Cockroaches are one of the most difficult enemy insects for humans to fight. Scientists have proved that these small creatures can survive a nuclear attack and many natural disasters. While this is true for cockroaches, in general, exterminating them in a particular house is accomplishable. You’ll have to work hard though and using just one product barely will help you. We recommend using a complex approach.
Here you’ll learn how to get rid of roaches using slow and fast-acting solutions approved by scientists. Such an approach comprises a whole variety of steps and actions; from keeping your house constantly clean to using effective solutions. We have picked the best cockroach control products for those whose accommodation is constantly attacked by these pests. But before moving on to this let’s first get to know better the main character of today’s article.
What you will learn from this Guide:
- Killing Roaches: My Personal Experience
- 10 Steps to Get Rid of Cockroaches Effectively
- How to Get Rid of Roaches in the Kitchen
- How to get rid of roaches in Electronics (TV, computer, X-box, Playstation)?
- How to Get Rid of Roaches Naturally and Why Вoric Acid & Diatomaceous Earth are the Safest Ways to Get Rid of Roaches
- Identify The Roaches You Are Dealing With
- Understand Why Cockroaches Infest Your House: What do roaches eat?
- How To Kill Cockroaches: What Scientists Say
- Slow and Fast Acting Roach Killing Solutions
- Slow But Guaranteed Elimination Of Roach Infestation To Kill The Entire Colony Of Cockroaches For Sure
- Which methods do not work against roaches and why
- When Calling Professional Exterminator Is The Right Choice
- How To Avoid Cockroach Infestation In The House
- 10 Methods To Kill Roaches: Comparison Table
- How to Get Rid Of German Roaches
- 6 F.A.Qs on How to Get Rid of Cockroaches in hard-to-reach places and outside
Killing Roaches. My Personal Experience
Even entomologists happen to deal with a cockroach infestation, and this is where personal experience adds to the knowledge we have and vice versa. Two years ago I had to move to my uncle’s house in Arizona where I had spent eight months. I was happy to see my uncle and his family again, playing with his charming granddaughters in the yard, but the problem was that his house was almost loaded with unwanted quests. Yes, I mean roaches.
Another problem was that one of his daughter, Emily, is allergic, which reduced to zero my chances to persuade the uncle to use heavy insecticides. Add to this the presence of the pets, something that complicated my job even more.
Day 1. I inspected the house and discovered an ocean of old stuff (old cardboards, parts of furniture, towels, and clothes), which had been stored there for no reason. I persuaded my uncle to dispose of all this as part of a crackdown on roach shelters. I also noticed that their pets could have access to their food anytime since the bowls remained uncovered for the whole day. I explained to the family members that such a practice would only multiply the cockroaches and no trap would work in conditions of food abundance. They followed my advice and got into the habit of keeping the food in the refrigerator or in sealed containers.
Day 2. Now that we made the habitat less attractive to cockroaches I pushed forward to the offensive. First of all, I had to detect the travel paths used by roaches. For this reason, I set a huge amount of sticky traps all around the house. I knew that a bulk of them would remain empty but those with captured roaches would show me the direction where to move next. And yes, I discovered the most infected sites — the kitchen and the room where the old stuff had been kept.
Day 3. Taking into consideration Emily’s health issues, I decided to turn to the experience of the biologist Joseph G. Kunkel who is an outright supporter of using safe and totally natural solutions. I have chosen boric acid that kills cockroaches by dehydration and acts as a stomach poison. Personally, I used Harris Boric Acid for that comes with an easy-to-use puffer and contains a food-grade lure. I mixed the powder with sugar so that roach could not distinguish them. Then I sprinkled the powder around the corners of the room and the kitchen but in enclosed spaces in order not to cause any harm to the pets.
Day 4-7. At first, I was encountering just a few dead cockroaches but within days their number started to noticeably increase. This was due to the fact that I repeated the application of boric acid several times and was not discouraged by the limited success I had after the first application.
Day 8. In order to catch remaining cockroaches, I changed the tactics and began setting traps filled with roach favorite attractants — banana and water. At the same time, I eliminated all sources of standing water and made sure that all food supplies were not accessible to cockroaches.
Day 9-12. Every day I emptied the trap that was full of cockroaches and placed a fresh attractant into the device. Perhaps, some roaches still remained in the house. But the goal was attained — I managed to eradicate the infestation without using chemicals and avoided health risks to our dear Emily.
You might want to know which other solutions I would have applied if it had not been for Emily’s allergy. Well, I would have used something more modern, fast-acting and clean, like Advion Syngenta Cockroach Gel. Although Boric Acid is a cool stuff and natural solution, it is formulated as powder and, therefore, has all disadvantages and limitations characteristic for powders. For example, it makes the treated surfaces dusty and can be blown off by the wind.
Advion gel is a different story. The substance sticks to the surface and remains there until it is physically removed. The gel cannot be inhaled and, in this regard, is safer. If you have pets or small children, just put the gel in a bait station to avoid any risk of the substance being licked or eaten. And finally, Advion is much more powerful compared not only to Boric Acid but many other roach control methods. The product effectively kills the entire population, with the effect lasting for a long period of time. Just apply several dabs and that’s it!
10 Steps to Getting Rid of Cockroaches Effectively
Anyone who faces infestation of cockroaches definitely needs a plan of action. Although homeowners deal with their peculiar situations, there is a number of steps that will be helpful in eradicating roaches.
Step#1. Determine the problem. Set sticky traps in the areas you have observed roaches in order to make sure that it is cockroaches you are dealing with and understand the scale of the problem, i.e. how severe the infestation is.
Step#2. Inspect the house. Any old furniture, cardboard, and other old stuff most likely serve as a shelter for these pests. You should dispose of this stuff since eggs cannot be cleansed from the crevices. Then, find all cracks and crevices in the walls, baseboards etc and caulk or repair them. Keep the food in containers or refrigerator.
Step#3. Clean up the infested room thoroughly and develop a habit of doing it regularly. Try to clean hard-to-reach areas using a vacuum, soapy water and detergents.
Step#4. Start with natural and safer solutions. Perhaps, they will solve the problem and you will not have to resort to heavy chemicals. These are baking soda, diatomaceous earth, and boric acid as well as homemade traps such as a jar trap and sticky tape.
Step#5. If these methods have proved to be ineffective, monitor the roach presence once again. Perhaps, the infestation is too heavy and you will need professional help provided by exterminators. This will increase the chances of getting rid of cockroaches once and for all. Some useful tips on how to make the correct choice you will find below in the article.
Step#6. In case you still want to combat cockroaches by your efforts, try poisons. It will take time before you see the result since because the most effective poisons are slow-acting but kill a large number of pests. Apply enclosed bait stations in kitchens and premises where children and pets can reach the substance. They are safer. Gel poisons without bait stations are more effective but less safe.
Step#7. Do not limit your pest control practice to a single application. Repeat application and make sure that you have covered all travel paths of the cockroaches in your house.
Step#8. Apply insect growth regulators (IGRs) making the insects infertile upon contact. With adult roaches killed, you do not solve the problem with their eggs that will develop into adult pests. This is where IGRs come in handy since this solution targets future generation.
Step#9. If you still have cockroaches but their number is small, apply fast-acting solutions that kill insects on contact. These are sprays and aerosols containing various insecticides. Once a roach pops up, spray it and this guy is done!
Step#10. Set traps in the places where the roaches still emerge. This will help you to kill the remaining cockroaches and see how many survivors you have.
How to Get Rid of Roaches in the Kitchen
The kitchen is a prime target for roaches since it contains everything these insects need to thrive — food, water, and shelter. This is why the kitchen requires especially thorough treatment. And this is where a risk to human health emerges because of the chemicals we use to exterminate pests. Following safety instructions, such as removing food at the time of insecticide treatment and cleaning the surfaces after the job is done, will certainly reduce this risk. Reduce but not eliminate.
Therefore, while gels are claimed to be the most effective long-lasting solution, baits placed in the enclosed stations are considered to be the most convenient and safe. In order to enhance the effectiveness of bait stations, it is crucial to place them properly. When treating cockroaches, stick the containers around sinks, behind refrigerators, and stoves. They will also be appropriate near garbage containers, inside cabinets and other areas where food is stored. As for the cabinets, place the bait stations against corners and edges which are a common route of cockroaches. To get the container into hard-to-reach areas, use a broom handle. Bait stations are especially recommended for treating electronic appliances infected with roaches.
Now, what are the options? There are bait stations containing insecticides or both insecticides and water.
The example of the latter is Hot Shot Ultra HG-95789, a bait station based on dinotefuran. This is an active ingredient that has an advantage of targeting both cockroaches and their eggs, eliminating them within a day. Hot Shot will be preferable if you need a single-action station producing an immediate result. The package contains six stations so that they can be placed in different locations. We have already mentioned that cockroaches need water more often than food. In this case, it is essential that the device contains not only food but water as well. So just let the pests enter the bait station and eat the lure so that they get a lethal dose of the insecticide. Water is an additional and very potent attractant.
Another option is Combat Max, which is also a liquid bait. Its active ingredient fipronil is designed to kill German cockroaches en masse, infecting the entire colony. This product is cheaper and it contains more stations — as many as 18. However, this item includes only a food bait and is not designed for keeping water there as an additional roach attractant. The bait station is said to be safe for children and recommended for placing in the kitchen.
And yet, if you strongly oppose applying ANY insecticide in the food preparation area, opt for a conventional trap like Henslow reusable capturing device. This is a large-size plastic trap, which works by physically eliminating roaches, which easily get inside but cannot get out of this deadly labyrinth. Apart from being 100-percent safe, the device has one more significant advantage — it is reusable, which means saving money as you will not need to throw the product away and buy another one. But you will have to take pains to lure the cockroaches inside. In order to increase the chances of capturing as many insects as possible, place an attractant there, such as banana, chocolate, cookies, or cereals.
How to get rid of roaches in Electronics (TV, computer, X-box, PlayStation)?
Why do cockroaches enjoy living in electronic equipment? This is because electronics produce the heat and provide dark enclosed spaces, which are a perfect environment for cockroaches to live in and reproduce.
And yet, roaches have their own preferences. So, choosing between PlayStation 4s and Xbox, they definitely vote for PS4s and there are two reasons for that. According to Patrick Che, the co-founder of console repair shop XCubicle on the Lower East Side, PS4s have larger ventilation grates allowing for extra space for cockroaches. Secondly, its internal power supply makes the console hotter. Due to the heat, the roaches and their eggs inside the device are often fried, which results in the console being damaged. Apart from that, roach droppings pollute the motherboard.
What can be done in this case? Experts suggest that PlayStations and other devices should be stored properly. Do not keep them in enclosed spaces, such as beneath a desk or in a TV-set. These conditions make the equipment much warmer, attracting cockroaches.
Сlean the device by means of a canister of compressed air, like this. Perhaps, you should take your PlayStation to a repair shop to clean it thoroughly. Use the aerosol like Raid Ant & Roach Insecticide, but be sure not to spray inside the device. Spray around or near the item.
Another option is placing bait stations around and beneath the equipment. For this purpose, try Advion bait arena, which is based on the active ingredient indoxacarb. Apart from being an effective slow-acting insecticide that targets the entire colony, Advion will help you to lure the roaches out of the device they have infested. This is possible due to the presence of a cockroach attractant in the station. Once a roach pops up, crush it or spray with the insecticide.
Also, you may try the following trick: put the equipment in a plastic bag, seal it and place in the freezer for the whole day. If you still see cockroaches there, do it once again. However, read the device’s instruction before freezing it. For example, LCD screens may be damaged when exposed to low temperatures for a long time.
And finally, resort to a professional exterminator, which is actually the best option when dealing with a roach infestation of devices.
How to Get Rid of Roaches Naturally
Our favorite cockroach expert – biologist Joseph G. Kunkel when asked about killing roaches says: “I realize that most people are more interested in killing them since they are pests in their houses and can contribute to spreading disease in hospitals and childhood asthma in the home. Beware of most commercial preparations, even those that depend upon the ‘natural’ insect juvenile hormone. Since these are relatively slow acting, the manufacturers often add a ‘knock-down’ additive poison which gratifies the user since it provides visual proof that the treatment works when it comes in direct contact with the pest. Read the label of whatever poison you use”. I have come across 2 methods of killing cockroaches that are non-toxic to humans: Boric Acid and Live-traps.
Boric Acid. The crystals of boric acid are sharp and get between the joints of an insect’s exoskeleton. The sharp crystals abrade the cuticle and make the cockroach lose water and die of dehydration. This is a simple and cheap method. Dust the boric acid (which is relatively non-toxic) around the corners of rooms and in hiding places frequented by the roaches.
It is finely ground ruby dust which performs the same function as boric acid crystals but is more permanent. Boric acid washes away when you want to get rid of it. You will find the dried carcasses of cockroaches in various hiding places as well as out in the open where they marched their last step searching for water”. Boric Acid: Check current price.
Why Вoric Acid & Diatomaceous Earth are the Safest Ways to Get Rid of Roaches
Boric acid is actually an amalgam of boron and water. Boron is one of the elements mined from earth and used in number of consumer products like toothpastes, mouthwash and laundry additives. it is used either solely or in combination with water for controlling insects population.
Boric acid acts as a contact poison as well as a stomach poison. A number of studies have revealed that boric acid, when ingested by cockroaches, reaches the stomach and acts as a stomach poison. Other studies have reported that even when boric acid comes in contact with the skin of cockroaches, it gets absorbed and dries the bodies of insects to the extent that it leads to their death. Boric acid is not toxic to humans but very toxic to cockroaches.
Also, take advantage of diatomaceous earth which is an excellent natural solution made from the remains of aquatic organisms.The University of Nebraska Cooperative Extension suggests using D.E. along with boric acid. Both are dust, environmentally friendly and exclude chemicals. Diatomaceous earth damages the coating of the cockroach’s body making the insect dry out and eventually die. Scientists from the University of Alaska Fairbanks recommend applying the stuff on floors and behind walls, particularly to cracks and crevices where cockroaches typically hide. Diatomaceous earth is very affordable.
Guidelines on the use of boric acid against cockroaches:
- While in kitchen, first of all, vacant the whole area especially the cabinets and area under the sink;
- Also clean the area under and beside the refrigerator;
- Now carefully fill all the cracks and holes;
- Don’t use glue for sealing the holes as cockroaches can easily eat it;
- Now carefully spread the boric acid all around and for the better result do it at night. Be careful not to inhale it while spreading;
- Now clean all the area either by washing it or by using a vacuum cleaner and then wipe with a dry rag.
Identify The Roaches You Are Dealing With
Different species of cockroaches have different size — from medium to large. These insects are characterized by broad and flattened bodies with extended antennae and a shield-shaped part behind the head known as a pronotum. They may be occasionally mistaken for beetles, though. So, in order to avoid confusion, pay attention to membranous wings that any adult roach should possess. Also, unlike beetles, cockroaches do not have the thick forewings peculiar to these beneficial insects. Immature roaches are smaller in size and lack wings.
Species that are the most widespread in the US
Scientists from the University of California IPM University of California IPM single out six species that are the most widespread in the US, loosely dividing them into two groups: those inhabiting outdoor areas and those dwelling in the house. The latter are German and brown-banded roaches, while the former group includes the oriental, smoky-brown, American, and Turkestan cockroaches. These insects mostly inhabit areas away from residential buildings but may emerge in the house from time to time though. Therefore, in order to develop a proper pest control strategy, it is crucial to identify the species of cockroaches infesting the area.
So, German cockroaches have a small or medium size and can be distinguished by a set of stripes located behind their heads. These light-brown insects can be observed in kitchens, bathrooms and anywhere you store the food. The cause the most severe infestation as one female German roach can give birth to about thirty thousand new cockroaches throughout the year.
The brownbanded roaches look like the German ones but they are darker in color and have distinctive white bands across the body. These species most often emerge in warm areas of the room, hiding behind the walls and furniture. They particularly like warm electric appliances such as TV sets and refrigerators. However, unlike the German cockroach, the brownbanded roach attaches its pea-sized egg capsules to hidden surfaces, such as the undersides of dressers and tables, according to researchers from the University of Kentucky.
American roaches are the largest cockroaches among the above-mentioned species and can be as big as two inches in length. Reddish brown in color, they have distinctive markings on the thorax and wings that they never use to fly. American cockroaches can be encountered in sewers, steam tunnels, and other similar utility systems.
Other species falling into the category of “outdoor living roaches” — the oriental and smoky-brown cockroaches are dark in color and about 1.5 inches in size. While the oriental cockroaches are common in garages and basements, smoky-brown roaches mostly live in vegetation. Turkestan cockroaches are smaller, just an inch in length, and typically inhabit cracks in buildings as well as plot plant.
Understand Why Cockroaches Infest Your House and Where They Hide
In order to make your pest control strategy effective, first of all, learn where and why cockroaches are hiding. They are known to inhabit warm, dark, and moist areas, which is why these insects is a well-known trouble for kitchens and bathrooms.
Roaches do not live in large colonies like ants, however, they tend to gather in the areas polluted with their feces resembling pepper specks. That is why spots of roach droppings on the surface is a clear indication of cockroach presence nearby.
Roaches are most active during the night and, when disturbed, would spread out throughout the room. In the daytime, these pests normally stay in cracks and other protected areas, leaving them at night to find something to eat.
What do roaches eat?
Their menu is quite diversified. Cockroaches enjoy devouring human foods as well as some other items that we do not consider eatable, i.e. filth, hair, soap, toothpaste. They can consume glue but this is only the case with the traditional glue that is derived from animal protein.
Scientists with Chulalongkorn University based in Thailand have conducted a study with the purpose to find out food preferences of the German cockroaches. The researchers made the test roaches starve for 48 hours and then offered them a variety of food including 4 carbohydrate-rich items (bread, sugar, banana, and potato) and 4 protein-rich items (peanut, cheese, pork, and pet food). The results showed that the banana was obviously preferred by both sexes. The most active feeding was observed in the early morning until 5.00 am, and in the evening.
While food is a key attractant for cockroaches, there are other factors making your house roach-friendly. They opt for damp, dark, and wet places to establish a shelter there. Therefore, cockroaches tend to hide in boxes, shelves, basements and other location where they feel safe and have an access to moisture. The latter means that limiting moisture in the house is a sure way to deter cockroaches.
How To Kill Cockroaches: What Scientists Say
Jeff Hahn and Mark E. Ascerno, scientists with the University of Minnesota Extension, have stressed the need of resorting to insecticides to kill roaches. Apparently, when it comes to a serious pest infestation, non-chemical solutions alone will not work out and more drastic measures are required. Also, they advocate a comprehensive approach and the use of chemicals in a combination with other efforts such as clean-up and removing shelters for cockroaches. Entomologists from the Auburn University have stated this in stronger terms: “The least effective control method is the use of chemicals alone. Using chemicals alone results in insecticide resistance and, ultimately, very poor control,” they claim. As an example, the researchers note that greasy surfaces reduce the effect of insecticides.
A wide range of insecticides are commercially available, therefore, there is no need to name all the brands, instead, we list the most potent active ingredients which can be found on a product label. Choosing a spray, be it an aerosol or liquid, look for the following compounds: deltamethrin, cypermethrin, permethrin, and cyfluthrin. These are active ingredients recommended by scientists to kill cockroaches. Also, take into consideration some practical guidelines on how to kill roaches. First, do not discharge it all around the room, instead focus on precise sites where insects typically congregate. Second, do not apply the product on flat surfaces such as the floor. Third, be sure the chemicals do not get into human and pet food.
As for baits, manufacturers place them in containers which are safe for humans in handling. The strong point of this solution is that the container can be stuck to a specific site and its application rules out the dispersion of chemicals.There are a number of active ingredients killing cockroaches but not all of them can be obtained by homeowners. Products containing fipronil, indoxacarb, and abamectin are designed for professionals while such compounds as hydramethylnon and imidacloprid are intended for homeowners.
Consider that using bombs are not recommended by scientists as they have too many downsides. According to the University of California IPM, “Although sprays may provide a quick, temporary knockdown of cockroaches, they do not give long-term control. They may also repel and disperse cockroaches to other areas of the building from which they may return later.Cockroaches have also become resistant to many insecticides in common sprays and aerosols that formerly controlled them. Sprays should not be necessary if an IPM program is followed that uses sanitation, exclusion, and appropriate baits and dusts.” First, they do not properly deliver insecticides to crevices whereas these are the most common sites harboring cockroaches. Second, foggers and bombs are most likely to be hazardous to humans and pets.
Slow and Fast Acting Roach Killing Solutions
Such a variety of the products to kill cockroaches. But which one should be chosen? Now, we outline the key peculiarities of commercially available roach killing solutions and you make up your own mind about what exactly you need.
You may choose either products showing an immediate result (fast-acting) or long-term solutions but with a permanent effect. Scientists with the Auburn University have highlighted dusts as a slow-acting method but, at the same time, giving a long-lasting control. Dusts are intended to be applied in dry and enclosed areas where insects typically hide. The most commonly used ingredient is boric acid which we have examined in detail in a separate section of this review. Normally, the dust produces more or less tangible results in a week or so killing the entire infestation.
According to researchers at the University of Nebraska–Lincoln, the best active ingredients contained in baits are slow-acting as well. This ensures that the lure consumed by a roach will kill it. Hydramethylnon acts slowly and is a stomach poison available both in granules and as a gel. It is not toxic to humans. Fipronil is the fastest acting ingredient and has a significant impact even at low concentrations.
Still, Grzegorz Buczkowski from the North Carolina State University presented the results of a study showing a clear advantage of slow-acting solutions. “When the baits and dead cockroaches were removed from the large arenas and replaced with new cockroaches, only residues of the slow-acting hydramethylnon killed most of the nymphs and adults, whereas residues of fast-acting insecticides killed fewer nymphs and adults,” the Journal of Economic Entomology says.
Fast-acting insecticides provide an immediate result but are ineffective for the second population of roaches.
Fast-acting solutions, such as Johnson RAID MAX spray can be used to create a barrier around the house and in trouble areas. What you need is to spray the perimeter of the area you need to protect. Besides, the product can be used just as a spray killing cockroaches on contact.
Another option is using an aerosol to kill the roaches on contact with chemicals. Apart from that, aerosols create a mist of liquid particles that block up the insect’s inhalation pores or glue their wings, making the roaches immovable. Aerosol spray Raid Ant & Roach Killer Insecticide contains imiprothrin (0.060%) and cypermethrin (0.100%). Follow the instruction to make it work properly: shake well before applying, hold the can upright when spraying and spray until the target surface is wet.
Downsides of fast-acting sprays and aerosols
Sprays and aerosols kill quickly but provide only a short-term control. One of the downsides is that these solutions just drive cockroaches out of the treated area but not from the house. Eventually, they will emerge in the same place in a while. Even worse, those survived turn resistant to chemicals, making it harder to kill roaches.
Aerosols available to homeowners have a low concentration of the active ingredient and kill roaches only when contact them. For this reason, aerosols do a poor job in eliminating a pest infestation in such enclosed areas as cracks and crevices. Dusts also work through the contact with insects and are effective when applied to hard-to-reach areas.
Slow-acting solutions
Among the slow-acting insecticides, some are more effective than others depending on the form of the product. So, the gel based on abamectin kills all cockroaches that consumed the substance, whereas the powder containing the same amount of abamectin kills three times fewer pests. This is due to the fact that roaches are less prone to ingesting the powder and, instead, are sometimes deterred by it.
An alternative to killing roaches on contact is an approach involving application of insect growth regulators (IGRs) which make the affected insects infertile. Scientists with the University of Kentucky single out hydroprene, a registered insect growth regulator targeting cockroaches. This insecticide is available in aerosol or liquid. When applied to a cockroach, hydroprene is absorbed into the insect body and make it infertile without killing it directly. This is a long-lasting solution but, nevertheless, a repeated application is required in three or more months to obtain satisfactory results. In a month, you will see the reduction in roach population but the pest control will last longer as the insects will not be able to reproduce anymore. Don’t be upset if initially you will see even more cockroaches in the daytime. It’s Ok. Such behavior indicates that IGR really works, just give it the time.
Another recommended IGR is based on pyriproxyfen affecting nymphs and developing them into infertile adults. This is a slow-acting solution with a low toxicity to humans. Noviflumuron is also an insecticide which does not directly kill roaches. It makes cockroaches unable to shed their exoskeleton what results into the insect’s death when it grows up.
You’ll find fast and slow-acting products to kill the entire colony in TOP-14 Best Roach Control Products Review.
Slow But Guaranteed Elimination Of Roach Infestation To Kill The Entire Colony Of Cockroaches For Sure
We all want to solve the pest infestation problem once and for all but sometimes forget that obtaining the reliable and lasting result will take time. This is due to the fact that only individual or a certain amount of cockroaches can be killed immediately. In order to eradicate these pests, you should not only infect those roaches that contacted the deadly substance but also make them spread it within their colony, killing others.
Researchers at the University of Kentucky say that baits containing a slow-acting insecticide are the most recommended pest control solutions for householders. When used properly, baits may produce the result comparable to professional extermination. Cockroaches are lured by the attractant, consume the poison and crawl away in the shelter where they die. Other roaches are exposed to the insecticide as well, once they eat droppings of the infected ones. This produces a domino effect, eliminating the colony from inside. The scientists suggest using such brands as Advion, Combat, Raid, Ortho, and Hotshot, containing indoxacarb, dinotefuran, abamectin, and hydramethylnon.
One of the most effective active ingredients for such gels is Indoxacarb, like in Advion Syngenta Cockroach Gel, which can be purchased online. The product is recommended for the heavy infestation of cockroaches and can be used in pest control management in schools, restaurants, and other large premises. In case you face a heavy infestation of cockroaches, apply from three to five spots per ten linear feet. If the infestation is not severe, one spot per ten linear feet may be enough to obtain the desired result.
According to researchers at the University of California IPM, gel baits are very effective when hard-to-reach sites, such as cracks and crevices, need to be treated. Apply the substance by means of a syringe in small dabs — the more dabs there are, the better. This is because cockroaches come across baits occasionally and are not known to travel a long distance in search for food. The main disadvantage of gels is that they should be reapplied regularly, as they dehydrate within several days.
Dusts are another slow-acting solution that produces a long-lasting result. These are natural powders like boric acid and diatomaceous earth and chemicals such as Tempo Dust insecticide based on cyfluthrin. Boric acid is both a stomach poison and a substance affecting the insect’s nervous system. Tempo is used to treat hotels, hospital, warehouses and other buildings, providing a long-lasting control against various pests including cockroaches. Dusts have an advantage of getting easily into hard-to-reach sites, being odorless and not leaving stains.
Which methods DO NOT work against roaches and why
The problem of cockroach infestation is so common and, at the same time, is so hard to solve. That is why we often come across new “simple but effective” methods, which actually does not work. Besides, sometimes we hear complaints about the proven solution that are said to be useless in a particular case. There are three main reasons for that.
1. Bear in mind that some even the most powerful and effective solutions may not work as they were supposed to in case the product was not stored or used according to the label or the recipe.
- Dust turns ineffective once it is wet. At the same time, one is likely to place the dust in damp places since it is known that roaches are attracted by moisture.
2. Some solution can work only in combination with other methods because they are not powerful enough when applied alone.
- Soapy water. Barb Ogg from the University of Nebraska says that a dishwashing soap mixed with water will kill roaches. However, it helps to kill a limited number of insects and only when sprayed directly on them. Apart from that, the soapy water must be hot.
- Fabric Softener is suggested as a natural roach control method. However, there has been no scientific evidence proving that fabric softener ability to repel roaches. Nevertheless, when treating places of cockroach congregation, any chemicals would be helpful.
3. Sometimes repellents are offered as a way to get rid of cockroaches. In fact, you need to eradicate the cockroaches, not to keep them away from certain locations, if you face the house infestation.
Some people say that cucumbers may work against cockroaches. Is it true?
Scientists from Kansas State University tested this vegetable to control roaches. They have discovered that whole cucumbers have a little repellent effect, whereas the crushed one can repel up to 90% of the cockroaches. This is because the concentration of the repelling compound in the cucumber increases when it is crushed. And yet, repelling roaches is not even close to their extermination.
- Crushed bay leaves are said to repel roaches. But there has been no scientific data bolstering this argument.
4. There are proposed roach control solutions that are actually a sheer myth. For example, coffee grounds. Some self-proclaimed “experts” say that coffee grounds repel cockroaches. In fact, as researchers at Texas AgriLife Extension Service assert, coffee grinds comprise the cockroach diet in the kitchen, therefore, will attract not repel these insects.
Natural Roach Capturing Devices
We’ve found for you other natural solutions. You can set a number of traps for cockroaches and some effective ones are mentioned below.
- Sticky Tape and Onion Trap. This solution is effective at night. What you have to do is to buy a sticky tape, after that slice an onion and put it on the tape. Now place this assembly in the sites where roaches hang out at night. In the morning, you will find many of them stuck to the tape.
Sticky traps are also commercially available and you may get as many as 90 packs of the Trapper Insect Trap. This non-poisonous glue trap is said to work against cockroaches, spiders, and some other pests. Cheap and easy-to-use, the trap helps kill roaches and, at the same time, monitor their presence in the house.
- Jar Trap. Another effective way to get rid of cockroaches. What you have to do is to wrap a duct tape or any other opaque tape on a jar. Place attractive items in the jar and put that on shelf. Cockroaches will enter into it, and you can put some jelly or boiling water on jar. This is how you will create a blockage for the cockroaches.
- Wine Bottle Trap. Long neck wine bottle can also be used for catching cockroaches. In order to make a trap, you have put either wine or solution of sugar and water in a bottle. First pour the oil inside the bottle and cover the long neck. When cockroaches come to the bottle and get into the container, it is time to put solution inside. You can vaseline the inside wall so that insects can’t climb up.
- Baking Soda. This is also one of the options to use against cockroaches. Take some container comprising the mixture of sugar, water, and baking soda. Put this mixture in a place where insects are usually seen. Smell of this mixture will attract cockroaches so they will come into the container and get into the trap. Baking Soda will react with water and produce a gas. It will cause the bursting of cockroaches’ stomach. Baking soda is made from a pure powdered sodium bicarbonate and has no additives. So feel free to use it where chemicals are not desirable. The substance is known to both kill bacteria and serve as a pest deterrent. But be sure you keep the package away from heat and humidity, otherwise, it will be less effective.
- Petroleum Jelly. What you can do is grease the container with petroleum jelly. Add some food articles, cockroaches will come to eat them but will slip back into the container. They will try their best to escape and move back towards their shelter. In this way, you can trace their shelter and eventually kill all of them.
Why Calling Professional Exterminator Is The Right Choice
There is a number of reasons for calling exterminators when dealing with a heavy cockroach infestation. First, professionals have required skills and experience to eradicate all cockroaches in the house and they will do it within hours. Secondly, some very effective and potent chemicals are permitted for professional use only and an ordinary homeowner is not allowed to store and use them.
In large premises such as schools and restaurants, it will be more cost-efficient and practical to call professionals rather than take a do-it-yourself approach. Moreover, exterminators provide services to such public establishments on a regular basis. For instance, Boston University has a vendor providing turnkey pest management services. Exterminators visit the University’s premises from time to time, inspecting kitchens for roaches and other pests.
As entomologists from College of Agriculture, Food And Environment at the University of Kentucky stated, a professional exterminator can treat the cockroaches in hard-to-reach areas and insecticides lasting for several months and more.
“The technician should perform a thorough inspection on each service visit. When insecticides are used, they should be applied into cracks and secluded areas where cockroaches are likely to be living, rather than along baseboards other exposed surfaces,” the scientists say.
12 tips on how to hire a proper exterminator
C. A. Wilen, a specialist in University of California IPM Statewide Program, suggests some tips on how to hire a proper exterminator.
- Identify the cockroach. In case you fail to do it, call the county agricultural commissioner’s office.
- Determine the level of infestation. If it is heavy, your chances to solve the problem are slim.
- First of all, clean up the infested premise, get rid of old furniture and other stuff and remove the food. After that, you will see whether you can do without professional help.
- If toxic chemicals or sophisticated appliances are required, you should better hire a professional.
- Ask your neighbors and friends for recommendations. Perhaps, some of them have a successful experience with a pest control company.
- Do your own research. Call a number of companies to compare prices and methods they use. Learn as much as possible, for example, whether they offer an integrated approach or non-chemical methods.
- Make sure that the exterminator you are going to hire opts for applying least-toxic insecticides — baits and traps — rather than sprays.
- Remember that any exterminator must have licenses and insurance. Verify the status of the license.
- Ask the exterminator to inspect the house or other infested area. This kind of service is typically not for free, but you will get a written document containing such information as the cause of the problem and the details of the proposed treatment.
- Avoid exterminators, the services of which include just calendar chemical treatments with perimeter spraying. This may be of little use since pests may not be present at the time of application.
- Conclude the contract, which should include a detailed plan of treatment, its timing and price as well as a guarantee.
- Contact the exterminator after the treatment in case new cockroaches emerge. This may indicate that the company has not fully fulfilled its obligations under the contract.
6 F.A.Qs on How to Get Rid of Cockroaches in hard-to-reach places and outside
How to get rid of roaches in the bathroom?
First of all, keep in mind that the bathroom is typically a small enclosed space with high humidity. It is also the least ventilated compared to other rooms in the house. That is why you should avoid applying sprays and aerosols there as it may not be safe. The best choice is setting a trap like a reusable Roach Holder. It has a confined space, therefore the roaches are likely to get there. As an attractant, water will be a good choice since this is what cockroaches are actually seeking in the bathroom.
How to get rid of roaches in kitchen appliances?
Never inject dust into electronic equipment as its particles can damage its components. The best bet is to place bait stations behind or beneath the infested appliance. This will kill the roaches with poison and make them infect other members of their colony. Place Hot Shot Ultra HG-95789 bait stations, the attractant of which combines food with water. The latter is the core target of roaches in the kitchen, as they can survive without water at most seven days, whereas they can do without food for about a month.
How to get rid of roaches in and under refrigerator?
In order to get rid of cockroaches inside the refrigerator, set the lower temperature since roaches will not survive in cold conditions. Cockroaches die at a temperature below 17.6 º F. or -8 °C. As for eliminating cockroaches beneath the refrigerator, keep in mind that the refrigerator is an electronic equipment, therefore, you should not inject the dust there either. Stick bait stations like Combat Max will be a good choice.
How to get rid of roaches in the car?
First, clean the car since, once settled inside, cockroaches are likely to lay eggs in such comfortable and heated shelter. Pay attention to the sites under the seats, in the car frames and electronic equipment. Sprinkle diatomaceous earth on the floor inside the car. This wonderful natural substance damages the coating of the insect’s body and kills by dehydration. Unlike boric acid, DE is absolutely safe for kids and pets who may travel with you.
How to get rid of roaches coming from neighbors?
First and foremost, inspect your house to understand where the route of the cockroaches originates. Apply dusts to cracks and crevices where the roach presence was detected. Use Harris Boric Acid, which safe and effective. After that, seal or caulk the crevices. Openings and other larger entry points can be effectively screened with a mesh.
How to get rid of roaches outside my house?
Start with removing items that can serve as food sources or shelter for cockroaches. These are wood piles, standing water and uncovered trash cans. Apply dusts in the places where they get into your house, as well as around the perimeter of your yard. The dust has a longer effect than the spray when used outdoors because it does not evaporate, unlike liquid substances. For a stronger effect, apply chemical powder such as Tempo Dust Insecticide with an active ingredient cyfluthrin.
10 Methods To Kill Roaches: Comparison Table
Effectiveness Scale: 1 being the least, 10 being the most effective.
Method/Type | Product | Advantages |
Reducing food & water accessibility / natural solution.
Effectiveness: 7 | Vintage Bread Box / Container | Long-lasting solution; alters the roach habitat, making your house unattractive to them; enhance sanitary conditions in the house. |
Clean-up / natural solution.
Effectiveness: 7 | HOOVER Multi-Floor Cleaner / Liquid | Long-lasting solution; alters the roach habitat making your house unattractive to them; enhance sanitary conditions in the house. |
Sprays / fast-acting solution.
Effectiveness: 7 | Johnson RAID MAX Bug Barrier / Liquid | Sprays are easy to apply and available ready-to-use; safe as there is no need for mixing concentrates. |
Aerosols / fast-acting solution.
Effectiveness: 6 | Raid Ant & Roach Insecticide / Liquid | Aerosols are easy to use and are widely available. |
Foggers / fast-acting solution.
Effectiveness: 2 | Black Flag 11079 HG-11079 6 Count Indoor Fogger / Liquid | Easy to use and are widely available. |
Trapping (Sticky Tape, Plastic Trape & Onion and Jar Trap) / fast-acting solution.
Effectiveness: 4 | Trapper Insect / Capturing device | Natural, safe for humans and pets; ingredients are usually available in any household. |
Petroleum Jelly, Wine Bottle Trap, Baking Soda / fast-acting solution.
Effectiveness: 4 | Milliard 10lbs Baking Soda / Sodium Bicarbonate | Natural; safe for humans and pets; ingredients are usually available in any household; kills on contact without chemicals. |
Baits / slow-acting solution.
Effectiveness: 10 | Advion Syngenta Cockroach / Gel / Indoxacarb 0.6% + + + |
Non-toxic to humans and pets; sometimes remain active in insect droppings and kill nymphs which ingest them; decrease pest populations; are easily applied.
|
Dusts (hydramethylnon, cyfluthrin, fipronil) / slow-acting solution.
Effectiveness: 9 | Tempo Dust Insecticide / Powder/ Cyfluthrin 1% | The most recommended solution for hard to reach areas; roaches easily pick up dust and carry it to their shelters. |
Boric acid, diatomaceous earth / slow-acting solution.
Effectiveness: 10 | Harris Boric Acid Roach / Powder With Lure + | Non-toxic to humans; a simple and cheap method; affects physically making insects die of dehydration. |
How to Get Rid Of German Roaches
We have to answer another frequently asked question: how to get rid of German roaches? This question bothers many readers of ours.
Normally, when it comes to cockroaches, we turn to our favorite expert, Biology Professor, Joseph G. Kunkel. Here’s what he says about German cockroaches: “The chief biologist at the Munich TierPark (Zoo) said they had no German cockroaches in their zoo and gave me three tropical species that they knew were living in various environments they maintained in the park. But I knew better. I went to the reptile house which is kept hot and humid and saw loads of Blattella germanica (Linnaeus,1767) in the space of a half hour, and during the day at that! B. germanica, the German cockroach, probably entered Europe with Marco Polo or along early trade routes. Southeast Asia is its most likely origin. There are several sibling species that are very close to B. germanica; some even cross breed with it. Its relatives are common around pig stys in the outer islands of Hong Kong. Live pigs were often kept on exploration ships during long trips. It became associated with man and traveled around the world. It was formally named by Linnaeus and probably was around in Germany for quite a while before the name was applied.
In Germany, it is sometimes called “Die russische Schabe”, The Russian Roach. In Russia, it is called the Polish Roach. In America, it was called the Crotton Bug because it came to NY about the time the Crotton Aqueduct was built which was pilloried in the papers because it took so much land by eminent domain.
The American Cockroach, Periplaneta americana (Linnaeus 1758) likewise is a misnomer since it probably originated in North Africa before becoming a world traveler. It most likely reached the Americas during the early slave trade. As you see there are thousands of species of cockroach and only about 10 have become cosmopolitan pests of man. Most of the others do not even have a common name. “ By the way, this species is most frequently called palmetto bug.
That’s why getting rid of German cockroaches is pretty much the same as getting rid of all other types of roaches. University of Florida scientists also confirm this. According to them, it’s necessary to use prevention and sanitation methods before and concurrently with chemical control tactics. The most commonly used chemical formulations for cockroach control are baits, sprays, and dusts.
In conclusion, we wish to note that you can also use the knowledge for exterminating cockroaches. Several books and manuals on tactical extermination of these pests can be found on the Internet. Perfect household: How to easily and efficiently get rid of spiders, cockroaches and other pests in your household without using any chemicals (Perfect Household, Household Management) will become an extended guide on the matter. Cockroaches: Ecology, Behavior, and Natural History book will provide you with complete information regarding these pests collected by professional biologists.
Why Are Cockroaches Dangerous?
Not only do cockroaches look nasty, they also spoil our food. In addition, they present a real danger to both adults and kids. Every day of living side-by-side with la cucaracha is risky. Here are some of the threats from having cockroaches around:
- Allergies. Those with allergies will be very sensitive to a cockroach infestation. The insect’ feces and flakes off its body can provoke allergies. The more infested and less clean your house is, the more likely is the risk of getting an allergic reaction varying from skin inflammation to itching and breathing problems.
- Asthma may become the strongest sign of allergy to cockroaches’ saliva and feces debris. Most often it occurs to children. The symptoms of this disease are difficulty in breathing, coughing at night and fatigue. The only way to avoid allergic asthma when having a cockroach infestation is to ventilate, wet clean and vacuum clean your apartment.
- Cockroaches infect food. Just yesterday they could feast on feces in your toilet and some dead cousin of theirs, and the next day they run around and defecate on your kitchen table. This is a serious threat both to foodstuff on your table and your health.
- They destroy various objects. Voracious cockroaches might also finish some paper products and fabric and leave stains and disgusting odors on your things.
- They spread bacteria and viruses. It has been proven that various types of cockroaches spread salmonella, hepatitis, coliforms, and even typhoid fever! According to the University of California IPM portal, there have been cases of human dysentery after coming in contact with cockroaches. At the very least these diseases will make you spend lots of money on expensive treatment or theoretically can even lead to death.
To sum up our review, we’d like to draw your attention to a significant benefit. Fierce competition has led to a serious drop in prices for cockroach control products what serves us well. So go ahead and protect your house from intruder insects. We wish you good luck!
Top 10 Cockroach Facts: Is It Real to Get Rid of Roaches Quickly?
Anyone who has ever encountered cockroach infestation faced the same problem. At first you win the fight and exterminate the insects completely, but after a while, their smug snouts reappear in the same spots as before. Such comebacks occur with varying frequency: the infestation may relapse monthly, every six months or annually. Why does this happen?
Our apprehension is caused by the lack of knowledge about cockroaches and their behavior. Here are some facts which will arm you with valuable knowledge against these whiskered pests.
1. Cockroaches love wet and damp places. They are especially active in the summer in humid regions. Nevertheless, they can also feel quite well in temperate climate as well given that they have access to moisture and food which are usually both available in any household.
2. The insects’ habitat is usually defined by their preferences. Most often you’ll come across them near sewage and behind the sink, near stoves and any heating systems, as well as in the kitchen or bathroom. They also inhabit darker secluded spots such as floor gaps, closed vegetable boxes, loose floorboards, wall holes, niches for the furniture, loose wallpaper, etc.
3. Cockroaches love darkness and shade. Their activity peaks when humans are asleep. Come to the kitchen at night, turn the lights on and you’ll see dozens of these pests.
4. They are disgusting. Unlike many other insects, they actually defecate, leave debris of their food, saliva and skin in the least accessible spots. These debris can cause allergies and other uncomfortable diseases.
5. As much as cockroaches love heat, they hate cold. When the temperature falls below -8 °C, they begin to die. A day of intense ventilation in winter can actually help combat these pests. At the same time, they can easily survive mild winter in a warm place.
6. Cockroaches feed irregularly. Females can survive up to 45 days without food while males need food a bit more often. Sometimes this reduces the effect of poisoning by ingestion and gels and doesn’t entail immediate results.
7. Cockroaches live in large colonies and rarely leave them for food. They neither have strict hierarchy like ants nor do socialize like bees. As a rule, some two or three clusters of cockroaches inhabit an apartment. If you destroy them, there would be far fewer insects in the house. They “communicate” by exuding pheromones, group together along these “fragrant paths” and pave the trails.
8. Cockroaches are omnivorous but they still have certain preferences. They avoid products containing fat, spoilt food, and mold. They love everything sweet and smelly, rich in carbohydrates. They also feed on carrion and feces, according to the Woking Environment Service. By the way, they can also consume their own dead. The manufacturers of poisonous gels use this peculiarity to provoke chain reaction when exterminating these insects.
9. Cockroaches can’t smell. They can only identify food and attractant a few centimeters away. That’s why they have to constantly move around and hope to accidentally bump into some food. However, if their nest is located near trash or kitchen table, the issue is resolved, and they may not leave it at all in case there is sufficient supply of food.
10. They breed fast and live long. During its lifespan of 170-180 days, a female roach can lay 30-40 eggs each 2-3 weeks. In this way, the cockroach population can increase by 27 times in a year!
7 Tips on Нow to Get Rid Of Cockroaches Without An Exterminator
Here are some simple rules which will help you get rid of cockroaches on your own. We’ve picked the best DIY methods and products which will let you liquidate the infestation. The key thing to remember is that cockroaches are very tenacious, are used to constant struggles with humans and won’t give up that easily. That is why our first advice is to use several products simultaneously.
1. First, deprive them of access to water, food and secluded spots. Regularly clean the house, ventilate the rooms and never leave the food and dirty dishes on the table.
2. Use cockroach repellents – chemical or natural ones.
3. Roach Killing Gel and Baits are considered to be the most effective cockroach control products today. Cockroaches eat poisons and infect other insects.
4. Roach bait stations work in a similar manner but are considered safer for use if you have kids or pets as the poison is located inside the device.
5. Roach traps were invented for those who do not wish to see dead cockroaches everywhere. It’s very cool as the roaches disappear somewhere inside the capturing device where they die of hunger as they can’t get out, and you won’t have to collect them all around the kitchen.
6. Roach Spray is to be applied spot-on. You see a pest, you discharge it, and it is dead. Unfortunately, a dead insect won’t be able to contaminate its mates.
7. Insect Growth Regulator is productive when combined with other products. Sterilizing the females is half of your victory.
The main thing is not to count on quick victory and not to let up right after the cockroaches leave your house or else you’ll face some serious troubles…
Also read: 16 Best Roach Killers
How To Avoid Cockroach Infestation In The House
In order to avoid a cockroach infestation, first and foremost you should sanitize the houses, inspect whatever you bring at home. It will also be helpful to set traps allowing you to monitor the roach presence and kill these pests whilst they are small in number. Below you will find the rules suggested by Colorado State University experts that should be followed to prevent cockroaches from infesting the house:
- Caulk cracks and crevices to prevent cockroaches from migrating into your building.
- Eliminate places that can be potentially used as shelters. This includes dark and moist sites.
- Check items brought into your house, such as electric appliances, food containers, and furniture. Look both for adults and eggs that typically indicate the presence of the cockroach.
- Infestations are most common in kitchens and bathrooms because cockroaches need water. For this reason, eliminate any source of standing water.
- Do not make food easily-accessible to roaches. This includes unwashed dishes, pet bowls, and waste containers.
- Feed your pet in the allotted time and clean up after every meal.
- Keep stove and cabinet areas clean.
- Do not store newspapers and boxes you do not need. Cockroaches thrive in piles of that kind of stuff.