Cockroaches have adapted over the years, and finding a cockroach killer that works can seem like a mission impossible. Fortunately, there are a few tricks you can try.
The best cockroach killer kill them quickly and don’t require a complicated spray application. We spoke with an entomologist to find the top products that get the job done right.
1. Chemicals
Cockroaches are serious threats to human health, spreading dozens of diseases and triggering asthma in some people. The pests contaminate food, and their saliva, feces and body parts can trigger allergies. They also destroy homes, tarnishing wooden furniture and ruining the appearance of carpets and clothing. Professional cockroach control is expensive, prompting low-income residents to turn to over-the-counter consumer products, such as total release foggers (TRFs, or bug bombs).
TRFs contain chemicals that are released into indoor spaces as gases. They’re popular among people who want to get rid of cockroaches themselves, but they can be dangerous, especially for infants and the elderly. The gases may dissipate in minutes, but they can still irritate the eyes, nose and throat. In addition, TRFs can leave behind toxic residue on counters and cabinets where cockroaches congregate.
A new study by Purdue University scientists warns that cockroaches are rapidly evolving to become “almost impossible to kill with chemicals alone.” When a fraction of cockroach populations survive insecticide treatment, they and their offspring quickly develop immunity to the chemical. And since female roaches can produce up to 50 offspring every three months, the resistance quickly spreads.
A team of researchers tested cockroaches for resistance to bendiocarb, hydramethylnon, flufennoxuron, fipronil, and pyrethroids. The scientists discovered that a large number of cockroaches were resistant to pyrethroids, including the most commonly used pesticides, such as permethrin and deltamethrin. In the case of pyrethroids, cockroaches develop resistance within six months after exposure.
2. Insecticides
Often, when a pest infestation is out of control, homeowners turn to OTC products such as sprays and foggers to get the job done. These over-the-counter options are less effective than professional solutions and can pose health hazards to children and pets.
Insecticides are a critical component of professional-grade cockroach management. These solutions, when used correctly, penetrate into cracks and secluded areas where cockroaches hide and deliver quick and long-lasting kills. These types of treatments should always be combined with other roach-prevention tactics, such as baits and traps, to provide an integrated approach to pest control.
The most common cockroach found in homes is the American cockroach (Blattella americana), which tends to be darker and longer than other species. This peridomestic pest thrives in crawl spaces and can climb to the ground floor of structures. It also commonly infests wood shingle roofs and gutters.
Ensure that this pest doesn’t become an indoor nuisance by eliminating daytime harborage sites with residual sprays, such as those containing chlorfenapyr or acetamiprid. In addition, apply insecticide dusts to dry cockroach harborage areas like wall and cabinet voids.
To prevent re-infestation, rake and remove leaf piles and other organic debris that may serve as a cockroach refuge, clean and sanitize all kitchen sinks and drains, and seal gaps with caulking and weather stripping. If needed, supplemental outdoor roach prevention measures include removing rotting vegetation and implementing exclusion techniques, such as screening and securing garbage cans.
3. Baits
Cockroaches are not the most appetizing of insects, and their gnarly appearance and odor can make them a real turn off. While traps and other roach killing products can work well in some situations, baits are the best way to kill them for good. These baits are placed where cockroaches are most likely to be found, such as in voids and cracks. The ingredients in these products slowly poison a roach over time so that it is unable to function normally, and the pest will die a slow, agonizing death.
Several excellent cockroach bait products are available from commercial and consumer product manufacturers. These include ready-to-use plastic bait stations (usually 12 to a box) and gel-type baits that are applied with a special syringe. Effective cockroach killing ingredients in these products include fipronil, indoxacarb, abamectin, and hydramethylnon.
Some baits also contain insect growth regulators (IGRs) that interrupt the normal development of immature cockroaches, so they are unable to reproduce. In addition, IGRs reduce the toxicity of baits by reducing the absorption rate of the active ingredient.
Regardless of the product type, the frequency of application should be based on monitoring results and label instructions. Baits should be reapplied often enough to ensure that cockroaches consume the poison and die. Moreover, reapplication can help to reduce the spread of resistance. Compared to liquid residual spray products, baits are safer for children and pets, especially those who suffer from respiratory issues. They also eliminate the need for a “clean-out” spray, which involves broadcast application of a liquid residual to all harborage areas and is usually repellent.
4. Heat
Cockroaches are disgusting pests that can spread a host of diseases, exacerbate allergies and asthma, and leave behind harmful bacteria. As such, cockroach infestations must be deal with immediately.
These dark reddish-brown insects with flattened bodies and two antennae are a nightmare to live with and even scare those suffering from katsaridaphobia (the fear of cockroaches). Cockroach killer may also trigger food poisoning, asthma, dermatitis, eye irritation, nausea, and vomiting. In addition, they can leave an unpleasant odor and contaminate food, kitchen utensils, and other household items.
Besides being difficult to kill, cockroaches reproduce quickly and can adapt to different environments. This has made them resistant to several pestemite control methods, including insecticides.
Despite their resilience, cockroaches can be eliminate with the right roach killer. To ensure that you choose the best cockroach killer, consider factors such as form, longevity, time needed to work, price, and whether it’s safe for pets and kids. The Advion Cockroach Gel Bait is our top choice because of its effectiveness and affordability. It’s make in the USA and contains four syringes that can be used to target specific areas of your home. Its active ingredient, indoxacarb, penetrates the cockroach’s nervous system and blocks sodium channels, resulting in dehydration and death. This product is safe to use around family and pets, and it lasts up to 90 days.
