners or in tight cracks in your car. Once roaches come in contact with these traps they will be stuck. However, when using traps make sure that kids and pets cannot access them.
• Spraying essential oil in your car is a great way to keep roaches away while supplying your car with fresh, sweet odors. Some of these oils include Mint oil, rosemary oil, Oregano oil, Cedar oil, Eucalyptus oil, Catnip oil, Yarrow oil, and Cypress oil.

Other Options

Another option is to call in a pest control company that can do the job for you.

10 Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. Can roaches really live in my car?

Unfortunately, yes! Roaches can and do live in cars—especially if they find food crumbs, drink spills, or dark hiding spots. They’re pros at squeezing into tight spaces like under seats, in vents, or behind dashboards.

2. How did roaches get into my car in the first place?

They probably hitched a ride. You might’ve brought them in with grocery bags, backpacks, or even takeout containers. Sometimes they crawl in from outside, especially if your car is parked near garbage bins, tall grass, or infested buildings.

3. Are roaches in my car dangerous?

While they won’t bite, roaches are still a health hazard. They can carry germs and bacteria, and their droppings and skin can trigger allergies or asthma—especially in small, enclosed spaces like a car.

4. What’s the fastest way to get rid of roaches in my car?

Start by deep cleaning the interior. Remove all trash, vacuum thoroughly (especially under seats), and wipe down surfaces. Then, use roach bait stations or gel baits designed for small spaces. Avoid sprays—they can linger and make your car smell awful.

5. Is it safe to use roach killers inside a car?

Yes, but choose your products carefully. Gel baits and sticky traps are safe and effective without releasing fumes. Avoid heavy pesticide sprays unless you’re doing a professional-grade fogging—and always ventilate the car afterward.

6. Can I use natural remedies to get rid of car roaches?

Absolutely! Diatomaceous earth (food grade) works great—sprinkle a little under floor mats and seats. Essential oils like peppermint, eucalyptus, or tea tree can also help repel roaches. Just don’t rely on them alone for a full infestation.

7. How long does it take to completely get rid of them?

With the right approach, you can start seeing fewer roaches in just a few days. But for complete elimination, it might take 2–3 weeks of consistent cleaning, baiting, and checking for signs.

8. Can I drive my car while treating it for roaches?

Yes! Most car-safe roach treatments don’t interfere with driving. Just avoid placing traps or powders near pedals or moving parts. If you fog the car, you’ll need to leave it sealed for a few hours, then air it out before driving.

9. How can I prevent roaches from coming back into my car?

Keep your car clean—no trash, no food wrappers, and no leftover drinks. Vacuum regularly and empty the trunk of any clutter. Try using natural repellents like peppermint oil to keep them away long-term.

10. Should I call a professional if the problem is really bad?

If the infestation is out of control or you’ve tried everything with no success, yes—call a pest control pro. Some specialize in treating vehicles and can help safely eliminate roaches hiding in hard-to-reach places.

Conclusion

Managing roaches in your car can be a real challenge, but with the right steps and some patience your roach problems will come to an end. Remember roaches are disease-carrying and will contaminate foods, especially with their feces which is sickening. Don’t let roaches take control but stop them in their tracks with these proven methods that can help bring control by stopping roaches in their tracks.