How to Kill Cockroaches

3. Apply Insecticides

• Use a cockroach-specific residual insecticide sprays around baseboards, windowsills, and entry points.
• Spray directly to kill cockroaches on contact.
• Follow safety precautions when handling insecticides, such as wearing gloves and a mask.

4. Use Boric Acid or Diatomaceous Earth

• An additional layer of protection is to apply a light dusting of boric acid or diatomaceous earth in cracks, crevices, and behind large appliances.
• It won't kill roaches on contact but it's effective method so long as you vacuum up and reapply once a week to remove dead roaches.
• These natural method is a safer option for houses with young children or pets.

5. Seal Entry Points

• Use caulk or sealant to close any gaps in windows, leaky pipes, any common way roaches are getting in.
• Inspect the foundation and walls for damage or sources of moisture to ensure they don't have a new favorite access point. Use mesh, caulk, or appropriate exclusion method to block bugs out.
• Regularly check and reseal when necessary. Keep an eye on pipes.

6. Clean and Sanitize the Area

• Wipe down all indoor surfaces and under kitchen equipment with hot soapy water.
• Check carefully for for cockroach eggs (even on vertical surfaces), wipe away and crush, or tie up in plastic garbage bags.
• Vacuum areas where you’ve seen cockroach activity, especially behind furniture and appliances.

7. Long Term Habits

• Keep floors free of organic matter and food spills, and avoid leaving dirty dishes around. Cockroaches can go months without food so this takes commitment.
• Place orange peels around the house or use citrus liquids in essential oil sprays or in your cleaning water to repel these common pests.
• Keep pet food and pantry food in airtight containers. Keep food scraps in the fridge or frequently clean your garbage disposal.

FAQ

How long does it take to get rid of cockroaches?

It depends on the levels of roach activity and how fast you act after your initial inspection. Many insecticides only kill full-grown roaches, and it can take repeated efforts to kill indoor roaches at each life stage.

There are different species of cockroach that lead to different severities of infestations. German cockroaches are the toughest roach species because they reproduce faster and have some level of insecticide resistance. German roaches can take a couple of months to fully exterminate.

Generally, other types of roaches (American cockroach, brown-banded cockroach, oriental cockroach) are generally easier to get rid. Try a few effective cockroach bait formulations (gel bait formulas, aerosol foam bait and granular) at the same time and there should be a significant reduction in 1-2 weeks.

Are cockroach baits harmful to pets?

Yes, some chemical control methods or contact sprays contain toxic concentrated liquids. Roach bombs are an older aggressive roach treatment that risk contact with fumes and should really only be used by cockroach control expert. Ensure baits are placed in areas inaccessible to pets, or use pet-friendly traps. Food-grade diatomaceous earth acts as a minimum risk pesticide that controls cockroach populations by drying out adults and eggs.

Can I prevent cockroaches from returning?

Yes, regular cleaning, sealing potential roach access points, removing stagnant water, and using plastic containers for food storage can prevent future infestations. There are repellent insecticides and ultrasonic devices to deter these pests but success varies. Set out cockroach monitors (either a ready-to-use plastic station, glue strips or sticky traps) to spot a resurgence before it gets out of hand. A female cockroach lays over 100 eggs so a problem can escalate fast. Conduct regular roach inspections and use preventive baits every few months to help keep them away. If in doubt, call a pest control professional to devise a plan for cockroach control later.