Cockroaches are unwelcome visitors in any home or business. These pesky insects can carry diseases and trigger allergies, making them a health hazard. Getting rid of cockroaches can be a challenge, but with the right tools, you can learn how to get rid of roaches fast.
Here are 12 effective ways to get rid of cockroaches and keep them away.
Spread Outdoor Granular Baits Around the Perimeter
Granular baits are a great option for outdoor spaces where cockroaches may be lurking.
These baits contain poison that the roaches eat and then take back to their nests, killing off the entire colony.
Granular baits should be spread around the perimeter of the building, paying particular attention to areas where the roaches may be entering, such as cracks and crevices in the foundation.
A great choice for Granular baits is Maxforce Complete. It is formulated to target roaches and other pest such as ants.
Use Bait Stations to Attract and Kill Roaches
Bait stations are a convenient and safe way to eliminate roaches in your home or business. These stations contain poison that is specifically designed to attract and kill roaches while being inaccessible to humans and pets.
Bait stations should be placed in areas where roaches are commonly seen or are likely to hide, such as behind appliances or in cabinets.
When using bait stations for outdoor roaches like palmetto bugs, larger bait stations are recommended, while smaller bait stations are suitable for indoor roaches like German roaches.
However, be aware that repeated exposure to the same bait may lead to “bait aversion” in German cockroach populations.
Using two different types of baits can help to reduce the effects of “bait aversion”. It’s important to follow label instructions and to keep bait stations out of reach of children and pets.
Use Gel Bait Syringes Inside to Kill the Colony
Gel bait syringes provide a highly effective solution for eliminating roaches. The gel is applied in small droplets in areas where roaches commonly travel, such as along baseboards and in cracks and crevices.
Once ingested, the roaches carry the bait back to their nests, leading to the demise of the entire colony.
To get the best results, apply the gel bait in targeted areas, such as in cracks, cabinet corners, under countertops, near windows, doors, and under appliances where roaches may be hiding.
Choose a gel bait that targets all types of cockroaches, including the German, American, Australian, Brown, Smoky Brown, Oriental, brown-banded, and Asian cockroaches.
Pick a brand like Advion which has a non-repellent formulation and controls all prevailing cockroach species.
It’s important to avoid spraying liquid insecticides where gel baits have been applied because this can repel cockroaches from the bait.
Keep in mind that gel baits are generally safe to use around children and pets if applied according to the label instructions. It’s crucial to keep the bait out of reach of children and pets and to avoid applying it in areas where they may come into contact with it.
Additionally, gel baits may take a few weeks to be effective, so be patient and continue to apply the bait as needed.
Break the Cycle with Insect Growth Regulators
Insect growth regulators, or IGRs, are chemicals that can be used to prevent roaches from maturing into adults, thus disrupting their life cycle and effectively controlling infestations over time.
IGRs are available in both liquid and granular forms and can be used both indoors and outdoors.
It may take 4-6 weeks for IGRs to be effective, and they may cause roaches to come out of hiding during the day.
For the best results, use Insect Growth Regulators with a baiting program.
When combined, the bait will attract the Roaches and the IGR will prevent the adults from being able to reproduce disrupting the life cycle.
A great combination is to use Gentrol IGR and the Advion Gel Bait Syringes.
Quote: Evidence of IGR exposure includes twisted wings on adult cockroaches and altered behavior. Seeing more cockroaches during the day after using IGRs is an indication that the treatment is working. Baits can be used in conjunction with IGRs for larger infestations.
Source: https://edis.ifas.ufl.edu/publication/IG082
Spray Liquid Insecticides to Kill Them
Liquid insecticide sprays are a powerful tool in the fight against roaches. These sprays are available in different formulations such as ready-to-use sprays, concentrates, and aerosols.
They contain insecticides that kill the roaches on contact and leave residual poison that continues to work for weeks after the spray is applied.
When using liquid insecticide sprays, it’s important to use them sparingly and only in areas where roaches are present.
Sprays should be directed in cracks, around windows and doors, under sinks, around pipes, along baseboards, and behind appliances.
It’s also important to note that using liquid insecticide sprays together with baits may cause the baits to be ineffective, since roaches will avoid areas with insecticide spray.
Before using liquid insecticide sprays, it may be necessary to clean greasy areas to ensure that the spray adheres to the surface. Once applied, the sprays need time to dry before touching surfaces or allowing pets near treated areas.
By far my favorite spray is Bengal Gold Roach Spray. It works well as an Insecticide and also contains Insect Growth Regulator’s to provide a longer lasting effect.
It’s also important to note that liquid insecticide sprays should be used with caution, as they can be harmful to pets and humans if ingested or inhaled. Always follow the instructions on the label carefully and use protective gear when handling and applying the spray.
Sprinkle Boric Acid Dust
Boric acid dust is a great natural alternative for those who prefer a non-toxic approach to getting rid of roaches. The dust is easy to apply in thin layers in areas where roaches are likely to travel, such as along baseboards and in cracks and crevices.
Boric acid dust is a digestive toxin to insects and is ingested when they clean themselves or when they eat bait made with it. It affects their metabolism, killing them off.
Apply a thin film of dust in hiding areas, such as under sinks, in cracks, and under appliances such as stoves, dishwashers, and refrigerators
When roaches come into contact with the dust, it gets stuck to their bodies, and they will ingest it when cleaning themselves.
Look for a good brand such as Harris Boric Acid dust uses a food grade lure to attract roaches to the bait to increase effectiveness.
Another method is to mix boric acid with scrambled eggs and sugar in to a paste consistency, then use as a bait by placing small amounts in areas where roaches are commonly found..
Additionally, it is a non-toxic in small amounts and is considered safe for use around pets and children when used as directed. However, as with any insecticide, it is important to follow the label instructions carefully and take necessary precautions.
Spread Deltamethrin Dust (Delta Dust) to Get Rid of Roaches
Deltamethrin dust is a highly effective synthetic insecticide that specifically targets roaches. It is applied in thin layers in areas where roaches are likely to travel, such as along baseboards and in cracks and crevices.
The dust works by disrupting the roaches’ nervous system, eventually leading to their death. Deltamethrin is less toxic to mammals due to their higher body temperature, larger body size, and decreased sensitivity to the chemical.
This insecticide is approved for use in commercial food-handling establishments and can also be applied directly into drains that lead to sewers. Delta Dust is 100% waterproof insecticide dust that provides general pest control and can kill crawling insects for up to eight months when left undisturbed.
It can be used both indoors and outdoors and is odorless, making it a convenient option for pest control without causing any unpleasant smells.
Use Diatomaceous Earth Dust to Kill Roaches
Diatomaceous earth dust is a natural, non-toxic way to get rid of roaches.
The dust is made from crushed fossilized shells of diatoms and is applied in thin layers in areas where roaches are likely to travel, such as along baseboards and in cracks and crevices.
Diatomaceous earth has microscopic, sharp edges that are generally harmless to humans and other animals, but deadly to insects.
The dust works by cutting into insects exoskeletons, then absorbing the roaches’ protective oils, dehydrating them, and killing them off.
When using diatomaceous earth (DE), be sure to place in dry areas to ensure it stays effective against roaches.
DE is not a pesticide which make it less likely roaches will become sensitized to it’s use.
You can use a food grade DE or a brand labelled for pest control. Both are effective at controlling roaches.
As with any product including diatomaceous earth use caution when placing in areas where pets and children may frequent.
Bomb with Aerosol Foggers to Eliminate Roaches
Foggers, also known as bug bombers, are a popular method for treating empty spaces to get rid of pests. These aerosols are designed to kill insects on contact, even hidden bugs in cracks and crevices.
They are useful in various settings such as homes, apartments, attics, basements, barns, cabins, boats, and campers.
However, it is essential to follow the instructions provided, as you may need to stay out of the treatment area for two hours or more.
You might also need to remove or cover food areas, drinking water, children’s toys and aquariums
Also, turn off ignition sources such as gas stoves, water heaters or boilers before treatment. Additionally, turn off any HVAC systems and cover air conditioner vents.
My personal feeling on Foggers is that are great for empty homes, apartments attic spaces and sheds or barns where you are less likely to come in contact with the chemicals after treatment. Also, foggers are great for a quick knockdown of the roach infestation.
Despite their effectiveness in the short term, the downside of aerosol foggers is that they may not reach all areas where roaches are nesting, which means that re-infestation may occur in a few days or weeks.
Moreover, it is crucial to clean any surfaces that have encountered the insecticide to minimize exposure to pets and family members.
Use Glue Traps to Get rid of Roaches
Glue traps are a common and effective way to get rid of roaches. These traps come in different shapes and sizes and can be placed in areas where roaches are likely to travel, such as under appliances or behind furniture, along baseboards and in cabinets.
The roaches become stuck to the trap and cannot escape, eventually dying off. Some glue traps are scented with chemicals to attract roaches to step onto the sticky pads.
Additionally, you can place a few nuts or peanut butter, to attract roaches to the glue traps.
I like the Trapper Max Glue Traps. They can be configured into different shapes and are scented with peanut butter to attract roaches.It is important to note that glue traps should not be the only solution when getting rid of cockroaches.
While they are effective in assessing areas where roaches are present, they should be used as a tool in combination with other methods.
Glue traps are not harmful to humans or pets, but care should be taken when handling them as they can be difficult to remove once stuck.By using glue traps in combination with other methods, you can effectively eliminate roach infestations.
Use Essential Oils as an Alternative to Pesticides
Essential oils, which are secondary plant compounds, present a safer alternative to conventional insecticides in insect control programs.
Essential oils can be used as a safe and effective tool in cockroach control programs.
Rosemary and oregano oils exhibited the most toxicity, while kaffir lime leaf oil showed the highest repellency against different species of cockroaches.
Citrus oils, particularly grapefruit, lemon, lime, and orange, have also shown potential in repelling cockroaches.
If your looking for a Natural insecticide free alternative to getting rid of roaches try Wondercide which is made from rosemary essential oil.
Essential oils that have shown promise in repelling or killing cockroaches:
Rosemary Essential Oil
- Found to be 100% effective against the brown-banded cockroach, killing them within a 24 hour period.
Oregano Essential Oil
- Found to be 62% effective against the brown-banded cockroach, killing them within a 24 hour period.
Kaffir Lime Leaf Oil
- Exhibited complete repellency (100%) against American and German cockroaches and showed high repellency (87.5%) against harlequin roaches under laboratory conditions.
Use Citrus Oils to Repel Roaches
Grapefruit, lemon, lime, and orange essential oils from the citrus family demonstrated repellent activity against three cockroach species: German, American, and Smoky Brown Cockroach’s.
Hire an Exterminator to Get Rid of Them
If the above methods don’t work, it may be time to call in a professional exterminator. An experienced exterminator has access to specialized equipment and chemicals that are not available to the general public.
They can provide targeted treatments to eliminate the roaches in your home or business, and may also provide ongoing prevention services to ensure that the roaches do not return.
Additionally, exterminators can help identify and seal potential entry points to prevent future infestations. Overall, an exterminator can be an effective solution to eliminate roaches and provide peace of mind.
Conclusion: How to Get Rid of Roaches
Cockroaches are a common household pest that can be a health hazard. Getting rid of roaches can be challenging, but there are several effective methods for controlling them.
Granular baits, bait stations, gel bait syringes, insect growth regulators, liquid insecticide sprays, boric acid dust, deltamethrin dust, diatomaceous earth dust, foggers, essential oils, and glue traps are all effective ways to get rid of roaches.
When using these methods, it is important to follow the manufacturer’s instructions carefully and to use caution around children and pets.
By using these methods consistently and in combination, it is possible to get rid of roaches and keep them from coming back.
Finally, if you have a roach infestation that is out of control you can always use a professional exterminator.
Sources
Source: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/28032105/
Cite: Sharififard M, Safdari F, Siahpoush A, Kassiri H. Evaluation of Some Plant Essential Oils against the Brown-Banded Cockroach, Supella longipalpa (Blattaria: Ectobiidae): A Mechanical Vector of Human Pathogens. J Arthropod Borne Dis. 2016 Oct 4;10(4):528-537. PMID: 28032105; PMCID: PMC5186743.
Source: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/17883004/
Cite:Thavara U, Tawatsin A, Bhakdeenuan P, Wongsinkongman P, Boonruad T, Bansiddhi J, Chavalittumrong P, Komalamisra N, Siriyasatien P, Mulla MS. Repellent activity of essential oils against cockroaches (Dictyoptera: Blattidae, Blattellidae, and Blaberidae) in Thailand. Southeast Asian J Trop Med Public Health. 2007 Jul;38(4):663-73. PMID: 17883004.
){kind=link}