What do most exterminators use for roaches?

Author: Emmet Kovacek  |  Last update: Friday, October 24, 2025

Pyrethrin/Pyrethroids Exterminators use Pyrethrin and pyrethroids. They are active chemicals used by licensed pest exterminators for cockroach treatments. This chemical insecticide paralyzes and kills roaches.

What chemicals do professional exterminators use for roaches?

Pyrethrin/Pyrethroids

Exterminators commonly use Pyrethrin and pyrethroids. Pest control professionals employ these powerful chemicals to get rid of cockroaches. Roaches are paralyzed and eventually killed by this chemical insecticide.

What is the most effective pest control for cockroaches?

Most familiar to householders are boric acid and diatomaceous earth. For controlling cockroaches, boric acid tends to be more effective. Roaches succumb to boric acid after crawling over treated surfaces.

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.

How long does it take for an exterminator to get rid of roaches?

The time it takes to get rid of cockroaches varies with various factors, ranging from a few days to several weeks. Professional extermination can expedite the process and address large or persistent infestations more effectively than DIY methods.

The Cheapest And Most Effective Pesticide Available and You Have No Idea How To Use It!

How many times should an exterminator spray for roaches?

Regular pest control is typically recommended on either a quarterly basis, bi monthly, or monthly basis depending on where you live and the type of pest you may be dealing with.

What smell do roaches hate?

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

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.

Do roach bombs actually work?

Many insect foggers contain pyrethrin as an active ingredient. While pyrethrins are somewhat effective against exposed flying insects such as house flies, they are seldom lethal to roaches, ants, bed bugs, spiders, silverfish, and other crawling pests.

What is the number one cause of roaches?

Attractor #1: Food

What attracts cockroaches more than anything is food. Roaches need food to survive. Eliminating access to food can help eliminate a roach problem. Throw away any food that has been left out on the counter.

What spray do professionals use for cockroaches?

Liquid or powder fipronil is a common roach pesticide. It kills or repels bugs by disrupting their nervous systems. Pest control professionals should only use fipronil, a minimally hazardous spray.

Why am I seeing more roaches after using boric acid?

Boric acid's effectiveness can diminish over time, requiring periodic reapplication. Dust and debris can cover the powder, making it less effective. To keep boric acid effective against roach infestations, follow these steps: Monitor treated areas every few weeks.

What is the absolute best way to get rid of cockroaches?

Dust out of sight spaces with boric acid powder. Dust and seal any cracks and openings closed with caulk. Use roach baits near hiding places like behind pictures and wall hangings, under sinks and undersides of furniture. Check for roaches that may still be there with (sticky) glue traps.

What does Terminix use for roaches?

At Terminix, our approach to cockroach control is both comprehensive and customized. Our expert technicians will implement customized solutions tailored specifically for you, which may include a combination of granular baits, liquid residuals, and residual dust treatments.

What chemical does Orkin use for roaches?

Boric acid has an electrostatic charge that clings to a roach's body as the insect walks through a treated area. The pest will then ingest the dust while grooming itself, killing the roach.

Is an exterminator worth it for roaches?

The Cost of Exterminators for Cockroaches

More severe infestations or more frequent treatments will add to the cost—but in any case, a roach-free home is well worth what you pay.

Is it better to bomb or spray for roaches?

Fogging systems are great at killing roaches on contact, but indoor foggers can actually push the majority of them further into their safer hiding places. Using foggers or roach bombs creates a long-term problem for you and your loved ones that will not go away.

What is the most effective roach killer?

Top Roach Killers
  • Best Overall Roach Killer: Advion Cockroach Bait Arena.
  • Best Gel Bait Roach Killer: InVict Gold Cockroach Gel.
  • Best Natural Roach Spray: Wondercide Ant and Roach Home & Kitchen Aerosol.
  • Best Natural Roach Powder: Bonide Diatomaceous Earth Crawling Insect Killer.

Do you have to wash everything after roach bomb?

Afterward, clean every surface of your home with soapy water. Don't focus on exposed compartments, even if your cabinets were closed, you need to clean it to make sure no residue has accumulated inside it. Do not wipe the surfaces only once. If you can do it twice or thrice, do so to enhance protection.

What smell keeps roaches away?

Cockroaches are repelled by the smells of peppermint, eucalyptus, lavender, citronella, and cedarwood oils. These scents can be used as natural deterrents to keep them away from your home.

How to lure a roach out of hiding?

Roach Baits You Need to Try
  1. Boric Acid and Sugar Mixture:
  2. Oatmeal and Baking Soda Bait:
  3. Coffee Grounds and Water Paste:
  4. Petroleum Jelly and Apple Peel Bait:
  5. Mashed Potato and Borax Balls:

Does a roach infestation ever go away?

Cockroaches won't go away on their own.

What is a cockroaches' biggest weakness?

Cockroaches are blessed with an amazing sense of smell. This is what they use when seeking food and mate but at the same time, this is also their weakness. A cockroach's sense of smell can be used to get rid of them.

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.

Will sleeping with the light on keep cockroaches away?

Leaving the light on doesn't deter cockroaches effectively because they can navigate in low-light conditions. While they're mostly active at night, they may still come out in search of food or water. During the day, cockroaches hide in dark areas not directly exposed to light.

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