Japanese resident’s attempt to eradicate a single cockroach leads to unintended explosion

In a bizarre and unfortunate turn of events, a Japanese man inadvertently blew up his own apartment while attempting to exterminate a single cockroach using insecticide. The incident occurred in the city of Kumamoto on the island of Kyushu.

The 54-year-old man, upon spotting the cockroach in his apartment, decided to take matters into his own hands and sprayed a substantial amount of insecticide in an effort to eliminate the critter. However, his attempt went awry, resulting in an explosion that blew out a balcony window and caused minor injuries to the man.

An investigation into the incident revealed burn marks near the victim’s kotatsu, a traditional Japanese heating table. The National Consumer Affairs Center of Japan has received multiple reports linking explosions to the use of insecticides near electrical outlets. Professor Philip Koehler, an entomology expert, highlighted the potential hazards of applying liquid sprays near electrical sources or flammable materials.

This incident is reminiscent of similar cases in the United States, where individuals attempting DIY pest control inadvertently caused fires and explosions. One notable incident involved a woman in Cincinnati, Ohio, who burned her house down while trying to address a bed bug infestation using rubbing alcohol near an open flame.

The story serves as a cautionary tale about the potential dangers associated with using flammable substances, particularly insecticides, in close proximity to electrical outlets or other ignition sources.