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Roaches are the most despised bug in the home. We are so desperate to kill that horrible creepy-crawly that seems almost impossible to kill, we reach for the insect spray in the hopes that just one roach can send us into a frenzy.
While roaches are thought to be tough enough to withstand a nuclear explosion, there are numerous highly effective roach killer products available that may aid you eliminate and manage roaches both indoors and outdoors your property.
The 7 Best Roach Killers
- Syngenta 383920 Advion Cockroach Gel Bait
- Rockwell Labs Invict Gold Cockroach Gel
- Raid Ant and Roach Killer
- Ortho 0196410 Home Defense MAX Insect Killer Spray (Our Top Pick)
- Black Flag Roach Motel Insect Trap
- HARRIS Boric Acid Roach and Silverfish Killer
- Combat Roach Killing Bait
Our Top Pick for the Best Roach Killer
The Ortho 0196410 Home Defense MAX Insect Killer Spray is our top pick for the best roach killer.
The Ortho spray bottle is simple to employ and gives a comprehensive approach to roach extermination. You may also use the spray to protect your property from those nasty-looking roaches, which are a health risk since they can cause blindness. You may apply it anywhere inside and outside your house.
Even the most tenacious of roaches, the German cockroach, is killed by high potent insecticide. If you prefer a more economical method of controlling serious roach infestations, the Ortho spray is also an excellent option. It provides you with a year’s worth of protection. You will, however, have to reapply it every three months.
How To Choose The Best Roach Killer For Your Home
Roach control has always been an essential part of housekeeping. Roaches should be exterminated because they pose a health risk. They have a creepy rustling sound, and some species can even fly, which is more than enough to justify their extermination.
Bacteria and illnesses are carried by them, and they spread them while scuttleing across the surfaces of our living spaces. They can cause allergies and asthma as well as causing food poisoning. They can be difficult to get rid of once they invade your home. A single cockroach might indicate a serious insect problem, such as a massive infestation.
The German cockroach, for example, is a difficult roach to eliminate since it necessitates specific treatment. There are numerous sorts of roaches. The American cockroach, Oriental cockroach, and brown-banded roach are three other common cockroach species.
Get to Know the Active Ingredients in Roach Killer Products
It’s important to remember the toxicity of the substances used in roach killer sprays. The majority of roach exterminators include poisonous chemicals that effectively kill the insects. Yet, if eaten by people or animals like Fipronil, which is found in the Combat Bait stations, they might cause severe medical issues.
If Fipronil is consumed, it may cause sweating, nausea, vomiting, headpains, stomach discomfort, dizziness, weakness, and convulsions.
Several highly successful pesticides, such as Imidacloprid, a very powerful pesticide designed to kill German cockroaches, one of the toughest cockroaches.
Bifenthrin and Zeta-Cypermethrin are two insecticides that work together to kill roaches and other crawling insects. Bifenthrin, which is derived from chrysanthemum flowers, is a wide-spectrum pyrethroid pesticide. Once an insect consumes this deadly chemical, it destroys the nervous system, resulting in paralysis and death. These substances are odorless and non-staining. Once it has dried, the spray is also safe for children and pets to walk on.
German, American, Australian, Brown, Smoky-brown, Oriental, Brown-banded and Asian roaches are all targets for MetaActiveTM. Pest control of this sort is employed by industry, commerce, and households. Because of the high consumption rate by insects, particularly for those cockroaches with a high aversion to insecticides, it is very successful.
Create Roach Killer Exclusion Zones
Any kind of insecticide is harmful to people and animals, whether you pick a fast-acting poison or a low-toxic powder. Thus, applying the product in hard-to-get areas like behind the fridge, underneath the sink, behind cupboards, or along skirting boards is one way to protect yourself and your family. Roaches prefer to hide in places that are out of sight and out of mind, so these are the best places to catch them.
You have a variety of options when it comes to selecting the best sort of roach killer, including one or more variations of roach killers. Several remedies are meant to eliminate a single roach sighting, whereas others may be utilized all around the house and outdoors, eliminating an entire infestation.
So before you call the local cockroach exterminator, there are a few high-quality roach killers that can assist you keep one step ahead of the dreadful creatures.
Types of Roach Killers
Sprays, bait stations or traps, gels, and powders are the four kinds of roach killers available.
Sprays
The most popular roach killer types are aerosol sprays. They’re a very powerful quick-acting knock-down technique for roach control, and you can target particular roaches, particularly big roaches. Since it may be used as a surface spray, certain kinds of sprays, such as Raid, provide you with a longer-term pest removal option. Once you spray on surfaces like the skirting board or behind the fridge, the spray’s residual effect may last up to four weeks before you have to sprat again.
Bait Stations or Traps
Because they provide you with a “no mess and no hassle” strategy to roach control, bait stations or traps are the best approach to kill roaches. The chemical attracts cockroaches to the roach baits, and after they consume it, they die within a few days. The lethal Roach Motel, for example, employs a dual approach to killing.
If any roaches try to flee, the trap is also intended to inflict damage and capture them on the powerful adhesive inside the trap, in addition to drawing them in to eat the deadly bait.
The roaches are not killed instantly by bait stations. Nonetheless, once the poison has been taken by aroach, it is carried back to their colony and disseminated throughout the rest of the roach population.
Gels
Roach killer gels are the ideal product for roaches to hide in hard-to-reach areas. They are very effective at killing little numbers of roaches. Since the poison is securely stored in the tube, you don’t have to be concerned about touching it. The gel can be applied to the interiors and exteriors of your house with the help of the convenient applicator.
Powder
Boric acid powder, a chemical found in the soil, is used in certain roach control products because it is less toxic than roach poison. The powder clings to the roaches’ bodies and legs when they come into touch with it. Once the powder is ingested, it travels via the nervous system and kills them.
The roaches may still appear around your home while this type of pest control works at a slower rate. The powder, on the other hand, takes time to act because it allows the roach to take the poison back to their nest and disseminate it across the whole colony.
There are a couple of things you may do to get rid of roaches in addition to using these kinds of roach killer products.
Five Tips for a Holistic Approach to Roach Extermination
1. Read the Instructions
Before using any roach killer product, make sure you understand the manufacturer’s instructions and use it correctly. When people do not read the instructions, they may miss their intended outcome.
2. Place the Roach Killer in the Right Places
One technique to get the greatest results is to place the baits or apply the gel where you have noticed roach activity if you employ powder, bait stations, or gel. Also, in the kitchen and the bathroom, roaches are drawn to sources of food and moisture. Place the product behind the fridge, in the back, or beneath cupboards or cabinets, near the toilet, or beside the trash can if you use a bait station.
3. Keep Surfaces Clean and Clear of Food Items
At night, roaches are more likely to scurry around our homes. So remember to clean up after supper and wipe down all surfaces, and don’t forget to take the trash out at night.
4. A Handy Tip for Using a Bait Station or a Trap
Bait stations or traps should be left in place for at least a week before being checked if you decide to utilize them. Baits may take a long time to kill roaches because they like to hide in quiet, dark places. So if you can, don’t check the bait every day to resist the urge.
5. Choose the Right Roach Killer for Your Home
It might take a long time to get rid of roaches from your house, and you’ll want to use a variety of products to eliminate them. Sometimes, it’s a matter of elimination to determine which product is best for you. A home defense system may be the perfect option if you have a big house. You might profit from using a gel or a few bait stations if you have a tiny flat.
7 Best Roach Killers – Reviews
1. Syngenta 383920 Advion Cockroach Gel Bait
The German, American, Australian, Smoky-Brown-banded, Brown, and Asian cockroach are all targeted by the Syngenta 383920 Advion Cockroach Gel Bait. You may also attack nasty crawlies, such as spiders, where they prefer to hide, such as in the seams and crannies around your house.
The Syngenta Advion Cockroach Gel Bait can effectively kill seven to ten roaches per day and is effective for up to two years, because the active ingredient is the powerful MetaActiveTM compound used by many pest professionals.
The manufacturer recommends using three to five spots of gel bait per 10 linear feet for heavy infestations, and the gel is very easy to apply and get the best results. For light to moderate infestations, apply one to three spots of gel bait per ten linear feet. The gel bait can be used to pest protect both indoors and out, making it versatile. A single tube or a two, three, five, eight, or 40-pack of gel baits are also available.
Pros
- Highly effective
- The majority of roaches are drawn to it.
- Fast-acting
- Indoors and out, it’s especially effective.
- Easy to use
Cons
- It is possible for roaches to become resistant.
- German Cockroaches have a difficult time understanding it.
- Not effective for large infestations
2. Rockwell Labs Invict Gold Cockroach Gel
If you’ve given up on using other roach gels that appear to have lost their efficacy, and your home is being overrun by those nasty German cockroaches, then try the Rockwell Labs Invict Gold Cockroach Gel.
Because it has been specially formulated to target the German Cockroach species, this gel is very effective at killing and targeting those persistent roaches that seem virtually impervious to poisons. You may deliver the German roaches their eviction instructions with this very effective and fast-acting gel.
Rockwell Labs, a US-based company, usesImidacloprid, a strong chemical, and 11 other attractants to eliminate roaches fast within just a few days of application.
The product includes an extra-long syringe that makes it simple to reach those spots where German cockroaches prefer to hide, including cracks and crevices and behind equipment.
Invict Gold Cockroach German Gel Bait is placed in the tube, which weighs 35g. It’s also a good idea to treat the infected regions of your home with a pea-sized gel. The Rockwell gel is an all-around insecticide that may be used indoors and out. A four-pack of Rockwell Labs Invict Gold Cockroach Gel is available.
Pros
- German roaches are very susceptible to this stuff.
- Roaches are averse to it and can be attracted with ease.
- After a single spray, it kills a large number of roaches.
- Can be used indoors and outdoors
Cons
- It’s easy to dry out gel.
- German roaches are the only species that can be killed.
- For large infestations, this isn’t the best solution.
3. Raid Ant and Roach Killer
With a strong spray that kills roaches on contact and has a residual effect that lasts for up to four weeks, the Raid Ant and Roach Killer provides you with a “hands-on” approach to getting rid of them. Imiprothrin (0.060%) and Cypermethrin (0.100%) are well-known insecticides that effectively kill pests that seek to invade your home, and the active ingredient in the Raid spray is Imiprothrin.
The aerosol can be sprayed directly along skirting boards behind furniture, cupboards, and fridges, all of which are dark places where roaches like to hide. In addition to being able to kill them on contact, it is also easy-to-use. Ants, waterbugs, silverfish, crickets, spiders, and the Multicoloured Asian Lady Beetle are all susceptible to the Raid insecticide spray. The spray has a nice fragrance that doesn’t leave a chemical scent behind.
Pros
- for the money, it’s a great deal
- Very effective
- Fast-acting
- Contact and surface spray are combined in this dual-purpose product.
- Pleasant odor
Cons
- Not a good fit for large infestations.
4. Ortho 0196410 Home Defense MAX Insect Killer Spray
Then pick the Ortho 0196410 Home Defense MAX Insect Killer Spray if you have a substantial roach infestation that you do not want to waste your hard-earned money on. Bifenthrin and Zeta-Cypermethrin are a powerful combination of chemicals that can kill roaches, and the 24-ounce compact spray bottle contains a fast-acting formula. It’s also odorless and non-staining.
When it has dried, the spray is safe for children and animals to walk on.
Ortho can be sprayed around the exterior of your house and kill 130+ additional insects, including stink bugs, beetles, earwigs, fleas, house centipedes, millipedes, scorpions, silverfish and ticks. In addition to being extremely successful at killing roaches inside your home, Ortho may be used to kill roaches all over your property.
Spray the insecticide inside and outside your home on non-porous surfaces to get the best results. Every three months, apply it to your property to create an anti-roach and insect barrier that will protect it for up to 12 months.
For three months of indoor protection, apply a 4-inch barrier around window and door trims, baseboards, and cupboards in your kitchen as well as in your bathroom and garage.
Spray a 12-inch barrier around the perimeters and foundations, doors, and window trims for up to three months of complete insect control for extra protection.
Pros
- Very affordable
- For exterminating roaches, this is quite effective.
- Can kill 130+ insects
- Once it has dried, it is safe for children and pets to walk on.
- Indoor and outdoor protection are provided by this product.
- Non-staining
- Odor-free
Cons
- If used during rainy weather, it isn’t very effective.
- After three months, you’ll need to reapply.
5. Black Flag Roach Motel Insect Trap
The Black Flag Roach Motel Insect Trap 12-pack is a good option for managing minor roach infestations if you want a “no-mess and no-fuss” sanitary technique to exterminate roaches.
The attractant used in the insect trap is extremely attractive to roaches. The consequence is a deadly stay at the roach motel, with the trap designed to hurt them and hold them fast in the powerful glue within. It is a harsh but very effective way to exterminate roaches.
Since you don’t have to be concerned about unsightly insect bodies polluting your living areas, the baits do their killings in secret. Just place the Roach Motel baits behind and underneath big appliances like fridges and freezers, as well as kitchen cabinets, in the basement or garage, or any other dark area where roaches like to hide around your house, and you’ll start to see dead roaches within a few days.
The bait is securely contained inside the packaging, making the traps both pet and child safe.
Pros
- Cockroach elimination using a simple, no-fuss technique
- Good value for money
- Good quality
- Ideal for a small roach infestation
- Other insects can be attracted and killed by it.
- Pet and children friendly
Cons
- This isn’t the best solution for a large infestation.
6. HARRIS Boric Acid Roach and Silverfish Killer
The HARRIS brand is well-known for producing high-quality pest control. Since 1924, they’ve been producing bug sprays. HARRIS’ proprietary Food Grade Lure is included in the Original and Best, the 16-ounce HARRIS Boric Acid Roach and Silverfish Killer. As a result, this powder is one of the best roach killers. It can be used for both home and non-home projects, indoors and out.
The substance is regulated by the EPA, in addition to being able to kill roaches and other crawling insects. It is therefore ecologically friendly, with a low emission and toxicity level for humans and animals. If it is consumed or inhaled, though, it is still a dangerous product. Apply it out of the reach of children and pets to ensure that they don’t get it.
Roaches are attracted to the powder, which dries their skins out. Within just a few days, you’ll start to see the benefits. Make sure to apply the acid powder in accordance with the manufacturer’s instructions for optimal results. Apply the boric acid product liberally around your home, around appliances and cabinets, in the dishwasher, behind baseboards, or with the convenient applicator.
Outside, on the pavement outside your apartment, or in the cracks along the pathway around your house, or wherever you’ve seen roach activity, you can even use the powder. When you apply the powder, keep an eye on it because it can go everywhere. As a result, it’s recommended to use the applicator. When you are working in a small area, it’s also a smart idea to wear a face mask to avoid inhaling the fumes.
Pros
- Very good quality
- Roaches and other pests are effectively killed by it.
- Great price
- Made in the US
- Long-lasting
- EPA-registered product
- Comes with an included applicator.
Cons
Not ideal for large roach infestations
- Does not work on large outdoor roaches
- It isn’t good for large roach problems.
7. Combat Roach Killing Bait
Targeting roaches where they like to hide is one way to effectively eliminate them. Each bait in the Combat Roach Killing Bait is effective for three months and may be used to kill nasty creepy crawlies 24 hours a day. Place the baits behind the fridge, under the sink, behind equipment, and outside near the trash bin to get the best outcomes.
Large baits are purpose-built to draw huge roaches, and they not just catch the roaches visible but also the ones that may be lurking outside your residence, eager to invade your living area.
The Combat bait stations attract insects by emitting an alluring odor. They return the poison to the nest, killing all of the birds in the process, once they arrive at the station and consume Fipronil, a powerful insecticide.
You must place the bait station where children (and animals) cannot access them, despite the fact that it is child-proof. Eight separate bait stations are included in the Combat pack.
Pros
- It is a very good deal.
- Roach killer of high quality
- Targets large roaches
- For modest infestations, insecticide is the best solution.
- Individual roaches and the nest are both targets.
Cons
- Not the best method for severe infestations
- German cockroaches should not be exposed to
Our Top Pick for the Best Roach Spray
The Ortho 0196410 Home Defense MAX Insect Killer Spray is our top pick for the best roach killer.
The Ortho spray bottle is simple to apply thanks to a holistic approach to roach extermination. You may also use it to protect your house from those nasty-looking roaches, which pose a health risk as well as allow you to apply the spray anywhere throughout your home, indoors and outdoors.
Even the most tenacious of roaches, the German cockroach, is killed by the high-potent insecticide. If you want a more cost-effective way of battling severe roach infestations, the Ortho spray is also an option. It offers you a year of coverage. You’ll have to reapply it every three months, though.