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Bugs In a Keurig: Why And How To Get Rid Of Them

I can imagine the shock on your face after realizing that there are bugs in your Keurig. Like many, you are restless, wondering why they are there and what to do to remove them. Sit down, take a sip of water, and relax. It is never that serious.

Bugs are in the Keurig because they find it warm, moist, dark, and with nutrients, which is a perfect environment for them. You can remove the bugs by disassembling the brewer and deep cleaning the parts. Using bait and dust traps or cold temperatures also works well.

But, there is more.

How Does a Keurig Work?

A Keurig is a single-serve coffee brewer that uses k-cups when brewing. Here are the steps you follow when brewing your coffee:

  • You place water in the water reservoir.
  • You press the button to pump it into the heating slot.
  • The hot water passes through the pipe into the k-cup chamber
  • In the K-cup section, a needle makes holes in k-cup’s top and bottom. The top opening becomes the water inlet, while the bottom is the brewed coffee outlet.
  • Water follows into the k-cups under force.

Why Are There Bugs in my Keurig?

Bugs get inside your Keurig because they find the place warm, moist, and dark, conducive to them. Also, they are looking for nutrients that they find in the coffee grounds and other residues.

A Keurig has a supply of water to enable the brewing process. Besides, the water is heated, which keeps the machine warm and moist. In addition, the brewer has many dark areas like in the joints and inside chambers where the bugs easily hide.

How do You Get Rid of Bugs From Your Keurig?

Watch this video to know how you can get rid of roaches or bugs from a Keurig.

Alternatively, follow these steps to remove bugs from your Keurig coffee machine:

Disassemble Your Brewer and Thoroughly Clean It

You can open out the movable parts from your Keurig. That way, you can easily access the hidden sections and thoroughly clean them with hot water and soap.

If you don’t know how to disassemble your coffee machine, leave the job to professionals.

That way, you will avoid breakages and reassembling the pieces incorrectly. However, you can also use Keurig’s instructional manual and follow the directions.

Use Cold Temperatures to Remove Bugs From Your Keurig

Bugs cannot withstand cold conditions. You can place your brewer in a cold room to drive them away. They will flee from your machine to look for a warmer environment.

Though, don’t leave your coffee maker in the cold for long. Here are the steps to follow:

  • Unplug your Keurig brewer from the power supply.
  • Remove all the water from the water reservoir, and air dry it
  • Put your brewer in a plastic bag that is large enough to allow the bugs to escape within.
  • Put the coffee maker in a cold area or a freezer if you can access one for a short while.
  • Allow your brewer to cool for around 4-5 days.
  • Discard the bugs in the bag and thoroughly clean your Keurig before brewing again.

Use Dust Traps To Kill Bugs in Your Keurig

With this, you use pest control around the brewer and not inside. It only works when the bugs come out of the coffee maker, get in contact with the dust, get poisoned, and die.

Use Bait Traps

Bait traps function just like dust traps. They are safe to use with your coffee maker and other electrical appliances.

You just put the traps outside the coffee maker and leave them there for the bugs to get trapped.

Engage Pest Control Professionals

If none of the above seem to work for you, talking to a pest control expert might be the solution you need. They know the best methods to remove pests from your machine without causing harm.

The expert will also ensure that your entire home is free from pest infestations.

How to Clean Your Keurig to Get Rid of Bugs

  • Switch off the power supply, take out the k-cup from your brewer and discard the water in the water reservoir.
  • Measure equal amounts of descaling solution and water and pour them into the reservoir.
  • Allow your coffee maker to brew the solution into a large mug
  • Carry on with the process until when the add water notification appears on your brewer.
  • Leave your Keurig at a stand for 30 minutes. Don’t switch it off.
  • After 30 minutes, clean the Keurig’s water reservoir with hot water and soap and rinse.
  • Pour fresh water into the reservoir and brew.
  • Repeat the process several times to remove traces of the descaling solution

Note: you can clean your Keurig for some days to completely eliminate all the bugs inside.

How Do You Prevent Bugs From Getting to Your Keurig Brewer?

  • Make sure you clean your Keurig every time after use. Discard the used plastic pods, wipe away any spillages, and empty your water trays. Just avoid anything that can attract them.
  • You can also use catnip tea to scare them away. Pests like cockroaches don’t like catnip tea. Therefore, if they find it on the drip tray, they won’t move closer.
  • You can put a bail trap around the brewer with sugar and baking soda. That way, you will get to trap and kill them before they enter your coffee machine.
  • Make use of the smells of various plants like rosemary, oregano, bay leaves, and cypress, to mention but a few. They can put off pests like cockroaches.

Is it Okay to Spray Pesticides on Your Keurig Coffee Maker?

I advise you never to spray raid or any other poison on your brewer. You can use the sprays in other areas of your house but not your coffee maker. Here is why:

  • You can brew the pesticide poison with your coffee and ingest it leading to health risks.
  • It is not a long-term solution. That’s because you won’t manage to kill all the pests hidden inside the brewer.
  • You will waste money and time but fail to remove the bugs from the brewer.
  • The sprays can cause damage to your coffee machine or even result in a fire hazard.

Final Thoughts

Finding bugs in a Keurig is a common thing. Therefore, you don’t have to dispose of your brewer. Instead, follow the tips I have given above to get rid of them and clean your coffee machine. You will relish your tasty cup free from bugs in no time.