Roaches are common household pests that cause a nuisance and make living conditions unsanitary. These tenacious pests have increased survival tolerance and can become a significant problem once established.
Dealing with an infestation can be challenging; in most cases, bug sprays don’t always work on these hardy pests. Luckily, roach killers are available on the market and can effectively eliminate these hardy pests from your home.
To help you discover the best roach killers and roach traps reviews, we have researched and compiled a list of the top products. We will go over each product and its effectiveness. We have also covered the pros and cons of each listed roach killer and the factors to consider when choosing the best roach killer.
With these top-rated roach killers and traps, you can eliminate roaches from your home once and for all.
When Should You Use a Roach Killer?
You should use a roach killer when you notice many roaches in your home. Growing numbers could indicate an infestation, and getting rid of an infestation can be a big challenge (you don’t want to go there!).
Signs of a cockroach infestation include sightings of roaches, droppings, smear marks, shed skins, egg capsules, and foul odors. If not controlled, the number could get out of hand; therefore, using a roach killer is essential when you notice the first sign of infestation.
Types of Roach Killers
There are several types of roach killers available in the market; they include
Spot-Killing Sprays: These are easy to use and a quick fix for roach problems. They are sprayed directly on the roaches in their nest, killing them on contact.
Release Foggers: Also known as bug bombs, this is a type of chemical spray that releases a mist with insecticides. Foggers are ideal for large roach infestations; when used in a room with roaches, the foggers disperse poison in microscopic particles and kill any insects in contact.
The disadvantage of foggers is that it pushes roaches into hiding and cannot reach them in hiding areas such as cracks, cabinets, and crannies. You might therefore need to use other roach killers to get rid of the roaches in other target areas.
Baits: These are setups with insecticides created to lure the roaches into eating it, thinking it is a food source; the insecticide in the bait poisons the cockroach after ingestion.
One common bait is gel bait. Tiny and few placements of gel baits in areas with roach activity work best to control the populations. Keep away all other food sources to ensure the roaches have the bait as the only available food source.
Traps: Traps have glue or a sticky substance on which the roaches stick when they walk on them. The cockroaches stick to the trap, starve for a long time, and die.
Best Roach Killers and Roach Traps to Buy
Here are the best roach killers and traps you can buy. The products listed in this article are available in stores and online retailers. They include:
Combat Max Roach Killing Gel
The Combat Max Roach Killing Gel is among the best roach killers. This killing gel is an effective solution for anyone dealing with large roach infestations and hardy species like the German cockroach. This form-fitting gel comes with a plunger making it easy to deliver in hard-to-reach areas like cracks and crevices.
The active ingredient of this roach killer is fipronil, which acts as bait, attracting the roaches, which die after consuming it. When applied as directed, it starts working in hours, killing the cockroaches and the nest: it can work for up to 3 months while preventing re-infestation.
To use this potent gel, apply small and numerous placements in and around areas with roach activity. Do not place on areas previously treated with insecticide or spray an insecticide on the gel, as it may render the lure gel ineffective.
Note that this is an EPA-approved pesticide, and it is a violation to use a registered pesticide in a manner inconsistent with its labeling.
Pros:
- Has a placement plunger that makes it easy to use
- Fast acting
- The long-lasting, killing effect lasts up to three months after application
- The roach killer is safe for pets and children when used as directed
Cons: Fipronil can cause skin irritation; wear gloves and avoid contact with the skin.
The manufacturer recommends pairing the gel with Combat bait stations and strips to maximize its effectiveness.
Terro T530 Roach Bait Powder
The Terro T530 Roach Bait Powder is another ideal killer for people facing roach problems. This odorless and non-staining powder has a practical and long-lasting killing effect on roaches. Its active ingredient is Abamectin B1, and its duration of efficacy can last up to 8 months. It eliminates cockroaches, ants, earwigs, and silverfish and contains 150 bait replacements per tube.
To apply, shake lightly before squeezing for bait placement. The number of placements you use can vary from 4 to 20 per sq. ft. of the treatment area, depending on the level of infestation.
For easier placement, the product has an applicator and 360-degree nozzle that accesses hard-to-reach areas. It is best used around cracks and crevices, in wall voids, behind appliances, and around windows and doors.
Pros:
- Easy to use and apply thanks to the applicator and 360-degree nozzle
- Economical when dealing with large infestations
- It can be used for indoor and outdoor purposes
- Targets a wider variety of species
Cons:
- Not able to stick to vertical surfaces
HARRIS Boric Acid Roach Powder
Another one of our top picks from our best roach killers is the HARRIS Boric Acid Roach Powder.
The powder contains an irresistible lure that attracts roaches in hiding. Active ingredients are 99% boric acid and 1% lure. It effectively kills cockroaches, palmetto bugs, water bugs, and silverfish.
Using the applicator, puff the powder in cracks and crevices, behind refrigerators, along baseboards, and in other areas with roach activities. The powder creates a barrier through which the roaches must crawl. Note that the powder should be kept dry for maximum killing effect.
When roaches crawl through treated areas, the boric acid powder sticks to the cockroaches that carry it to the nest, where they will groom themselves and ingest the dust. The cockroach killer contains boric acid that works by interfering with the digesting system, killing cockroaches. Other roaches in the nest will also ingest the powder and die within 72 hours. Applying too much of this powder makes the cockroach avoid treated areas rather than walk on them.
Pros:
- It contains a unique lure that draws roaches out of hiding
- The uniquely designed powder bottle has long puffer straws that can penetrate cracks and crevices, making application easy.
- It has a long-lasting killing effect, provided it is kept dry
- EPA-registered and safe to use around people and pets
Cons
- Boric acid is toxic, and swallowing or inhaling vast amounts of the powder can cause poisoning.
Hot Shot Home Insect Killer
Hot Shot Home Insect Killer is a spray killer that effectively kills roaches on contact and up to 40 types of listed home-invading pests. This spray killer comes in a convenient aerosol bottle making it easy to spray directly on the pests.
Active ingredients: lambda-cyhalothrin (0.03%), imiprothrin (0.07%), and others (99.9%)
Directly spray into hiding places to target the hiding roaches and repeat as needed. Avoid staying in the treated area and keep it closed until all the mist has dispersed.
This best roach killer is for indoor use only and should not be sprayed on pets. Additionally, do not wash off treated areas to prevent a runoff that washes away the pesticide; neither should applications be made during the rainy season.
Pros:
- Kills roaches on contact
- Easy aerosol application
- Leaves no residue
Cons:
- Hazardous to humans and pets
- Unsafe for use around food preparation areas
Ortho Home Defense Insect Killer
The Ortho Home Defense is another best roach killer specifically designed for indoor use and perimeter purposes only.
This roach killer’s main active ingredient is Bifenthrin, which interferes with the roaches’ nervous system causing death.
Spray the killer in areas with a roach infestation, ensuring the room is well-ventilated. Spray indoors around doors, windows, basements, kitchen and bathroom areas, and outdoors in perimeter areas, decks, patios, and garages.
The product should not be used on pets; people and pets should keep off the treated area until the spray dries up. Also, avoid spraying the product where it can be washed away by rain or burned out by direct sunlight reducing its effectiveness.
Pros:
- Fast-acting bug barrier
- Controls a wide variety of insects
- It comes with a comfort wand for easy and tireless application requiring no pumping
- It is odor free and can therefore be sprayed in bathroom and kitchen areas
- Control effects can last up to 12 months when applied on non-porous surfaces
Cons:
- Harmful if swallowed, and any skin contact can cause irritation.
- The killer is highly toxic to certain aquatic animals
Terro T500 Multi-Surface Roach Baits
The multi-surface station contains a protein-based bait with a slow-acting poison that attracts and kills roaches. The roach killer comes with six bait stations per package and is designed with four entry points, increasing its effectiveness. It also has a clear see-thru surface allowing you to monitor the bait station and know when to replace it.
The bait contains a slow-acting poison, Abamectin B1 (0.05%), which is the active ingredient of the roach killer and is very effective for getting rid of German cockroaches.
Place the baits in areas with roach activity, use the adhesive strips for adhesive applications, and hold firmly for at least 10 seconds to ensure the bait has been appropriately placed. The bait station attracts and kills the roaches after ingestion. Depending on the level of infestation, you may be required to use several bait stations, make sure to replace bait if depleted, and repeat as often as possible until all the roaches are gone.
Pros:
- It has adhesive strips that keep the bait held on walls or under cabinets
- Simple to use and can be placed in confined places without interfering with the home décor
- Not easy for a child or pet to tamper with or accidentally ingest since the bait stations are well-confined
Cons:
- It may require repetitive applications depending on the level of infestation, making it a little expensive
Raid Ant & Roach Killer
Raid Ant & Roach Killer is another pick from our best roach killers. It is an effective, odorless, easy-to-use insecticide that kills roaches and ants on contact. It eliminates cockroaches, earwigs, ants, stinkbugs, silverfish, scorpions, and crickets.
The killer’s active ingredients are Imiprothrin (0.060%), Cypermethrin (0.100%), and other ingredients (99.840%). Collectively, these powerful ingredients quickly eliminate ants and roaches on contact and provide long-lasting control.
How to use: shake the can, hold it upright before use, and spray the surface until wet. Then spray directly on the roaches and in areas where the cockroaches are likely to hide. The roach killer will act to kill the roaches on contact. This roach killer will continue eliminating any remaining bugs for up to 4 weeks after application. Repeat when necessary. You should only spray on surfaces and never into the air. Remember that this product is designed for indoor use only.
Precaution: Avoid contact with the roach killer, vacate the treated area immediately, and only return after the spray has dried up. Remove pets before application, and keep them off the treated areas until the spray has dried up. The can’s contents are under pressure and flammable and should therefore be kept away from fire
Pros:
- Comes in a convenient aerosol spray for quick application
- Does not leave any chemical odor or stains
Cons:
- The spray is water-based and cannot be used on electronic devices
- Requires reapplication after a few weeks
- The product’s active ingredients could harm people, pets, aquatic animals, and plants
Ecologic Ant and Roach Killer (Aerosol)
The Ecologic Ant and Roach Killer kills cockroaches immediately on contact. This killer is effective on roaches and ants, spiders, crickets, and other mentioned insects (only crawling insects). This product is made with natural botanical oils, like corn mint, cinnamon, and clove oil, but mainly lemongrass oil. It is made for indoor use and is safe in kitchens and bathrooms.
It’s easy to use and comes in a convenient aerosol spray, making it efficient for spot-killing. Target areas include cracks, cabinets, closets, around pipes and plumbing, and in corners of rooms. This roach killer can also be used as a spot treatment along baseboards, kitchen and sink areas, and appliances.
How to use: Keep all pets out of the area when applying, and then you may spray the room targeting the areas with roaches and any visible activity. Spray until wet and ensure contact with as many roaches as possible. The insects will die within 24 hours of coming into contact with the product. Once dried, the product will not continue to work. It is, therefore, vital that you repeat the application if needed.
Pros:
- It does not leave a residue
- It is all-natural and safe to use around children and pets when used as directed
- Kills roaches on contact
Cons:
- Some users may not like the aromatic smell of lemongrass because it is relatively too strong
- Requires reapplication every few days
How Baits Work
Baits consist of food attractants that lure the pests from their hiding place to a specific area. The food attractants are often solid foods or gels that contain poison in the form of slow-acting insecticides that pests feed on and are killed.
The baits are placed strategically where the pests live or walk through and are mainly intended to be used indoors. When the target pest feeds on the poisoned bait, the slow-acting poison acts on it, causing death; they mostly die back in their nests.
Read More: What Does A Cockroach Nest Look Like?
In some cases, the pests carry some poisoned lure out of the bait stations and to their nests, where other insects feed on the dead roaches, eventually dying.
Baits are the only cockroach killers that target the roaches hiding in the nests. They can take at least 72 hours to work and, in most cases, may take up to a week but remains effective for about a month or two. The bait may be ineffective if it dries or is washed with water. Overall, roach bait is an effective method of eliminating roaches.
Factors to Consider When Choosing the Best Roach Killer
There are many products for cockroach control in the market. Deciding on the best roach killer may be challenging, especially when you have no previous experience. However, certain factors make a cockroach killer the best choice. The following are factors you should keep in mind when choosing a roach killer.
Active ingredients
The common active ingredients in most cockroach killers are fipronil, hydramethylnon, indoxacarb, and boric acid. Some work quite faster than others but are still effective. So, when choosing the best roach killer, consider one with fast-acting ingredients like fipronil, Combat Max Roach Killing Gel is our best pick.
Bait Type
The bait type is another crucial factor. Usually, roach bait combines a food-based bait and an insecticide. Once roaches eat the bait, they carry it back to their nest, where the other roaches will eat it in droppings and body fluids, ultimately dying.
In addition, when choosing a roach killer, it is crucial to consider the roach species you have in your home and their nesting habits. Note that not all baits will work on all roach species.
Also, different baits have different effects, and a gel bait made for German roaches will have almost no effect on the American cockroach. Besides, these roaches have different food preferences, and it will be crucial to go for a roach bait that appeals to all bait-hostile roaches. Additionally, choose bait stations that can fit into your house’s cracks.
Effectiveness
While following the manufacturer’s instructions is crucial to experience maximum benefits, always go for products tested and proven effective against roaches. We have covered some of the best cockroach killers in this article.
Duration of Efficacy
The period after which the roach killer continues to kill and repel roaches after an application is a vital factor to consider.
Some products continue to kill pests up to four weeks after application. This type will require reapplication if the roach problem persists; other methods remain lethal for months. Note that any product can have reduced efficacy length if exposed to rain and extremely high or low temperatures.
Safety of Use
If your home has children and pests, it is in your best interest to use pest control measures that do not pose potential problems to them. To protect them, you will want to avoid products with harsh chemicals and go for the non-toxic or somewhat less toxic options. Again, following product label instructions is crucial in protecting your children and pets.
Roach Infestation
Another factor to consider is the roach species. Over 4,000 species of roaches exist worldwide; there are several common species like the German cockroach, Oriental roaches, brown-banded roach, and American cockroach.
Different roach killers are effective against certain species. Choose the best cockroach killers that will work effectively against the cockroach species in your home.
Habitat
Different roaches have different habitats, and most cockroach killers have been tailored to reach roaches in their habitat. For example, some pest control methods may be ineffective in hard-to-reach areas such as cracks and crevices.
Ease of Use
While most cockroach killers are not complicated, some are easier to use. Going for an easy-to-use solution with clear and detailed instructions is crucial.
Price
Choose products that give you value for your money depending on the level of infestation. For example, certain products like the Terro T530 Roach Bait Powder are economical for large infestations.
Vital Chemicals to Look for in a Cockroach Killer
When looking for a cockroach killer, the essential active ingredients to look for are the EPA-approved ingredients that work to interfere with the digestive and nervous systems of insects. Fipronil, hydramethylnon, indoxacarb, pyrethrin, cypermethrin, and boric acid are the most common ingredients. Some of the best cockroach killers we recommend here have these active ingredients.
Fipronil is a popular active ingredient in most killers and bait stations. When ingested by cockroaches, it binds to the nerve endings of insects, disrupting the nervous system, and can cause death in 6-24 hours.
Hydramethylnon is a slow-acting poison that works by inhibiting energy production in the cells of pests, resulting in a slower death that takes 2-4 days.
Indoxacarb is primarily used in gel baits and causes severe dehydration in cockroaches, resulting in death.
Pyrethrin is another common ingredient in most cockroach killers that paralyzes the respiratory system of roaches, causing them to suffocate and die.
Cypermethrin works by disrupting the nervous system, causing paralysis and death.
Lastly, boric acid harms the pest, interfering with its digestive system and causing dehydration and death. It can take up to 72 hours for a cockroach to die from boric acid poisoning.
Each of these chemicals works differently to exterminate cockroaches, and their effectiveness will depend on the level of roach infestation.
Does Boric Acid Kill Roaches?
Yes, boric acid kills roaches. This powder clings to the roaches’ legs and wings, which they ingest as they groom themselves. This powder works by dehydrating the roaches causing them to die; the powder also acts as a stomach poison interfering with the digestive system and resulting in death. Boric acid remains effective against roaches if the powder does not come into contact with moisture.
Are Roach Killers Safe for Pets?
Yes, usually, roach killers are safe for pets if the user adheres to the usage instruction. However, chemical-based roach killers contain harmful chemicals potentially harmful to pets. When these pets consume small amounts of the poison, they may experience stomach upset, diarrhea, vomiting, and respiratory problems; large quantities of roach killers can result in more severe health problems.
On the other hand, natural cockroach repellents and killers are much safer for pets as they do not contain toxic chemicals.
Either way, all cockroach killers should be handed in as per label instructions to keep pets safe. Contact a vet if you suspect your pet has consumed roach poison.
What Is Integrated Pest Management?
Integrated Pest Management (IPM) is a comprehensive, environmentally-friendly approach to pest control. It involves a combination of techniques such as monitoring, preventive measure, biological pest control, habitat manipulation, and other safe pest control methods for the environment. This approach focuses on long-term prevention and control of pests by removing any conditions that may make them thrive.
IPM can effectively control pest infestations in agricultural and non-agricultural settings, such as gardens, homes, and business premises. IPM is crucial for cockroach prevention and control without first resorting to pesticides.
An IPM approach to cockroach problems involves various tactics to reduce the risk of cockroach infestations, such as eliminating access to food and water, nesting areas, and caulking cracks or crevices.
Roach traps can also help monitor the populations and species of cockroaches in your home, allowing you to understand better the infestation’s severity and what control measures are needed. Control methods may include roach bait, traps, powders, sprays, and getting help from pest control professionals. IPM is an effective way to tackle your cockroach problem.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can Cockroaches be Killed Permanently?
No, cockroaches cannot be killed permanently because they are resilient pests. The German cockroach, for example, has developed resistance to some common roach killers. Different methods may be more or less effective, but most roach killers only provide long-lasting and not permanent solutions.
However, the most effective way to control cockroach populations is to use conventional methods, including sanitation, sealing off entry points, using baits and roach traps, and using insecticides.
Additionally, professional exterminators may be helpful as they provide effective and long-lasting solutions for a full-blown infestation.
Which Is the Fastest Way to Get Rid of Cockroaches?
The fastest way to get rid of cockroaches involves the combination of various strategies. Baits are one common, effective, and fast-acting method of eliminating roaches. Killer sprays are another popular way of getting rid of roaches; products such as the Harris Roach killer spray, for instance, kill roaches upon direct contact.
Soapy water is also a fast way of eliminating cockroaches; Roaches suffocate when sprayed with soapy water by creating a thin layer of soap on their body. However, this is only a temporary solution.
