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How to get rid of cockroaches

The best way to eliminate cockroaches completely is to contact us, the professionals. The cockroach control professionals at Ehrlich have been trained to locate where roach infestations originate. Using the best paste, gel, granular, and liquid cockroach baits available, we find the nests, remove them and provide methods for you to prevent cockroaches from returning.

There are a lot of cockroach control methods that people can use. The problem is that cockroaches are notoriously hard to kill and just two of them can create a lot more. Generally speaking, if you see a couple of cockroaches, there are probably a lot more and they are very good at hiding.

Call us at 800-837-5520 or use our online contact form to schedule an appointment for your free inspection. We will find the cockroach infestation and prevent them from returning.

DIY Cockroach Control

You may decide to try to get rid of cockroaches on your own using DIY products. Although DIY products may appear to offer some immediate control of visible adult cockroaches, they often cannot promise a long-term solution, as they require precise placement.

If a DIY cockroach control treatment is not thorough, cockroach eggs can survive and hatch after one or two months. To control a cockroach infestation effectively, you have to treat the nesting/hiding areas to avoid re-infestation. Ehrlich pest specialists know just where to find these hiding areas and can help you get on your way to being roach-free.

Cockroach prevention tips

Did you know that cockroaches are more active than ever in the summertime? While roaches are certainly a year-round pest, the summer heat encourages them out even more. Most roach species are drawn to warm or moist environments, which is why they frequently inhabit bathrooms, kitchens, and basements.

Many cockroaches are less active in the winter, but rising temperatures encourage them to resume activity. When there is extreme heat, cockroaches that otherwise stay outdoors will flood inside in search of food, water, and shelter. This is why we get so many calls for roach infestations in the summer.

Your property could be an ideal breeding ground for certain species of cockroaches. They have multiple ways they can gain entry through cracks, crevices, vents, sewers and pipe drains. The most effective way to prevent cockroaches is to deny them easy access to food, water and shelter, which are the main factors that attract them into your home or business.

Here are some practical steps you can take to keep cockroaches out and prevent an infestation.

  • Eliminate food sources by storing dry foods in tightly sealed containers or in sealed plastic bags. Do not leave food sitting out on counters or liquids in sinks or buckets.
  • Clean up! Clear all food debris and liquid spillage from food prep areas, under sinks and appliances. Empty your garbage on a daily basis and keep all garbage or compost in sealed bins.
  • Remove pet food as well as water bowls and litter trays before nighttime.
  • Rinse cans, bottles and plastics before putting them in recycling bins.
  • Declutter by removing old stacks of newspapers and magazines, unused cardboard boxes and all other forms of clutter from the floor or bottom of cupboards.
  • Varnish or paint wood shelves to seal them, and wipe them clean regularly.
  • Seal entry points to deny access to cockroaches. Key risks are gaps around pipes, drains and common walls with neighboring properties. Even tiny cracks around skirting boards and behind electrical sockets should be plugged to reduce potential hiding areas. Be sure to seal all windows and doors and install screens.

 

Busting myths: DIY cockroach control

You may decide to try to get rid of cockroaches on your own using DIY products. Although DIY products may appear to offer some immediate control of visible adult cockroaches, they often cannot promise a long-term solution, as they require precise placement.

There are numerous home remedies that claim to help get rid of cockroaches. However, these DIY methods often only provide temporary relief and fail to address the core of the infestation. Here are some of the most common DIY cockroach control methods:

Boric acid

Boric acid is a popular DIY treatment for cockroaches. When cockroaches walk through it, the powder sticks to their bodies and is ingested when they groom themselves. Boric acid can kill cockroaches, but it works best in dry environments and only when applied in the right places, such as cockroach harborage areas (where they hide). However, cockroaches may avoid boric acid if they sense it, limiting its effectiveness.

Diatomaceous earth

Diatomaceous earth is a natural powder that works by damaging the outer cuticle layer of a cockroach’s exoskeleton, causing it to dehydrate and die. While diatomaceous earth is a less toxic option for homes with pets and children, it can be messy and must be applied consistently in cockroach-prone areas to be effective. Like boric acid, it works best as part of a broader cockroach treatment plan.

Traps

Cockroach traps are cost-effective tools for monitoring infestations and identifying high-activity areas. Sticky traps capture cockroaches and help guide pest control efforts but are insufficient for full elimination.

Bait stations, such as Combat Bait Stations, attract cockroaches to consume poisoned bait, which they carry back to the nest, potentially impacting the colony. Both traps and baits are most effective when used as part of a comprehensive pest control plan.

Baking soda

Another common DIY method involves mixing baking soda with sugar to lure cockroaches. The sugar attracts them, and the baking soda reacts with their stomach acid, killing them. While this method can kill a few cockroaches, it’s not a reliable solution for dealing with larger infestations, especially in hidden areas where cockroaches are likely to thrive.

Cockroach spray

Over-the-counter cockroach sprays can kill cockroaches on contact. These sprays may provide quick relief when dealing with visible roach activity but don’t address the entire problem. Cockroach infestations often involve nests hidden in walls, cracks, or other inaccessible areas. Sprays alone won't reach these locations, and cockroaches can develop resistance to certain chemicals over time.

Essential oils

Some people use essential oils, like peppermint or tea tree oil, to repel cockroaches. While these oils can act as mild repellents, they are not powerful enough to eliminate an infestation. They may help keep cockroaches out of specific areas but will not solve the underlying problem of an infestation.

DIY cockroach control treatments are not always thorough, and cockroach eggs can survive and hatch after one or two months. To control a cockroach infestation effectively, you have to treat the nesting/hiding areas to avoid re-infestation. Ehrlich pest specialists know just where to find these hiding areas and how to treat these pesky intruders.

Getting rid of cockroaches in houses

Did you know that cockroaches are more active than ever in the summertime? While roaches are certainly a year-round pest, the summer heat encourages them out even more. Most roach species are drawn to warm or moist environments, which is why they frequently inhabit bathrooms, kitchens, and basements.

Many cockroaches are less active in the winter, but rising temperatures encourage them to resume activity. When there is extreme heat, cockroaches that otherwise stay outdoors will flood inside in search of food, water, and shelter. This is why we get so many calls for roach infestations in the summer.

Your property could be an ideal breeding ground for certain species of cockroaches. They have multiple ways they can gain entry through cracks, crevices, vents, sewers, and pipe drains. The most effective way to prevent cockroaches is to deny them easy access to food, water, and shelter, which are the main factors that attract them into your home or business.

Here are some practical steps you can take to keep cockroaches out and prevent an infestation:

  • Eliminate food sources by storing dry foods in tightly sealed containers or in sealed plastic bags. Do not leave food sitting out on counters or liquids in sinks or buckets.
  • Clean up! Clear all food debris and liquid spillage from food prep areas, under sinks, and appliances. Empty your garbage on a daily basis and keep all garbage or compost in sealed bins.
  • Remove pet food, water bowls, and litter trays before nighttime.
  • Rinse cans, bottles, and plastics before putting them in recycling bins.
  • Declutter by removing old stacks of newspapers and magazines, unused cardboard boxes, and all other forms of clutter from the floor or bottom of cupboards.
  • Varnish or paint wood shelves to seal them, and wipe them clean regularly.
  • Seal entry points to deny access to cockroaches. Key risks are gaps around pipes, drains, and common walls with neighboring properties. Even tiny cracks around skirting boards and behind electrical sockets should be plugged in to reduce potential hiding areas. Be sure to seal all windows and doors and install screens.

Eliminating cockroaches in apartments

Cockroaches like to hide in the midst of clutter, so avoid storing paper bags or newspapers in your cabinets or near the floor. Piles of laundry could also be at risk of harboring this pest. If you notice a leak or deteriorating grout, bring it to your landlord’s attention. Cockroaches are attracted to sources of moisture.

If you are seeing roaches in your apartment, make your building manager or landlord aware of the problem. Other units could be experiencing similar problems, and the building manager will have to take building-wide action. If the cockroaches in your apartment are eliminated but still remain in the building, your problem will only come back. Be wary of using DIY cockroach control methods such as “bug bombs” in apartments, as the chemicals could spill out into other units. It is best to call in the professionals to get rid of cockroaches, especially in a multi-unit building.

Combatting cockroaches in your car

Discovering cockroaches in your car can be an unpleasant surprise. These pests often find their way into vehicles by hitching a ride in groceries, boxes, or other items, and once inside, they can be difficult to remove. 

To tackle the issue, thoroughly clean your car and remove any food wrappers, crumbs, or debris, especially from floor mats, seat cracks, and the trunk. Vacuuming is also essential, as it helps eliminate food particles and cockroach eggs that may be hidden in hard-to-reach areas. 

Furthermore, using cockroach baits or traps inside the car can help catch and kill any remaining pests. Place these traps in common hiding spots, like under seats and in storage compartments. If the infestation is more severe, it’s wise to call in the professionals. Our expert technicians can apply stronger treatments to eradicate cockroaches from your vehicle fully.

 Why contact a cockroach control specialist?

While DIY methods can provide temporary relief, they are rarely enough to eliminate a cockroach infestation completely. Cockroaches are incredibly resilient, and infestations can grow rapidly without proper treatment.

For professional cockroach control, we use comprehensive treatment plans designed to stop cockroach reproduction and eliminate infestations. Our specialists can also identify hidden harborage areas that are often missed and customize treatments to meet the specific needs of your home.

Get rid of cockroaches with Ehrlich

If you have already spotted signs of an infestation, the above steps will help to control an existing problem, but you will also need professional treatment for a reliable, long-term solution. At Ehrlich, we offer the most efficient way to get rid of cockroaches. Backed by over 85 years of experience locally across the U.S. and the world, you can be sure of an effective solution.

Call us at 800-837-5520 to discuss your requirements for effective cockroach prevention in your home or business.

Frequently asked questions

What smells keep roaches away?

Certain smells can help repel cockroaches, though they may not eliminate an infestation. Scents like peppermint oil, eucalyptus, tea tree oil, and citrus are often cited as natural deterrents. However, while these smells may reduce roach activity in specific areas, they aren’t a substitute for thorough cockroach pest control measures.

What is the leading cause of roaches?

Cockroaches are attracted to environments that provide food, water, and shelter. Common causes include dirty dishes, food crumbs, garbage, and unsealed food. Roaches can also enter through cracks and crevices or even hitch a ride in groceries or packages. Moisture from leaky pipes or standing water is another major attraction for roaches.

Can you 100% get rid of roaches?

While it is possible to eliminate a cockroach infestation with the right methods, achieving 100% eradication can be challenging, especially if roaches have had time to establish nests. Effective long-term control involves a combination of sanitation, sealing entry points, and professional-grade treatments. With ongoing prevention and maintenance, it’s possible to keep cockroaches from returning.

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