Why do roaches keep coming back after spraying?

Author: Perry Fritsch  |  Last update: Tuesday, July 29, 2025

Unfortunately, the answer is “Yes.” Roaches can come back after extermination due to factors such as hidden roach eggs, incomplete elimination of the infestation, or new roaches entering the area. Initial treatment and follow-up treatments are crucial to keep these persistent pests at bay.

Is it normal to see more roaches after spraying?

It is not unusual to see more roaches after an exterminator sprays. This is because many poisons disrupt the nervous system of the insects, causing unusual behavior. Roaches normally hide from bright light, but poison-addled ones may not behave normally.

Why do roaches keep coming back after treatment?

It is not unusual to see more roaches after an exterminator sprays. This is because many poisons disrupt the nervous system of the insects, causing unusual behavior. Roaches normally hide from bright light, but poison-addled ones may not behave normally.

How long after spraying should you stop seeing roaches?

Give it some time. The tech most likely used a non-repellent liquid product that will take some time to work. I would give it a week to 2 weeks before you call them. You can't fix a roach problem in 2 days. An effective treatment and some time is all you need.

Can you ever fully get rid of roaches?

No Pests can be eradicated Permanently. You can Prevent cockroach infestation with standard hygiene and by taking Precautionary Pest management measures.

Why are cockroaches so hard to kill? - Ameya Gondhalekar

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.

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 smell do roaches hate?

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

How to find a roach nest?

Look for Shed Skin and Egg Casings

Another sign is egg casings, which look like small brown capsules. Look for these items near baseboards, cupboards, and other areas where roaches might be nesting. You might even find them in your pantry, so be sure to look around boxes and open containers.

How many times does an exterminator have to spray for roaches?

Follow-up visits are necessary to ensure that all of the roaches are gone as well as any eggs they left behind. Once the infestation is completely taken care of, we recommend preventative treatments every 30 to 60 days to ensure the infestation does not return.

Why am I seeing baby roaches after spraying?

Why might I be spotting baby roaches even after the exterminators visited? Seeing baby roaches following treatment can be due to surviving eggs hatching. Consistent pest control measures will be necessary to address these newcomers.

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

Key Takeaways. 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.

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.

Where do cockroaches go after being sprayed?

Around two to three weeks after an extermination visit, it's normal to see handfuls of dead roaches around your home. Because many products won't eliminate the insects on-site, they could perish as they're foraging or looking for water. Don't fret if you see these pests scattered throughout your home.

How do I permanently get rid of roaches in my apartment?

How to get rid of roaches
  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. ...
  8. Use a syringe to apply gel baits.

How to know roaches are gone?

Droppings are a big sign of roaches. The size depends on the roach species, but you are looking for black or brown droppings that may look like pepper or coffee grounds. If you see feces continuing to accumulate after a pest control treatment, you still have roaches.

What will make a roach come out of hiding?

How to lure cockroaches out of hiding?
  • Use a cockroach bait. Get a few cockroach traps and put them in places you know cockroaches are known to frequent. ...
  • Use water jar. This homemade method has been proven time and time again as an effective way to trap cockroaches.

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.

How to find the queen roach?

Cockroaches lay eggs near food sources just before they are born. Cockroaches do not have queens or well-defined nests. They are group insects that are attracted to resources such as food and water.

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.

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.

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 makes roaches stay away from you?

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.

Will roaches leave if your house is clean?

The idea that roaches only infest filthy homes is a myth. While poor sanitation can contribute to infestations, even spotless homes can attract cockroaches under the right conditions. Environmental factors, such as humidity and nearby landscaping, play a significant role in attracting these resilient pests.

Is there anything that kills roaches instantly?

Ethanol Directly Kills Cockroaches

While white vinegar won't kill those pesky insects, ethanol—also known as common alcohol—will kill cockroaches. Cockroaches are particularly sensitive to ethanol and a direct hit from it will take them down.

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