Is It Safe To Spray For Roaches While Pregnant?

With low exposure and occasional use — while unlikely to cause a risk to an unborn child in the later stages – scientists simply don’t have enough information available to them to make a clear indication as to whether or not it can be linked to instances of childhood developmental issues, instances of cancer or other health concerns.  There is no consistent conclusive evidence. Their feeling is that it is better to play it safe.

​Every insecticide is poisonous to some extent, with research suggesting that when given in higher doses of exposure, it can possibly be a contributing factor towards miscarriages, as well as preterm deliveries or even birth defects.

There are certain chemicals in insecticides such as PCB (polychlorinated biphenyls) that are known to have a weak, estrogen-type hormone of mimicking-qualities — known as endocrine disrupters — and scientists feel these may be affecting the reproductive system in unborn children.

Researchers know that all of the chemicals have the potential to harm, including the all-natural brands.  They have to have ingredients that are going to kill an infestation of bugs, so they have to be harmful to an extent.  They strongly urge that all labels be thoroughly read and all directions followed carefully when using the products, especially if you have no option but to use them whilst pregnant. 

There are alternatives to using store-bought insecticide products inside the home if you are pregnant.   

• A less toxic approach would be to use boric acid — the blue form — sold at hardware stores. This will not be harmful to you or the baby.  
• Use baits.  It may take longer to rid yourself of the roach problem but it is a non-toxic approach and will eventually see your home roach free.
• Call a professional and inform them of your pregnancy.  It will be expensive, but they will do all the work, whilst making sure you are safe in the process.
• Make the roaches want to leave.  Remove food sources.  Keep food off tables and counters.  Put leftovers in sealed tight containers and keep the refrigerator and surfaces scrubbed down.  Seal all the cracks and openings in your home that roaches could possibly use as a way in and out. This takes close inspection, because they can squeeze through the smallest of spaces.  Keep trash outside in a tightly sealed garbage can/refuse box.

​Not spraying for roaches is unhealthier for you and the baby than spraying for roaches.  They carry diseases, not through bites or stings but by what is on them.  They’re filthy with excrement and vomit and can cause illness by way of direct contact.  If they scurry over your surfaces, or on top of your dishes or utensils without your knowledge, and you use those things, you’re being exposed to whatever disease is living in their poop.  

They carry any number of nasty, horrible infections along with a multitude of different bacteria, as well as cause allergies to flare and asthma to act up.  In pregnant women they can cause respiratory issues.  So, having an infestation when pregnant could be dangerous for your breathing, and thus your child.  

Those are reasons enough to want to spray these suckers, but here are some more: They will crawl on you at night and expose you to all of the creepy crawly diseases they’ve picked up as they scurry through trash, poop and worse. 

If you follow this and other researchers’ advice and let the professionals handle the infestation for you, there are certain things you need to do in order to keep you and your baby healthy.  There are the precautions you need to take:

• When you call, let the service provider know up front that you are pregnant. This is so when they come to get rid of the infestation they’ll take the necessary steps to be especially careful when applying any chemicals.
• The professional will let you know how long you will need to stay out of your home until the pesticide has completely dissipated.
• Prior to them coming, remove all of your food, dishes, and utensils from your home.
• When the spraying is finished, have someone else come in and wash the areas thoroughly where you will be preparing food.
• When you get back home, open all windows possible in order to air the entire house.
• When you find any dead cockroaches, just sweep them up and toss them out.  Don’t do a thorough cleaning or vacuuming of the house for about a week after the extermination, or you will undo what the professional has done for you. You don’t want to clean away the treatment.

​Surprisingly, insect repellent is safe for you women and your unborn child — if it is used as intended, but you certainly don’t wish to bathe in it, so don’t ‘over-spray’.  It is definitely recommended you do use it, but only buy any one of the top-three that are properly regulated including DEET, Picaridin and IR3535. 

Research shows no adverse effects on baby survival or growth or development at birth or as of the age of one after being exposed to any kind of insect repellent during the second and third trimesters.  Authorities indicate that it should be used minimally and in conjunction with other measures such as covering up with long sleeves, long pants, socks, covered shoes, and an overall cautious approach. 

Insect borne diseases are far worse to deal with than any insect repellent.  Flies, mosquitoes, and other insects carry dangerous, even life threatening diseases and repelling them is far better than being exposed to what they can infect you with.