A cockroach infestation is enough to make even the toughest of occupants squirm. These nocturnal creatures thrive in kitchen cabinets, space vents, garbage disposals, wood piles, pretty much anywhere hard-to-reach areas. “When temperatures drop, some common household pests, including certain outdoor dwelling cockroaches, may seek to move inside because they are attracted to the warmth of a home," shares Dr. Tom Mascari with the SCJ Center for Insect Science.
Availability of moisture, a food source, and an access point are an open invitation for roaches. They'll find access through plumbing fixtures, a crawl space, or window seals with concerning ease. Mascari adds, "When executing an outdoor fall cleanup, moving natural debris and firewood away from the house may reduce the potential habitat for these types of roaches near the home.”
In short, cockroaches can damage property and spread diseases all over the world. None of this is great news, but remember that infestations aren't isolated to your home, and with the right tools, pretty easy to manage. No matter the size of the roach infestation, taking immediate action is essential to eliminate the problem and prevent these difficult pests from returning.
You'll Need
- Cockroach baits or traps
- Contact spray, like Raid® Ant & Roach Killer 26
- Boric acid or diatomaceous earth
- Caulk or sealant
- Vacuum cleaner
- Soapy water
- Gloves and face mask
1. Identify Problem Areas
- Look for cockroach activity in dark, narrow spaces with excess moisture or water sources (i.e. around plumbing fixtures, around kitchen sinks, under washing machines or refrigerators).
- Check for them at night with a flashlight or simply turning on a kitchen light or to track their entry points at cracks around windows, near holes in pipes, or plumbing leaks. If you can't locate the roach harborage area, you should contact a pest control specialist.
- Signs of roaches includes: dead cockroaches, roach exoskeletons, egg casings, droppings (like black pepper or coffee grounds), a musty/sour smell, damage to food packaging.
2. Set Baits and Traps
- Place bait stations in a shallow dish in areas with the most evidence of cockroach traffic. (If you know the type of roach, get a bait station formulation specific to that species.)
- Dust inside infected areas to target pests on contact.
- Change roach traps regularly to assess the level of infestation.
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.
