Can roaches damage computer hardware?

[Guest]

I know this is kind of a dumb question and i do believe that it is very possible that a large quantity of roaches can in fact damage hardware, but can a single roach getting inside of a desktop computer actually cause any real damage to any component? I'm actually asking this question because i have quite an expensive machine as well as a minor roach problem and i'm worried that something might happen to it because of them. I regularly check inside the case and I've never seen a single roach inside of the computer, but i'm just wondering what would happen if a roach or two actually get inside of the case one day.

 

[photonboy]

You do realize that's where the term computer "bug" comes from?

Bugs would get into the large computers and short out the switches (vacuum tubes then).

But, YES, if your computer is running and the roach gets in the wrong spot it will cause a short circuit which can damage components.

Just don't ask me the odds.

 

[Qenetor]

I know nothing about roaches, but it's manure could make cause short circuits, or it could bite some cables. I don't know though, I live in a country with no roaches.

 

[guanyu210379]

If a roach body got stuck on the processor fan, it could damage the fan and so on...
basically...clean your PC will you!

 

[fatalshot808]

I'm not too sure but Qenetor might be right, they're manure might actually short something if the contacts are close enough, very unlikely but still possible. Roaches themselves are not very conductive because of their thick exoskeleton. If anything I would invest in some Roach bait gel from Ebay or Amazon(got mine from amazon) Also research what kind of roach it is there are different baits for different roaches. So a bait made for the roach infestation you might have would be more effective. Also if you're really worried for now you can get "screening material" the same thing used on screen doors and cover all your fan vents with that, maybe apply hot glue(harder to remove) or just tape to secure it. Best of luck!

 

[guanyu210379]

Clean your PC, clean your room!

 

[Guest]

Like I said I clean my pc and my room daily, but i still can't stop a roach from simply getting inside the pc and shorting something while i'm using it. I've purchased some roach gel traps and placed them near the pc, but i obviously can't surround the pc with this bait and it isn't an effective method that prevents them from going inside. Also I've never seen a roach inside of my pc before so there was nothing there for me to actually clean and there is no dust at all. I'm assuming they haven't gotten inside because the fans keep pushing them away from it maybe? i don't know.

 

[photonboy]

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rV7mynFFNCg

Roaches kill computer...

Fans keep away?
Are the fans spinning constantly?

*You can buy fan FILTERS that are thin foam but will prevent the bugs entering. They are meant to stop dust thus need to be cleaned periodically. I'm not sure where you'd buy them.

Make sure they can't get into ANY spot including the power supply.

 

[tgivaughn]

For this first time ever in 30+ years my desktop this AM began a something-in-fan vibrations = roach.

The solution is, turn off everything ASAP and give it a chance to either die & escape.
Place sticky pads (for mice) all around the computer .. some will bait one with peanut butter but water is their main target when not hiding in dark, moist places (under refrigerator).

You do not stuff computer with filters, foam or other bug "bars", which not only can they defeat, these will overheat your electronics. You do not use poison inside, bomb the place. You may consider roach motels but only if you have no pets in house that might "play"/eat sick roaches that then transfer this poison to the pet's kidneys = slow death.

 

[USAFRet]

I had a family of roaches kill an alarm clock once. Ate some insulation and shorted it out.