Should I hire an exterminator for roaches?

Author: Mertie Donnelly  |  Last update: Sunday, December 14, 2025

If you're having trouble identifying the cockroach in your home, a professional may be the way to go - since different species call for different treatments, your exterminator will be able to accurately identify what roach species is in your home and how to eliminate the infestation.

Are exterminators worth it for roaches?

Regular exterminators are definitely worth it if you don't want insects or pests. Once you get a few in there it's a hassle to clear the house. The house I'm living in was riddled with roaches because the previous owners didn't bother to use an exterminator... in a tropical location... Next to a pond....

At what point should I call an exterminator for roaches?

If you see (or smell) any signs of an infestation or if you see at least two cockroaches, it's a good idea to call an exterminator as soon as possible. The longer you wait, the worse the problem could become.

How much does it cost to completely get rid of roaches?

Roaches infest homes quickly, carry diseases like salmonella, and are extremely difficult to eliminate. Thankfully, cockroach extermination prices are relatively low, costing an average of $150 to $500. If things get bad and your roach infestation worsens, you may be staring at a much larger bill, up to $3,000 or more.

Can you ever truly get rid of roaches?

Yes, if the property control methods are used, and the residents maintain good sanitation and cockroach safe habits, you can eliminate a cockroach infestation and keep the home roach free.

How Much Does An Exterminator for Roaches Cost

Is it true every house has roaches?

Cockroaches are some of the most common household pests in the United States–as well as the most feared. There are 55 different cockroach species found in the US, with an estimated 63% of homes that contain cockroach allergens of some kind, according to the National Pest Management Association (NPMA).

How long does it take to fully get rid of roaches?

In general, it can take several weeks to several months to completely eliminate a roach infestation. The initial treatment may kill many of the roaches, but follow-up treatments are often necessary to target any surviving roaches and their eggs.

What is the number one thing to get rid of roaches?

Boric acid: Used correctly, boric acid is one of the most effective roach killers. It's odorless, has low toxicity to pets, and since it isn't repellent to roaches, they will not seek to avoid it, crawling through it repeatedly until it kills them.

What is considered a severe roach infestation?

If it is between 10 to 25 roaches, it can be a moderate one. But if it exceeds 25, it can now be classified as a heavy infestation. You should know that the few roaches you see at home are not the only ones you have to deal with. There may be 40 to 50 roaches hiding within your place that you don't know.

How many exterminator visits to get rid of roaches?

Roach Problems

This means that after the initial service, a follow-up service is usually scheduled for 3-4 weeks later. After the initial and follow-up services, the roach activity is evaluated and further treatments may be recommended. It is very common to need monthly treatments for an on-going roach problem.

How to get rid of roaches if you can t afford an exterminator?

Diatomaceous earth: Diatomaceous earth is a powder made of fossilized algae. While it doesn't kill cockroaches on contact, it dries up their exoskeletons which eventually kills them. Sprinkle food-grade diatomaceous earth along areas where you find cockroaches.

How many roaches do you have if you see one?

If you see one, it's more likely you have a hundred or more inside the house. Keep the place dry and clean. No water source, no cockroaches. Cover anything with water or remove the source of water.

Should I call an exterminator or do it myself?

For a small infestation, do it yourself is a good option that can be inexpensive. For larger infestations or a continuing problem, save yourself the time, hassle, and money and call a professional exterminator. As always, the key to pest control is prevention.

What smell do roaches hate?

Some strong scents, such as lavender and mint, have been known to repel cockroaches.

How long after extermination will I stop seeing roaches?

You may see roaches for a week or two for slow-acting treatments until they eventually taper out. Because of their high tolerance to pesticides, products could take a few days to impact the pests. Just take some time and avoid panicking if you see any remaining roaches still living in your home.

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 is the hardest type of roach to get rid of?

Cockroaches are filthy, capable of incredibly fast reproduction, and have the ability to be seemingly impossible to kill. Of the many species of roaches that might invade your home or business, the German Cockroach is the worst roach you can encounter.

Should I move out of my apartment because of roaches?

Tenants also have the right to break their lease if the landlord does not address a serious cockroach infestation. This is called “constructive eviction.” Tenants need to prove that the infestation makes the apartment unlivable and that the landlord failed to take action.

How do you know if roaches are in your walls?

To detect roaches hiding in your walls, look for irregular smears near their hiding spots, a potent musty odor, dark droppings, and chewed packaging. Use a flashlight at night to see roaches scatter, indicating infestation.

Can you 100% get rid of roaches?

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.

How much does pest control cost for roaches?

The cost to eradicate the cockroaches can vary tremendously from home to home. Pest control cost to eradicate roaches comes with a national average between $150 and $450, and most homeowners pay around $300 for extermination using glue and bait, requiring two visits.

What do cockroaches hate the most?

Citrus is one of the scents cockroaches are most known to hate, notably lemon and orange. Keeping a dish of lemon juice on your kitchen counter can deter these pests, as well as placing lemon peels around the home to discourage cockroaches from coming out of hiding.

How do professionals get rid of cockroaches?

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 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.

Where do exterminators spray for roaches?

Interior Spaces

Because of food supplies, pests such as ants, cockroaches, and pantry moths are frequently encountered in these places. Pest control professionals will spray along baseboards, worktops, under sinks, and inside cabinets to eliminate existing pests and prevent new infestations.

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