Cockroaches are one of the most prevalent pests found in homes and apartments. They cause significant issues, particularly in areas where food is prepared and cleanliness is inadequate. Their mere presence is off-putting and uncomfortable for most individuals. They have the potential to pollute food, kitchen tools, and various household belongings, emitting an unpleasant smell.

Due to their ability to move freely from unsanitary places to food sources, cockroaches can transmit harmful microorganisms that lead to food poisoning and various illnesses. Additionally, a considerable number of individuals have allergies to cockroach droppings and the exoskeletons they shed. Allergens produced by cockroaches can result in nasal congestion, sneezing, and teary eyes, as well as potentially life-threatening inflammation of the bronchial tubes (asthma), characterized by recurrent coughing, wheezing, and breathing difficulties. Children residing in densely populated areas with severe infestations are particularly prone to asthma triggered by cockroaches.

Cockroaches find their way into buildings through various means. The widely encountered German cockroach is frequently brought in through infested grocery bags, beverage containers, or furniture. Other species like the American, Oriental, and wood cockroach enter through openings around windows, doors, vents, utility access points, and even in firewood. In apartment buildings and similar multi-unit dwellings, cockroaches can move between units by traversing common walls and ceilings. As a result, while roaches typically thrive in unsanitary conditions, even well-maintained homes can become infested.

Unlike ants, bees, and termites, cockroaches do not live in centralized nests or colonies. However, they do gather in specific areas, attracted by the scents from their feces. These droppings appear as small, pepper-like specks in places of current or past activity. While their appearance might resemble that of bed bug droppings, they can usually be differentiated by their location or other signs of infestation. (Cockroaches rarely gather on beds like bed bugs.)

Cockroaches are more active at night than during the day. During the daytime, they typically hide in cracks and dark, secluded spaces. At night, they come out of their hiding spots to search for food. Cockroaches are not selective eaters and will consume human foods as well as other items like soap, toothpaste, glue, hair, excrement, and filth.

To effectively eliminate cockroaches, it’s important to know where they are hiding. They are commonly found in warm, dark, and moist areas, particularly in kitchens and bathrooms. However, depending on the species and the severity of the infestation, cockroaches can be found anywhere in the home.

The most effective way to manage cockroaches is by employing a mix of methods. As cockroaches thrive in environments with abundant food, moisture, and shelter, maintaining cleanliness is crucial in preventing and addressing issues. It’s essential to promptly clean up spills and food waste, and avoid leaving unwashed dishes, utensils, and pet food overnight. Loose food items should be stored in well-sealed containers. Avoid allowing garbage to pile up, and discard or store stacks of paper bags, cartons, and newspapers in sealed plastic bags.

To deter outdoor species like wood cockroaches from entering buildings, one can use well-fitted window screens and door sweeps. Additionally, sealing cracks and gaps around doors and windows with caulk is advisable. Taking the precaution of sealing openings where plumbing pipes or wires pass through walls or floors using caulk, foam, or copper mesh is also recommended. This approach proves particularly beneficial in apartments, as it helps minimize the movement of cockroaches between adjacent units.

While maintaining a clean household is helpful, insecticides are often necessary to completely eradicate infestations, particularly those involving highly prolific German cockroaches. Cockroaches tend to avoid open areas and prefer dark, hard-to-reach spots near food, warmth, and moisture. Using a bright flashlight during inspections can be beneficial in such cases. It is essential to focus on identifying and treating these preferred hiding places, rather than randomly applying insecticides to visible surfaces like baseboards and countertops. Missing key harborage areas can lead to persistent issues.

Most come in the form of liquid or aerosol sprays, while others are available as edible baits or dusts. Always follow the product instructions carefully to achieve optimal results and ensure safe usage. Many insecticides may require removing food and utensils from treated areas. Doing so often makes the areas more accessible for treatment and prevents potential contamination by the insecticide.

For spray insecticides, it is essential to target the areas where cockroaches prefer to hide, taking into account the specific species. It’s crucial to spray any areas where cockroaches aggregate or leave fecal spotting. Avoid spraying walls, floors, baseboards, and countertops, as cockroaches spend very little time in these areas. (Roaches that happen to cross these surfaces are unlikely to stay long enough to be affected by the insecticide.)

Dust or powder insecticides are used for cockroach control, with boric acid and diatomaceous earth being commonly known to homeowners. Among these, boric acid tends to be more effective in controlling cockroaches. Roaches are affected by boric acid when they crawl over treated surfaces. The tiny particles of powder stick to their bodies and are ingested as they groom themselves. Boric acid retains its potency as long as the dust remains dry.

Boric acid insecticides are sold in bulk cans or plastic squeeze bottles with narrow applicator tips. To achieve the best results, apply the dust as a fine layer that is barely visible to the naked eye. Key areas to apply boric acid for German cockroaches include crevices along the edges and corners of cabinets, the wall/floor junction behind the refrigerator, stove, and dishwasher, and openings where plumbing from sinks enters walls. This area can be treated by puffing powder through preexisting cracks at the top of the kick panel.

Avoid applying boric acid on countertops or any visible surfaces, particularly those used for food preparation. If any powder residue is left, it should be wiped off using a damp cloth. Additionally, refrain from injecting boric acid into electronic devices, as the dust may harm the components.

Using insecticides in the form of baits can lead to better results for most homeowners when dealing with cockroaches. When applied correctly, the effectiveness of these baits can be comparable to professional extermination methods. Cockroach baits are designed with a slow-acting insecticide combined with an attractive food source. The pests discover and consume the bait, then move away to perish. Additionally, even non-exposed roaches may be affected indirectly by ingesting trace amounts of toxic substances found in the sputum and feces of exposed individuals.

There are several excellent cockroach baits available for purchase both in physical stores and online. The effective ingredients in these products include fipronil, indoxacarb, dinotefuran, abamectin, and hydramethylnon.

Proper placement is crucial for successful baiting. For treating German cockroaches, the ideal locations include underneath/around sinks and toilets, behind refrigerators, dishwashers, and stoves, near trash containers, and inside cabinets and storage areas. When using plastic-style bait stations, it’s essential to position them snugly against the corners and edges of cabinets, countertops, etc., as these are the usual paths taken by cockroaches. Placing stations away from edges and corners will result in significantly less effectiveness. To reach challenging areas like the wall-floor junction behind stoves and refrigerators, a broom handle can be used to slide the stations back. Plastic stations are also useful for “de-bugging” toaster ovens and other electronic equipment. By placing a bait station behind or beneath the infested appliance, cockroaches residing inside will be tempted to come out, feed, and eventually be eliminated.

Homeowners can often resolve their cockroach problem by following the recommendations provided in this article. However, some individuals may prefer to seek help from a professional exterminator.

Pest control companies employ diverse approaches to tackle cockroach infestations. Some offer a limited number of treatments, allowing customers to cancel the service if the infestation appears to be eradicated. On the other hand, certain companies mandate a full-year contract for general pest control services, which cover ants, spiders, etc., regardless of the duration required to eliminate the current cockroach problem. Although some clients may desire ongoing services, it should not take an entire year to eliminate cockroaches (particularly in single-family homes) if the treatment is carried out correctly.

During each service visit, the technician should conduct a thorough inspection. When using insecticides, they should be applied to cracks and secluded areas where cockroaches are likely to dwell, instead of directly on baseboards or other exposed surfaces. Many of the insecticides used by professionals to control cockroaches remain effective for several months. Once the infestation is eradicated, there is usually no need for monthly reapplications to maintain control.