Do Robot Vacuums Pick Up Bugs?

Robotic vacuums are great smart cleaning devices to have at home. These robo vacs can be turned on for a long time and continue to suck up fine particles, dirt, and crumbs on the surface with little to no human intervention.

However, bugs are another discussion. These insects can still lurk around no matter how clean a house may be and can be more of a challenge for robotic vacuums to suck up. While there is a vacuum cleaner called BugVacuum designed to specifically suck insects and bugs found in strawberry fields without using pesticide spray, a robotic vacuum cleaner designed for the house will have its limitations as a vacuum-bug solution.

Though the suction power of a robotic vacuum cleaner may not be as strong as a regular vacuum, it can still suck up bugs on the shallow surface level. However, it will reach its limit if said bug has deeply clung itself in-between carpet fibers. When chasing after pesky cockroaches, a robotic vacuum cleaner may courageously run after them provided they are within the room of coverage of the vacuum. With that in mind, cockroaches and similar bugs may still be able to outsmart and outrun a robotic vacuum.

A robotic vacuum may not be able to completely pick up all the bugs, especially those scary and quick roaches, but it does help in preventing future infestations from bugs as it can vacuum out their eggs.

What is a Robot Vacuum?

A robotic vacuum cleaner or robo vac is a semi-automated smart cleaning device. In contrast to a regular vacuum cleaner, a robo vac can continue to clean with little human intervention due to its self-navigation system.

Although a robotic vacuum may not have the same suction power as a regular vacuum cleaner, it is still powerful enough to suck up any dirt on the floor, rug, and clean carpets on a surface level. On the other hand, a robotic vacuum cleaner may come equipped with various brushes, technology, and features that are more advanced than that of a regular vacuum cleaner.

Does a Robotic Vacuum Cleaner Help with Dust Mites?

While a robotic vacuum can clean carpets and suck up fur from pets, it has its limitation in sucking up dust mites. A robotic vacuum can only suck up small parts and mess on a surface level and since dust mites live deep within a carpet, to kill and get rid of them will need a thorough and deep inspection from a vacuum with a stronger suction power such as the Dyson Animal that is specifically designed to vacuum mites from pets.

There are vacuum cleaner models that claim that the vibration of the robotic vacuum help in loosening the mites’ grip on carpets, making it easier to suck up, but it is still best to thoroughly wash and dry the fibers of a carpet or use a formulated spray to kill mites off.

What Happens to Insects in a Robotic Vacuum?

Once a robotic vacuum has successfully picked up the bugs and roaches, the bag will help in containing them. While some bugs stay inside the bag, others manage to escape and climb their way out of the vacuum again. To ensure that these bugs and roaches have no means of escape, it is best to empty the bag right away and securely transfer them into a trash bag for collecting.

When emptying the bag, one may notice that some bugs are already dead. As the robotic vacuum continues to clean even after sucking the bugs up, the dirt continues to accumulate and can suffocate the insects inside.

Can Bugs Survive Being Vacuumed?

If you are the type of person who is lazy to clean out and replace a bag after the robotic vacuum has been used, then the chances of insects that have been vacuumed surviving are high. Roaches especially can survive long if there are just a bit of food crumbs inside the vacuum.

To seal the deal when it comes to vacuuming insects, it is best to invest in a robotic vacuum with a HEPA Filter or UV light feature. Such features can help in sanitizing the area where the insects may have laid eggs and contaminated with disease-carrying bacteria. It also helps in purifying the area to help you or kids who suffer from asthma or allergies as these can be triggered by small bug particles. One robotic vacuum equipped with these features is the iRobot Roomba i3, which you may shell out a bit more money on but is worth it.

Final Note

For a long-term solution to getting rid of bugs, one can opt to use a bug spray but if you prefer a more passive approach with the least effort on your part, then robotic vacuums may do just the trick to a certain extent as it can pick up insects along the way. If you do have a rather serious insect infestation, then it is best for you to call a professional exterminator as this may be a safer option for you and if you have kids or pets at home.

Ultimately, a robotic vacuum should be seen and used as a smart device designed to help clean a house on the surface level and it is great at it. Take a look at some of the best robotic vacuums today and see for yourself!