How to Get Rid of Roaches. Step-by-Step Guide.

Cockroaches are one of the most revolting and stubborn household pests. They contaminate food sources, spread bacteria, and leave an awful stench in their wake. While getting rid of an existing roach infestation takes diligence, there are effective ways to eliminate these critters for good and keep them from returning. This guide outlines safe and proven methods for eradicating cockroaches from your home through a multi-step approach.

Part 1: Preparing for Roach Extermination

1. Identify the type of cockroach you’re dealing with. This will help determine the best extermination methods. The two most common household cockroaches are:

• German cockroaches – Tan/light brown in color and 1⁄2 to 5⁄8 inch (1.3 to 1.6 cm) long.
• American cockroaches – Reddish-brown and 1 1⁄2 to 2 inches (3.8 to 5 cm) long.

2. Locate areas where cockroaches are nesting. Look for cockroach feces (small black pepper-like specks), shed body parts, egg cases, and live insects. Common nesting spots include:

• Behind refrigerators, stoves, and dishwashers
• Under sinks
• In cracks and crevices in cabinets
• Around drains and pipes
• In basements and crawl spaces

3. Reduce clutter to remove potential hiding spots. Get rid of any piles of papers, boxes, or other debris where cockroaches may nest. Discard any items you no longer need to streamline extermination efforts.
4. Seal cracks and crevices to prevent roaches from spreading. Use caulk to fill any openings larger than 1⁄16 inch (0.16 cm) where cockroaches could enter or travel between walls and rooms. This makes it easier to target the infestation.

Part 2: Exterminating Cockroaches

1. Use insecticide sprays to kill roaches on contact. Ready-to-use insecticide sprays containing pyrethrins or pyrethroids work quickly to eliminate cockroaches. Spray along baseboards, under appliances and cabinets, and in any cracks or crevices where you see roaches.

• Avoid spraying near food prep areas.
• Make sure to ventilate the area during and after use.

2. Apply insecticide gels to kill roaches over time. Insecticide gels like Maxforce are extremely effective at wiping out large roach infestations. They contain a bait matrix that roaches consume and spread to others through cross-contamination.

• Use a caulking gun or basting brush to place small dime-sized dots of gel wherever you’ve seen roach activity.
• The active ingredients (hydramethylnon or fipronil) disrupt the roaches’ digestive system, causing death in 1-2 weeks.

3. Place roach bait stations in problem areas. Bait stations like Combat traps contain a poisonous bait matrix that roaches take back to the nest, decimating the entire colony. Place stations along baseboards and near water sources.

• Check stations monthly and replace when bait is depleted.
• Some station designs allow you to see how much bait is being consumed.

4. Use boric acid as a natural alternative. Boric acid is a relatively low-toxicity mineral powder that damages the exoskeleton of roaches and causes dehydration and death.

• Make a boric acid solution by mixing 1 part boric acid powder to 1 part white sugar and 8 parts water.
• Use a turkey baster to squirt the solution into cracks, under baseboards, behind appliances, etc.
• Re-apply every few weeks as it loses effectiveness.

5. Try diatomaceous earth for another natural option. This fine powder made from fossilized algae lacerates an insect’s exoskeleton when it comes into contact, causing dehydration.

• Lightly dust diatomaceous earth in dry areas where you see roach activity like wall cracks and cabinet voids.
• Avoid getting it wet, as it becomes ineffective when saturated.
• Reapply after cleaning, vacuuming, or any activity that may disrupt the powder.

Part 3: Preventing Future Infestations

1. Keep counters, sinks, and floors free of crumbs or spills. Roaches need food and water sources to survive. By keeping kitchen surfaces clean, you remove attractants.

• Wipe down all food prep areas daily.
• Sweep and mop floors frequently.
• Store food in airtight containers.

2. Fix any moisture problems to eliminate roach breeding grounds. Cockroaches thrive in moist environments and use standing water to breed.

• Repair any leaks under sinks or around tubs/showers.
• Use a dehumidifier in damp basements or crawl spaces.
• Ensure proper ventilation in bathrooms and kitchens.

3. Seal potential entry points around the home. Cockroaches can slip through incredibly tiny gaps, so seal up any openings they may use.

• Caulk cracks around windows, doors, pipes, and utility lines.
• Install door sweeps on exterior doors.
• Seal gaps around chimneys and attic vents.

4. Take out garbage frequently and use tight-fitting lids on trash cans. Leaving trash bags out or using open trash cans creates food sources for roaches.

• Use bungee cords or clamps to secure trash can lids.
• Rinse recyclables before storing to remove food residues.

5. Inspect boxes and packages for roach hitchhikers. These pests can stow away in grocery bags, moving boxes, and deliveries, leading to new infestations.

• Use a bright flashlight to check packages before bringing them inside.
• Pay special attention to used boxes and crates.

By following this thorough regimen of extermination and prevention tactics, you can successfully eliminate even the worst cockroach infestation over time. Stick with an integrated approach until you’ve gone months without seeing a single roach. Only then can you rest easy, being sure these filthy critters won’t be back to bug you.