How to exterminate cockroaches?

Author: Miss Jayne Quigley II  |  Last update: Thursday, October 9, 2025

Basic steps:
  1. Remove clutter.
  2. Vacuum well and often. ...
  3. Wash hard washable surfaces with cleanser (ammonia and water works well).
  4. Dust out of sight spaces with boric acid powder. ...
  5. Use roach baits near hiding places like behind pictures and wall hangings, under sinks and undersides of furniture.

How do you kill roaches permanently?

An exterminator should be called in the event there's a larger issue.
  1. Exclude roaches from your home. ...
  2. Collect and dispose of roaches with glue strips. ...
  3. Bait and kill with boric acid. ...
  4. Sprinkle some diatomaceous earth. ...
  5. Add baking soda to your arsenal. ...
  6. Repel roaches with essential oils. ...
  7. Try an insect growth regulator.

Can you 100% get rid of cockroaches?

There's no instant or overnight solution for a cockroach infestation, but there is one fix that's more effective than all the others: calling a pest control specialist. Because cockroaches are so difficult to kill and infestations are tough to control, it's best to rely on the pros to get rid of them.

Is it possible to fully exterminate roaches?

Cockroaches are highly resilient pests. They adapt to many natural and conventional repellants and treatments. For the most effective solution on how to get rid of roaches permanently, hire a professional cockroach control expert.

What scent will keep roaches away?

While peppermint essential oil is an effective cockroach repellent, there are a few other oils that are proven to be effective too. These include citronella, cinnamon, cedarwood, and tea tree. All of these essential oils are derived from plants, so they won't cause a fire.

How To Get Rid of Cockroaches Guaranteed- 4 Easy Steps

What do roaches hate most?

Peppermint oil, cedarwood oil, and cypress oil are essential oils that effectively keep cockroaches at bay. Additionally, these insects hate the smell of crushed bay leaves and steer clear of coffee grounds. If you want to try a natural way to kill them, combine powdered sugar and boric acid.

How often should you spray peppermint oil for roaches?

DIY spray: Spray the solution in areas prone to cockroach infestation, such as kitchen cabinets, under sinks and around appliances. Apply every few days for the best results.

What is the main cause of roaches?

What causes roaches in houses and apartments? What attracts roaches to a clean house primarily consists of their basic needs: food, water, and shelter, although they are usually brought into houses and apartments on other items, such as luggage or clothing.

What does a roach nest look like?

Roach nest, unlike birds' nests, isn't a physical structure but rather a hidden congregation point for roaches, typically in dark, moist areas close to food and water sources. To find a roach nest, look for signs like droppings that look like coffee grounds, oval-shaped egg casings, and increased night-time activity.

What do professionals use to get rid of roaches?

Exterminators use Pyrethrin and pyrethroids. They are active chemicals used by licensed pest exterminators for cockroach treatments. This chemical insecticide paralyzes and kills roaches. Chrysanthemum flowers produce pest-repelling Pyrethrin and pyrethroids.

What is the number one killer of roaches?

The best roach killer, based on our research, is the advion 383920 Cockroach Gel Bait; a commercial-grade roach killer set that is easy to use and lasts months after application. It can kill all sorts of cockroaches, including the American and German variety, and it's even safe to use if you have pets or kids.

Why am I seeing big roaches all of a sudden?

Improper sanitation, presence of food and water sources, and favorable living conditions are common causes of roach infestations. Maintaining a clean and hygienic environment, storing food in tightly sealed containers, and promptly cleaning up spills or crumbs can help prevent roach infestations.

What does a roach egg sack look like?

American cockroach

Their egg capsules are roughly ⅓” long and are dark reddish or blackish brown in color. Each ootheca holds about 16 eggs.

How to make roaches go away overnight?

Baking soda is a fast and effective way to kill roaches. When a roach ingests baking soda, the baking soda expands inside them, causing the roach to explode. Simply sprinkle baking soda on food, such as an onion, and leave it near where you've seen roaches overnight.

What attracts cockroaches?

Cockroaches are attracted to various factors, including food, water, shelter, and warmth. They are particularly drawn to crumbs, spills, and food residues, especially starchy and sugary items. Moisture-rich environments like leaky pipes and standing water also attract cockroaches.

Is it hard to get rid of a roach infestation?

While a cockroach infestation is one of the most common pest problems, it's also one of the most stubborn. Since every home is different, an Orkin Pro can design a unique cockroach treatment program perfect for your needs.

Will a roach go away on its own?

Cockroaches won't go away on their own.

How to figure out where roaches are coming from?

  1. Cracks in Walls and Foundations. Gaps and cracks are easy entryways for roaches. ...
  2. Doorways. Slipping into your home underneath a door is another common way for a roach to get inside. ...
  3. Plumbing Lines. Roaches are drawn to spaces with moisture, warmth and food. ...
  4. Packages, Bags, and Clothing. ...
  5. Basements.

What is the lifespan of a house roach?

How Long Do Cockroaches Live? Common pest cockroaches, depending on the species and sex, may live anywhere from a month to over a year. For example, German cockroaches live for about 100 days, but female German cockroaches may live for more than 200 days, and American cockroaches can survive for up to a year.

What smell do roaches hate?

What Smells Do Cockroaches Hate?
  • Lavender. One scent cockroaches are known to hate is lavender, which is good news for homeowners who grow lavender plants or keep lavender-scented candles and sprays in their home! ...
  • Citronella. ...
  • Eucalyptus. ...
  • Citrus. ...
  • Garlic. ...
  • Mint. ...
  • Oregano.

Can the cleanest house have roaches?

While dirty environments certainly attract roaches, even clean homes can fall victim to roach infestations.

Do roaches go away in the winter?

In fact, most species of roaches will die off at temperatures below 15 degrees Fahrenheit. Roaches have learned to adapt and are expert overwintering pests, making their way indoors to avoid exposure to cold temperatures and survive the winter.

What is the best homemade roach killer?

For homemade cockroach control, you can make a simple bait using boric acid, sugar, and water. Mix equal parts of boric acid and sugar, then add a bit of water to form a paste. Place this mixture in small containers or on pieces of cardboard and put them in areas where you have seen roaches.

Do roaches hate pine sol?

There's a long-running joke that cockroaches could survive the apocalypse, as getting rid of unwanted roaches is difficult if you have an infestation. But if you want to kill them on contact, all you need to do is reach for your handy bottle of Pine-Sol! Considered a "contact insecticide," it kills them quickly.

What candle smell do roaches hate?

Citronella

This plant has been known to deter cockroaches due to its overpowering scent, and you can use it to your advantage when trying to keep insects out of your home. Burning citronella candles is a great way to utilize this scent, as well as growing the plant in your backyard garden.

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