How to Get Rid of Cockroaches in Your Home

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Pest control expert Brandon Runyon explains how to stop roaches and keep them from coming back
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Did you turn on your kitchen light and catch sight of some roaches skittering away? Even if you manage to squish a few, there may be more you haven’t seen yet. The thought of cockroaches hiding in your home may be unpleasant, but you can easily get control over these pests before they start to spread. We interviewed pest control specialists to teach you the best ways to get rid of roaches, how to prevent roaches in the first place, how to tell if you have an infestation, and more. With our help, you’ll be pest-free in no time.

How do you get rid of cockroaches?

Pest control expert Brandon Runyon says sanitation is key for getting rid of roaches. Clean food spills as soon as they happen, and remove as much clutter from your home as possible. Set up bait traps so the roaches bring pesticides back to their nests, or spray them with insecticide to kill them on contact.

Section 1 of 4:

Ways to Get Rid of Roaches

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  1. Step 1 Leave bait stations in problem areas.
    The food in bait stations contains pesticides that slowly kill roaches. Pest control specialist Kevin Carrillo suggests placing gel baits under the lip of a countertop or along the hinges of cabinetry doors, as “those are areas where roaches tend to go for food.”[1] Then, the roaches will carry the poisoned bait back to their nest, which will help get rid of the infestation.
    • Runyon recommends using bait traps rather than sprays to target roaches.[2] Insecticide sprays kill on contact, but they won’t be effective for the roaches that are in hiding.
    • Other places you can put bait stations include along baseboards, under sinks, and in corners.
    • Bait stations may take several weeks to kill all of the cockroaches since their eggs could hatch after you get rid of them.

    Meet the wikiHow Experts

    Brandon Runyon is a board-certified entomologist and pest control expert based in Evansville, Indiana. He has over 18 years of experience.

    Kevin Carrillo is a pest control specialist and the senior project manager for MMPC, a pest control service based in the NYC area.

    Hussam Bin Break is a certified commercial pesticide applicator and operations manager. He is the co-founder of Diagno Pest Control in the greater Philadelphia area.

    Chikezie Onyianta is a pest control specialist and the owner of EcoFusion Pest Control, serving communities in New Jersey, Pennsylvania, and New York.

    Chris Parker is a pest control specialist and the founder of Parker Eco Pest Control, a sustainable pest control service in Seattle, Washington. He has over 8 years of experience.

  2. Step 2 Apply liquid concentrate pesticide near entry points.
    Using liquid roach killer helps you control the toughest infestations. Follow the exact mixing instructions on the pesticide to dilute it properly, since they may vary between brands. Once it’s mixed, use an aerosol sprayer or a mop to apply a thin layer onto the surfaces where you’ve seen the most roaches.[3] Focus on cracks or crevices around your cabinets, spaces under large appliances, and the edges of your basement.
    • Keep pets and children away from any areas where you apply pesticides since they can be toxic.
    • Concentrates can be particularly effective at preventing reinfestation since they usually deter roaches for 1-2 weeks or more.
    EXPERT TIP
    Hussam Bin Break

    Hussam Bin Break

    Pest Control Professional
    Hussam Bin Break is a Certified Commercial Pesticide Applicator and Operations Manager. He and his brother Hussam co-founded Diagno Pest Control in the greater Philadelphia area in 2018, and have since expanded their services to include the New Jersey market. Diagno Pest Control has received Home Advisor's Top Rated and Elite Service Badges for quality of work and customer service.
    Hussam Bin Break
    Hussam Bin Break
    Pest Control Professional

    Our Expert Agrees: Repellants have a greater rate of success and can either eliminate the cockroaches or significantly decrease their presence. Use a heavy-duty method like chemical repellant instead of home remedies.

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  3. Step 3 Kill roaches on contact with insecticide spray.
    Carrillo says over-the-counter insecticide sprays kill roaches directly.[4] Use a spray specifically labeled for roaches since it will be the most effective. Whenever you see a roach, spray the insecticide directly on it to kill it. Apply the spray to cracks and crevices and along baseboards so that any roach that walks through the area gets coated in the insecticide and dies.[5]
    • Follow all safety instructions on the product’s label since they may vary between brands.
    • If you don’t have any insecticide spray on hand, Carrillo says you can also mist the cockroaches with rubbing alcohol to kill them.[6]
    • Since insecticides use chemicals, keep pets and children away from the areas you’ve treated.
    • Pest control professional Hussam Bin Break warns that while these sprays kill on contact, the roaches that are in hiding will sense the chemical, “and it will just make them run away to another room or inside your appliances.”[7] Be sure to have other traps or baits in place for the rest of the infestation.
  4. Step 4 Set out adhesive traps.
    Cockroaches will get stuck as soon as they enter an adhesive roach trap. Set the traps wherever you’ve seen cockroaches, such as in your cabinets, under your sinks, or along the baseboards near entryways. Put the traps in each corner of the room and leave them out for 2–3 days before replacing them.[8]
    • In a pinch, make your own sticky traps by wrapping a piece of cardboard in duct tape so the adhesive is facing out.
    • Keep track of how many cockroaches you catch on each trap so you can see what areas in your home have the biggest pest problems.
  5. Step 5 Sprinkle boric acid in cabinets.
    Boric acid acts as a poison and will dry the roaches out. Dust a thin layer of the boric acid powder into the cracks around cabinets and baseboards.[9] Leave the boric acid for about 1 week before vacuuming it up and replacing it.
    • To attract more roaches to the boric acid, mix in 1 part powdered sugar or flour. Roaches will be drawn to the food source, so they’re more likely to ingest the boric acid.
    • Boric acid isn’t highly toxic to humans and pets, but try to use it only where the roaches will get to it to prevent exposure.
    • Avoid using boric acid outside since it’s toxic to plants.
    • Some people claim to kill roaches with baking soda, or by mixing baking soda and boric acid, but baking soda isn't an effective insecticide.
  6. Step 6 Dust diatomaceous earth into crevices.
    Like boric acid, diatomaceous earth will dehydrate the cockroaches and kill them. Using a bulb syringe, spread a thin, barely visible layer of diatomaceous earth around cracks and crevices so the cockroaches have to walk through it. Try spreading it in other places, too, such as underneath your sinks, along baseboards, and inside cabinets.[10]
  7. Step 7 Repel roaches with essential oils.
    Certain essential oils are toxic to cockroaches. Look for thyme oil, clove bud oil, or citronella oil since they’re the most effective at getting rid of young cockroaches. Spray the essential oil directly on the cockroaches when you see them. Otherwise, just spread the oil around the baseboards where you’ve seen cockroaches most frequently to keep them away.[12]
    • Reapply essential oils once a week so they stay effective against roaches.
  8. 8
    Call pest control if all else fails. Sometimes, an infestation may be particularly large or otherwise difficult to remove. If you’ve already tried killing the roaches yourself and nothing seems to work, it may be time to call a professional. Pest control specialists have access to professional tools and insecticides that aren’t available to the public, so they’ll have a better chance of removing the infestation once and for all.
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Section 2 of 4:

How to Prevent Future Infestations

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  1. Step 1 Deep clean and declutter your home.
    Runyon says “sanitation is key” for preventing cockroach infestations, especially if you’re dealing with German cockroaches.[14] Cleaning up thoroughly eliminates food and hiding spots. Start in the kitchen by washing your dishes and putting away leftover food promptly. Sweep your floors to clean up crumbs, and mop thoroughly to get rid of any residue that’s built up.
    • Put things away in their proper places rather than leaving clutter since roaches could find new places to hide. They’re especially attracted to paper and cardboard in addition to food scraps.
    • Pest control specialist Chikezie Onyianta recommends vacuuming really well to remove any roach carcasses or eggs from previous infestations.[15]
  2. Step 2 Take your trash out regularly.
    Cockroaches will gather around full trash cans. Keep your trash in a can with a lid so cockroaches can’t get to the food scraps inside. Try to take out the trash as soon as it’s full, or after a couple of days so it doesn’t spoil or attract any bugs. Tie up the trash bag and toss it in a receptacle that’s sealed and away from your home.[16]
    • Avoid storing lots of cardboard boxes near your trash can since they make perfect hiding spots for roaches.
  3. Step 3 Store food in airtight containers.
    Cockroaches are drawn to any open food sources in your home. Rather than leaving food out in the open in your kitchen, store it in your fridge or airtight containers. Wipe up any food scraps and crumbs left on your countertops or stove so the roaches don’t come back.[17]
    • If you have a pet, check that their food is sealed and stored too, so the roaches don’t get to it.
  4. Step 4 Seal cracks and entry points.
    Roaches can enter your home through tiny cracks, so it’s important to keep your home well-sealed. Look for cracks and crevices around your windows and doors, and fill them in with caulk. Then, install door sweeps and weatherstripping around any gaps at entryways. Be sure to check your home’s interior and exterior to ensure there aren’t any places roaches could squeeze in.[18]
    • “The average cockroach will like to wedge itself into something that’s only about a millimeter or two thicker than itself,” Carrillo explains, so even if you think a crack is too small for a cockroach to enter, seal it anyway.[19]
  5. Step 5 Get rid of standing water and leaks.
    Carrillo explains that cockroaches often build their nests near water sources, like in your kitchen or bathroom.[20] Keep moist areas as dry as possible. Search for water leaks in your house under your sinks and near any piping, and fix them as soon as you can. Then, just clean up spills right away so roaches aren’t drawn to the moisture.
    • Avoid overwatering houseplants since roaches can be drawn to the water in the soil.
  6. Step 6 Get rid of outdoor clutter.
    Roaches may also be attracted to enter your home because of debris outside your home. Dispose of any leaf piles, grass clippings, and other yard waste since cockroaches are drawn to them. Trim back the plants around your home’s exterior and keep any piles of firewood a few feet away from the wall so roaches don’t have easy access inside.[21]
    • Be sure to clean your gutters and window wells since leaves and other debris could build up.
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Section 3 of 4:

How to Tell if You Have a Roach Infestation

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  1. You’ll likely see roaches or their droppings. The most obvious way to tell if you have roaches is if you see them running around your home. Odds are, if you see one, there are probably more in hiding. Additionally, you may see small, pepper-like droppings or shed skins and egg casings. If the infestation is large, you may even smell a persistent musty, oily odor.[22]
    • If you live in an apartment or you have a next door neighbor, you likely have roaches if they have roaches.
    • Look for roaches in dark, damp, and warm areas. They commonly hide behind appliances, under sinks, inside cabinets, and around baseboards. They may live in your basement, as well.
    • Roaches are more active at night, so you might not see them during the day.
Section 4 of 4:

What attracts roaches?

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  1. Roaches are attracted to food, trash, warmth, and moisture. Pest control specialist Chris Parker explains, “You’re going to find them around anything that puts out heat. So that typically means your dishwasher, your oven, your grease trap in the oven… All insects are cold-blooded, so they need that heat to stay alive.”[23] They’re typically drawn to dark, moist areas and will seek shelter anywhere they can find a food source.
    • Your home doesn’t have to be dirty for you to get roaches. Carrillo explains, “Cockroaches are really good at hitching a ride and coming in on products… You can have roaches delivered at any time, especially if you’re one of those people who store all of your bags under the sink or you keep a big pile of cardboard in your home.”[24]
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How do you get rid of roaches in your house?

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Join the Discussion...

Roaches are ruining my life. How do I get rid of them?!
WikiToadCatcher142
WikiToadCatcher142
I recently moved into a new apartment and discovered there are roaches. We're pretty good about keeping tidy but we've gone into clean overdrive since discovering the roaches. But I'm not sure it's working. We see at least a few a week. We are pretty quick to spray them and have set traps up for them. At what point do I call a pro? What else can I do myself?
Hussam Bin Break
Hussam Bin Break
Pest Control Professional
There are two main kinds of roaches you'll find. The first are German roaches, and these are the ones that live inside of cabinets, behind the fridge, and around the stove. They multiply in huge numbers. You can eliminate them completely by using Raid or a similar repellent. A targeted approach is essential. Usually, you want to isolate the affected area so you can treat the kitchen without making the problem bigger and prevent the roaches from spreading. It's crucial to place bait for the roaches. So you keep applying that for a week or two weeks until you can control the problem.

The other kind of roaches are American roaches or Oriental roaches, also called water bugs, which come out once in a while but are usually found in basements. For these, you can spray some repellant in the basement around the places that you see them come out from because these kinds of roaches live in the sewer, and you cannot kill all the roaches in the sewer. So all you can do is stop them from getting inside your place. Any commercial roach repellent will work.
Chikezie Onyianta
Chikezie Onyianta
Pest Control Specialist
Pest control goes hand in hand with cleaning. Vacuuming up roach eggs, especially with German roaches, is crucial to fully eradicating roaches in your home.
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  • Question
    How do roaches get into your house?
    Kevin Carrillo
    Kevin Carrillo
    Pest Control Specialist, MMPC
    Kevin Carrillo is a Pest Control Specialist and the Senior Project Manager for MMPC, a pest control service and certified Minority-owned Business Enterprise (MBE) based in the New York City area. MMPC is certified by the industry’s leading codes and practices, including the National Pest Management Association (NPMA), QualityPro, GreenPro, and The New York Pest Management Association (NYPMA). MMPC's work has been featured in CNN, NPR, and ABC News.
    Kevin Carrillo
    Kevin Carrillo
    Pest Control Specialist, MMPC
    Expert Answer
    Cockroaches are absolute experts when it comes to hitching a ride into your home. Cockroaches can sneak in from a delivery package, the cardboard cutout for a 6-pack of beer, or airport luggage. Once they're inside, they're there for good and it can be pretty difficult to get rid of them.
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  • Question
    Where do cockroaches hide?
    Kevin Carrillo
    Kevin Carrillo
    Pest Control Specialist, MMPC
    Kevin Carrillo is a Pest Control Specialist and the Senior Project Manager for MMPC, a pest control service and certified Minority-owned Business Enterprise (MBE) based in the New York City area. MMPC is certified by the industry’s leading codes and practices, including the National Pest Management Association (NPMA), QualityPro, GreenPro, and The New York Pest Management Association (NYPMA). MMPC's work has been featured in CNN, NPR, and ABC News.
    Kevin Carrillo
    Kevin Carrillo
    Pest Control Specialist, MMPC
    Expert Answer
    Cockroaches like to hide in small openings that are only 1 or 2 millimeters wider than they are. You can find them at the top of cabinets, behind shelfs, in small openings around baseboards, and behind appliances. This is part of why they're a pain to get rid of; it can be hard to find where the cockroach's nest is.
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  • Question
    Does cockroach bait actually work?
    Kevin Carrillo
    Kevin Carrillo
    Pest Control Specialist, MMPC
    Kevin Carrillo is a Pest Control Specialist and the Senior Project Manager for MMPC, a pest control service and certified Minority-owned Business Enterprise (MBE) based in the New York City area. MMPC is certified by the industry’s leading codes and practices, including the National Pest Management Association (NPMA), QualityPro, GreenPro, and The New York Pest Management Association (NYPMA). MMPC's work has been featured in CNN, NPR, and ABC News.
    Kevin Carrillo
    Kevin Carrillo
    Pest Control Specialist, MMPC
    Expert Answer
    Yes, the over the counter baits and sprays will kill cockroaches. You can always spray them with rubbing alcohol, too. That will kill them pretty quickly.
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Tips

Tips from our Readers

  • If you stay in a motel or other location with a roach problem, be extra cautious not to transfer roaches back home with you. Carefully inspect luggage before packing it and wash all clothing immediately when you return. Store food tightly sealed and keep your space very clean.
  • When spraying pesticides into cracks and crevices, spray until soaked to ensure roaches contacting the surfaces die quickly. However, avoid overusing pesticides and don't continue using them unnecessarily once the infestation is under control.
  • When using boric acid powder or other pesticide dusts, be sure to wear gloves while applying it. Then discard the gloves so roaches aren't attracted to pesticide residue on your hands later. This protects you from exposure.
  • Consider adopting a few geckos and releasing them in your home. Geckos will hunt down roach nests and eat their eggs. This can provide natural pest control. However, be prepared to be startled by the freely roaming geckos!
  • To make a homemade sticky trap, cover a cookie sheet completely with shipping tape, sticky side up. Put sugar or another food in the center as bait. Roaches will be drawn in and get trapped by the tape.
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References

  1. ↑ Kevin Carrillo. Pest Control Specialist. Expert Interview
  2. ↑ Brandon Runyon. Entomology and Pest Control Expert. Expert Interview
  3. ↑ https://extension.msstate.edu/publications/control-household-insect-pests
  4. ↑ Kevin Carrillo. Pest Control Specialist. Expert Interview
  5. ↑ https://entomology.ca.uky.edu/ef614
  6. ↑ Kevin Carrillo. Pest Control Specialist. Expert Interview
  7. ↑ Hussam Bin Break. Pest Control Professional. Expert Interview
  8. ↑ https://ipm.ucanr.edu/PMG/PESTNOTES/pn7467.html
  9. ↑ https://www.pubs.ext.vt.edu/content/dam/pubs_ext_vt_edu/ENTO/ento-528/ENTO-528.pdf
  1. ↑ https://www.pubs.ext.vt.edu/content/dam/pubs_ext_vt_edu/ENTO/ento-528/ENTO-528.pdf
  2. ↑ https://hgic.clemson.edu/factsheet/less-toxic-insecticides/
  3. ↑ https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/28334192/
  4. ↑ Brandon Runyon. Entomology and Pest Control Expert. Expert Interview
  5. ↑ Brandon Runyon. Entomology and Pest Control Expert. Expert Interview
  6. ↑ Chikezie Onyianta. Pest Control Specialist. Expert Interview
  7. ↑ https://www.health.ny.gov/publications/3202.pdf
  8. ↑ https://npic.orst.edu/faq/roach.html
  9. ↑ https://npic.orst.edu/faq/roach.html
  10. ↑ Kevin Carrillo. Pest Control Specialist. Expert Interview
  11. ↑ Kevin Carrillo. Pest Control Specialist. Expert Interview
  12. ↑ https://www.southernliving.com/how-to-keep-roaches-from-house-11813166
  13. ↑ https://npic.orst.edu/faq/roach.html
  14. ↑ Chris Parker. Pest Control Specialist. Expert Interview
  15. ↑ Kevin Carrillo. Pest Control Specialist. Expert Interview
  16. ↑ https://nchh.org/resource-library/IPM_MFH_Ref_Fact_Sheets_2-22-09.pdf
  17. ↑ https://www.health.ny.gov/publications/3202/

About This Article

Brandon Runyon
Co-authored by:
Brandon Runyon
Entomology and Pest Control Expert
This article was co-authored by Brandon Runyon and by wikiHow staff writer, Raven Minyard, BA. Brandon Runyon is a board-certified Entomologist based in Evansville, Indiana. He has over 18 years of experience as a Pest Control professional, and is the Technical Director of Swat Pest Management. Swat Pest Management serves areas throughout Kentucky, Indiana, and Illinois, where they provide safe, cost-effective solutions for client’s pest control needs. He authored Bugged by Bugs: A Comprehensive Guide to Pest Control, a user-friendly guide to commercial pest control practices in hotels, restaurants, apartments, and offices. He graduated from Purdue University with a BS in Entomology, and received a MS in Entomology from The University of Nebraska-Lincoln. He also received an MBA from Western Governors University. This article has been viewed 10,847,146 times.
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Co-authors: 179
Updated: March 24, 2026
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Categories: Featured Articles | Pest Control
Article SummaryX

To get rid of roaches, keep your kitchen as clean as possible to cut off their food source. Wash dirty dishes right after using them, wipe the floors and countertops regularly to get rid of crumbs, and clean up spilled food in your kitchen cabinets. Keep your trash in a sealed bin so roaches can’t get into it. Additionally, make your own cockroach bait by mixing 3 parts boric acid with 1 part powdered sugar. Sprinkle the bait in your kitchen cabinets, behind appliances, and in your pantry. The sugar will attract roaches, and when they eat it, the boric acid will kill them. Make sure to keep children and pets away from your cockroach bait. If you encounter a roach while you’re cleaning or putting out bait, spray it with soapy water to kill it. Keep in mind that it can take weeks or months to get rid of all the roaches in your home, so you may want to hire an exterminator if you can’t wait that long. To learn more about how to set roach traps and use pesticides, continue reading!

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