How to Get Rid of Cockroaches in Your Home
- 1). Use a cockroach fogger. Foggers release a mist of pesticide into the air that kills cockroaches. Carefully follow the manufacturers' directions. Foggers may damage or destroy furniture. Vacate the premises -- foggers pose significant health risks to humans and pets. Remove items -- especially food, dishes and eating utensils -- from the kitchen area before fogging.
- 2). Apply a gel bait that kills cockroaches. Gel baits are effective against nearly every household cockroach in North America, including the notorious German cockroach. Apply gel in cracks and moist areas where cockroaches congregate. Read and follow all label directions; gel baits are easy to misapply and are extremely toxic.
- 3). Try an electronic cockroach killer. Electronic roach repellents don't contain the harmful chemicals that other approaches do, rather they administer an electronic ultrasonic or electromagnetic sound wave. Electronic cockroach repellent/killers may harm pets' hearing and many pest control professionals are leery of their efficacy.
- 4). Prevent infestation. Don't leave food and dirty dishes out. Take the trash out daily. Frequently vacuum your home to prevent infestation and to remove particles that cockroaches may eat. Inspect grocery bags and boxes introduced into the home, as cockroaches often enter the home in packaging materials. Close doors and windows to deny entry to cockroaches. Repair leaks in sinks and bathrooms that attract cockroaches. Eliminate standing water, mulch and firewood near the house.
- 5). Consult a professional. Every do-it-yourself option for getting rid of cockroaches in your home comes with drawbacks and may not kill every single roach in your home.
