Best Roach Killers

(Left) Combat roach Bait (Middle) Orthos Insect Barrier (Right) Comabt Roach Killing Gel (Illustration by The Epoch Times, Amazon)

Are roaches causing persistent issues for you at home? Find the most efficient roach killers to eliminate these stubborn pests and reclaim your peaceful environment.

It is said that cockroaches will be the last species of the animal kingdom to disappear. And not for nothing; cockroaches are among the most resilient creatures on the planet and have the ability to reproduce very quickly. That is why it is so difficult to get rid of a cockroach infestation.

However, it is possible to get rid of cockroaches without much effort, as long as you use the right roach killers. Keep reading to learn the best method to use Roach Killers; if you apply them, you will end this kind of problem!

The best way to get rid of a cockroach infestation is to act as soon as possible! The first roach you see, don’t hesitate to deal with it.

There are many different types of roach killers, and the best one for you will depend on your particular case.

In this article, we will tell you which are the best roach killers, with their details, ways to use them properly, and pros and cons so you can choose which one is the best for you!

We will also tell you some tips and facts you need to know if you have this creepy situation.

The Breakdown:

• Terro T500 Multi-Surface Roach Baits
• Advion Cockroach Bait Sand
• Combat Max Roach Killing Gel
• Terro T502 Roach Bait Gel
• Ortho Insect Barrier
• Catchmaster Spider & Insect Glue Traps
• Terro T530 Roach Bait Powder
• Combat Roach Killing Bait
• HARRIS Boric Acid Roach Powder

Terro T500 Multi-Surface Roach Baits

Terro T500 Roach Baits

Terro T500 Multi-Surface is one of the best options to eliminate roaches and that’s why it is in the first place of our top. It is one of the best roach killers to use indoors. It comes in tablet form inside a small clear cover box, 

The bottom contains a glue strip so you can place it in the best spot!

How to use Terro T500 Multi-Surface Roach Baits?

• The first thing you need to do is to make sure you clean the areas where you have seen roaches present. This is to eliminate any other food sources that may distract them from going to the bait. So you must be very careful not to leave sugar, crumbs, grease, or any other food within reach of the cockroaches.
• Then you must place the bait in the places where you detect the presence of cockroaches. The position of the box does not matter; it can be upside down, stuck on the wall, or on any surface.
• Check the station frequently and when you see that there is no more bait, replace it with a new one.

Bonus Tip

One of the things that make this roach killer one of the best is that its bait is composed of proteins that attract cockroaches. So, at first, it is normal if you start noticing an increased population of the pest.

The cockroaches would die soon after eating the bait, though not immediately, so don’t worry either if you don’t see many carcasses around the bait.

$9.99 - $19.88 At Amazon (Price at Time of Publishing)

Below are some of the pros and cons of Terro T500 Roach Baits :

Pros

The glue on the adhesive strips is of excellent quality, allowing you to place the stations anywhere. This gives you the opportunity to place them in discreet places, such as under a cabinet, or behind a piece of furniture. And your guests won’t know about the battle you’re fighting.

• The clear cover allows you to see when it’s time to replace the bait without having to open the station. This is perfect for those who have a phobia of these animals, as you won’t have to touch the station other than to put it in and take it out.
• Its design is easy for cockroaches to access, but protects the bait from other animals, such as dogs and cats, making it a great choice if you have a pet.

Cons

• Terro T500 Multi-Surface Roach Baits is among the best roach killers and among the friendliest to use inside the home. However, its effect is not immediate, so remember to be patient. It may take a few weeks before the pest is controlled.

Advion 68663 Cockroach Bait Arena

Advion Cockroach Bait Sand

Advion 68663 Cockroach Bait Arena is another one of the best roach killers in station form. It is very similar to Terro T500 Multi-Surface Roach Baits. 

It comes in a plastic capsule that contains a bait pellet and a glue strip on the back to place it on a wall or other surface.

It’s also great for indoors and features an unobtrusive design, so the station won’t be too noticeable in your decor.

How to use Advion 68663 Cockroach Bait Sand:

The application is the same way as with any cockroach bait trap.

1. First, identify the areas with the highest presence of cockroaches.
2. Then, clean the surfaces where the tablets will be placed to keep them free of other food. Remember that if the roaches have another food source, the bait will be less attractive to them.
3. Check the station regularly and replace it whenever the bait runs out.

Bonus Tip

Once you have controlled the pest, you can continue to place stations in common hiding places to prevent their reappearance.

If you have been able to detect where they are coming from, it is also a great idea to place a station there.

$21.99 At Amazon (Price at Time of Publishing)

Below are some of the pros and cons of Advion Cockroach Bait Sand :

Pros

• The plus that makes this product one of the best roach killers is its formula. It contains indoxacarb, a slow-acting active ingredient. This means that roaches infected with the active ingredient will have time to transfer the bait to their colony, either through feces or contact with other roaches. Killing them from the nest.
• It is inconspicuous to the eye and easy to place.
• In addition, the tablet is long-lasting and leaves no residue or odor.

Cons

• As with all roach killer baits, the effect of the bait will take a few days to be noticed so you have to be patient.
• The presentation of these baits comes in packs of 12 tablets. So maybe it is not the best option if you have the problem at home and it is mild and you only need a few seasons.
• But on the other hand, if you need to get rid of the pest in a larger place like your business, or if your problem is serious, this may be the perfect product for you.

Combat Max Roach Killing Gel

Combat Max Roach Killing Gel

Another of the best roach killers in gel form is Combat Max Roach Killing Gel.

Its syringe design makes the application of the gel very easy and precise. This will help you get the most out of every ounce so you get the most out of the gel. It will also allow you to reach even the smallest corner.

How to use Combat Max Roach Killing Gel?

Using it is very simple, just follow these steps.

1. Remove the cap from the tip.
2.  Place the tip on the surface you want to cover and press.
3.  You can cover the entire surface or leave dots in a line with 2 or 3 centimeters of separation between each one.
4. Cap the tube after use to keep the product in optimal condition.
5. Check regularly and reapply if the gel is no longer visible or is considerably reduced. The duration time depends on the size of the pest being attacked.

Bonus tip

Once you have solved your problem, wipe the surfaces where you applied it with a damp paper towel and discard the gel afterward.

Do not combine this method with other insecticides, as you may alter the effect of the bait and make it less effective.

$9.84 At Amazon (Price at Time of Publishing)

Below are some of the pros and cons of Combat Max Roach Killing Gel :

Pros

• This roach killer is perfect for places where you can’t place a trap station.
• Protect even the smallest corner of your house. It is very easy to place in cracks or narrow places, so there will be no place in your house that gives respite to cockroaches.
• Its active ingredient is slow to function, so cockroaches infected with the bait will infect others before dying. This way you fight the entire pest, and not just the one that falls into the bait trap

Cons

• Combat Max Roach Killing Gel can cause irritation if it comes in contact with skin or eyes, so be very careful when using it.
• Its odor may attract animals, such as cats or dogs, and if ingested, it may be harmful to your pet. Make sure you put it in a place outside your pet’s reach.

Terro T502 Roach Bait Gel

Terro T502 Roach Bait Gel

In the effective form of roach-killing bait gel, Terro T502 Roach Bait Gel is an essential weapon for tackling severe roach problems. Its powerful formula positions it as one of the best solutions in this category.

It comes in a spray gun bottle with a thin nozzle to reach those hard-to-reach places.

You will start to notice a difference in the pest population just two days after application, as its effects begin to show quickly.

How to use Terro T502 Roach Bait Gel

As we said, using this roach killer is very easy:

1. Remove the locking tab at the bottom and twist to select the bait output intensity.
2. Remove the cap and apply light pressure to the plunger to start the product coming out. Bait placements should be inspected periodically and reapplied as needed.
3. Wash your hands thoroughly each time you handle the product

Bonus Tip

Take advantage of the design of this roach killer and apply the gel in the hollow spaces of your floors and walls. Don’t forget to put some on plumbing, and around doors and windows.

Consistency is your ally! So don’t forget to check the cellulose continuously and reapply as soon as you notice it diminishing.

$15.15 At Amazon (Price at Time of Publishing)

Below are some of the pros and cons of Terro T502 Roach Bait Gel :

Pros

• The biggest advantage of this roach killer is that it can be placed in tight places where other types of traps cannot be placed, for example, between cracks or built-in furniture. What you need to know are the favorite hiding places of cockroaches.
•  It is easy to use and leaves no residue after application, thanks to its adjustable flow nozzle.
• Its brown color not only makes it easy to know when it’s time for more bait but also makes it inconspicuous to the eye.

Cons

• Terro T502 Roach Bait Gel is one of the best indoor roach killers. However, if you have pets or small children at home, make sure to place the product where they cannot reach it. This is important, as it can be harmful to your health if ingested.

Ortho Home Defense Max Indoor Insect Barrier

Ortho Home Defense Max Indoor Insect Barrier

This roach killer serves a dual purpose. It not only kills the insects upon contact but also creates a protective barrier to keep pests away.

It has a relatively long duration, with its effects lasting up to 12 months, although the actual duration may vary depending on the texture of the applied surface.

This roach killer is effective against a wide range of insects such as : cockroaches, ants, spiders, fleas, ticks, scorpions, beetles, earwigs, silverfish, centipedes, millipedes, and other common household insects.

Ortho Home Defense Max Indoor Insect Barrier comes in a new, almost professional sprayer form that comes with a spray wand that does not require pumping. Just push the button on the wand and the product starts to come out.

How to use Ortho Home Defense Max Indoor Insect Barrier?

1. Spray the contents where you have identified where the roaches or insects you want to attack are located.
2. Kitchens, bathrooms, and dark, damp places are key locations.
3. For use as a preventative treatment, spray Ortho Home Defense Max around doors and windows.
4. You can also spray it in drains or holes where you think insects may be entering your home.

Bonus tip

• This roach killer is not a knockout. Do not expect to see cockroaches die instantly when sprayed with it. Ortho Home Defense Max infects the insects with a slow-acting poison that can take hours to kill them. This allows the roaches to carry the poison to the nest and infect it.
• Keeping your home as clean as possible will make exterminating pests much easier. Be sure to let the product dry before your pet or a person enters the treated area.

$22.99 At Amazon (Price at Time of Publishing)

Below are some of the pros and cons of Ortho Home Defense Max Indoor Insect Barrier:

Pros

• Effective against a wide range of household insects
• The quick-drying formula leaves no stains or odors.
• Easy and convenient to apply: with the spray wand you can reach hard-to-reach places.
• Thanks to its continuous one-touch flow, you also save yourself back pain from bending over and the fatigue of continually pressing the trigger of the expander.
• It creates a protective barrier for up to a year.

Cons

• While its design is quite comfortable, it has one small drawback. Due to the absence of an air pump, the jet pressure tends to decrease as the product runs out, potentially leading to some wastage.
• While the directions for use recommend it for both outdoor and indoor use, it works best for indoors.

Catchmaster Spider & Insect Glue Traps

Catchmaster Glue Traps

As far as glue traps go, Catchmaster is one of the best roach-killing products. The package comes with 30 traps, which will allow you to cover a large area. They are very effective, and you don’t need additional bait as they contain a scent that attracts roaches to them.

How to use Catchmaster Spider & Insect Glue Traps?

• Using these traps is very easy. Just place them in key locations. For example in damp, dark places where cockroaches normally live.
• You can use the adhesive backing on the roach killer for more placement options.

Bonus tip

A great tip for this type of roach killer is to first leave the trap with the paper covering the glue so that the insects get used to the trap. After a day, you can remove the paper.

$13.00 - $16.99 At Amazon (Price at Time of Publishing)

Below are some of the pros and cons of :

Pros

• Catchmaster traps are safe, non-toxic, and non-soiling.
• You can fold the trap into a tunnel shape to protect it from dust or other debris to ensure that the glue continues to work.
• When placed in an area with normal conditions, the sticky traps can last up to a year.

Cons

• Baited insect and roach traps are an effective alternative to stand-alone sticky plates that may not hold up in damp areas such as basements or bathrooms.
• Catchmaster Spider is a clean, economical pest control solution. However, it will only eradicate the cockroach infestation in cases of mild infestation. If your problem is moderate or serious, you will need to combine this method with another method that attacks the cockroaches at the nest.

Terro T530 Roach Bait Powder

Terror T530 Roach Bait Powder

Another of the most effective presentations to kill cockroaches is the poison in powder form. Terror T530 Roach Bait Powder is one of the best cockroach killers in this type of product.

In addition, this roach killer is also useful for other types of pests, such as ants or silverfish.

Its design features an extremely thin applicator and a 360-degree nozzle that allows for effective and powerful placement. Each tube holds approximately 150 bait placements.

How to use it?

To apply the powder efficiently follow these steps:

1. Slightly shake the tube before removing the cap.
2. Hold the applicator tube parallel to the ground, pointing away from you.
3. Squeeze the tube only once per bait placement.
4. For light infestations place 4-6 applications of bait per 100 square feet. For more severe infestations, 12 to 24 placements per 100 sq. ft. area is recommended.

Bonus Tip

Terro T530 Roach Bait Powder is an excellent ally in the fight against cockroaches because it gets into the nooks and crannies of your home. However, if your problem is getting serious, you will need other products that cover a larger area.

$7.54 At Amazon (Price at Time of Publishing)

Below are some of the pros and cons of Terro T530 Roach Bait Powder :

Pros

• The applicator is perfect for placing bait in small holes or tight crevices.
• Designed for indoor and outdoor use.
• Effective against other types of pests as well (ants, silverfish, earwigs). 
• 360-degree applicator design for 100% effective application.

Cons

Terror T530 Roach Bait Powder’s plastic bottle and spray nozzle are designed to reach the smallest nooks and crannies and the most hidden cockroach hiding places. 

While their slim and small design is excellent for specific tasks, covering a very large area might become time-consuming and laborious.

Combat Roach Killing Bait

Combat Roach Killing Bait

Combat Roach Killing Bait stations are a great choice, especially when dealing with larger roach species, given their substantial size. They are very easy to use and extremely effective on mild to moderate pests.

The package includes eight stations. Its formula contains hydramethylnon, a metabolic inhibitor, and sorbic acid, which has been proven as one of the most effective ingredients for killing cockroaches.

How to use Combat Roach Killing Bait?

1. Locate places where cockroaches are commonly present.
2. Place a station in each of these locations. If, for example, cockroaches are more prevalent in the kitchen, you can place more than one station in this area. Change the station as indicated in the instructions on the back of the package.

Bonus tip

• If your problem is getting more severe, don’t forget to place Combat Roach Killing Bait stations under sinks, behind toilets, and behind appliances. These are some of the places roaches love to hide.
• Always remember to wash your hands every time you touch the station.

$7.62 At Amazon (Price at Time of Publishing)

Below are some of the pros and cons of Combat Roach Killing Bait :

Pros

• The baits are easy to use and do not require activation.
• Its size makes it ideal for large roaches, but it is also effective against other pests such as some kinds of bed bugs.
• Its slow-acting effect allows the cockroach to carry the poison to its nest and share it with other cockroaches. This allows the bait to reach a larger target population.
• Its effect is long-lasting.
• The bait is completely odorless.
• A season can last up to 3 months, but this will depend on the size of the pest population.

Cons

• As with other roach killers of this type, you will have to be patient and wait 2 weeks to see results.
• Unlike other stations, the design of the Combat Roach Killing Bait capsule is not transparent, which is good for concealing it from visitors, but you will need to open the capsule regularly to know if it is time to change it
• The product could be harmful to children and pets, so be sure to keep them out of reach.

HARRIS Boric Acid Roach Powder

HARRIS Boric Acid Roach Powder

Harris Boric Acid is another one of the best roach-killing powders to combat this pest. This is because it contains an element that is attractive to cockroaches. So, it should not come as a surprise if you observe more insects in the first few days after application.

It also contains boric acid, which is proven to be very effective for the control of this type of pest since boric acid acts by interfering with the cockroach’s digestive system.

In a few days, you will see how the pest population decreases. Insects that come in contact with the powder will die within 72 hours after contact.

How to use HARRIS Boric Acid Roach Powder?

1. Shake the container well before use.
2. Apply a layer of powder where you have identified the presence of cockroaches.
3. Don’t forget to apply behind the refrigerator, microwave, stove, or any other place where a nest may be found.

Bonus tip

Keeping a clean environment is your best ally in the fight against cockroach infestations. And in this case, keeping it dry is also important.

$6.99 At Amazon (Price at Time of Publishing)

Below are some of the pros and cons of Harris Boric Acid Roach Powder :

Pros

This roach killer is long-lasting. It continues to kill roaches and other insects for weeks after application.

Application is easy and fast, thanks to its design. Moreover, it provides easy access to areas other applicators cannot reach.

This product is registered with the Environmental Protection Agency (No. 3-10) in the U.S. So you can be sure it is safe for use in homes and around your pets.

Cons

• HARRIS Boric Acid Roach Powder needs to be completely dry to work. So if you live in an area with high humidity, this may not be your best choice.
• Wind can also be a challenge when using this product, as it may be blown away from the intended area.

FAQs:

What is the most effective roach killer?

The most effective roach killer is the one that suits your specific needs. This list includes some of the best products on the market, each with its own unique qualities.

But the most important thing is that you know how to recognize the situation you are in, and that you are well informed about how this pest behaves.

Having good information will allow you to know which roach killers are best suited to your needs.

The first thing you need to recognize is the size of the problem you are facing, i.e., the size of the pest population. If the problem is just beginning, a roach killer placed in strategic places will be enough.

But if your problem is moderate or serious, you should consider covering a larger area with the roach killer.

In addition, consider the specific characteristics of your house to determine the most suitable roach killer for your needs. For example, you should take into account the humidity, the type of walls, the holes, nooks, and crannies that may be present.

You should also assess potential entry points for cockroaches in your home, taking into account factors such as neighboring areas or possible sources nearby.

Discovering this early on can save you money on ineffective products and remedies.

But one tip that may help you is not to think so much about buying the best product, but to plan a strategy. This could involve combining two or three products to win the battle for good.

Can cockroaches bite?

We’re sorry to reinforce your cockroach phobia, but yes, cockroaches do bite.

But don’t worry, this is not very common and there are only a few species that usually do it: the Australian cockroach, the American cockroach, and the German cockroach.

But beware that although it is rare for these insects to bite, if they do, it could be risky for your health.

Normally, cockroaches are shy insects that flee as soon as they are seen, but they could bite humans for lack of food at night, or when they feel less threatened. 

They may also bite in self-defense, although this is even rarer.

How do you know if you have been bitten by a cockroach?

A cockroach bite leaves a mark similar to a mosquito or bedbug bite, but slightly larger. In addition, a scab may appear at the site of the bite.

Is a cockroach bite poisonous?

Cockroaches do not have venom so their bite is not poisonous. However, it could leave that area exposed to pathogens.

While human skin is thick enough to prevent severe damage from a cockroach bite, a cockroach’s jaw is designed for gnawing, and it can cause damage to the outer layer of the skin.

What diseases do cockroaches transmit to humans?

Cockroaches are carriers of various diseases: hepatitis, tuberculosis, genitourinary infections, allergies, and asthma.

However, these diseases can be spread through food if it has been in contact with cockroaches.

What to do if you are bitten by a cockroach?

However, cockroach bites typically result in skin irritations, allergic reactions, and various skin inflammations.

If you’ve been bitten, there’s no need to panic. Simply wash the affected area with an antibacterial soap and monitor the bite for any changes.

Although it will most likely disappear the next day, you should be on the lookout for infection.

Things that don’t work :

In the fight against cockroaches, we can often feel frustration and despair. The great survival skills and resilience of these insects make eliminating a colony a prolonged and challenging task, especially without sufficient information.

This can lead us to try all kinds of remedies to get rid of the problem. However, there are many false tips and remedies, which will only waste your time.

Here are some of the most popular methods that do NOT work in eliminating a cockroach infestation.

• Give them bleach; It is said that bleach can kill cockroach infestations. And indeed bleach is deadly to cockroaches. But they have to drink it or drown in it for that to happen. And cockroaches have a very good sense of smell, so they hardly fall into that trap.
• Put cucumber skins or bay leaves to scare cockroaches away. While it’s true that cockroaches dislike certain smells, such as those of acidic fruits, using these scents as remedies is not effective in eliminating a pest problem for good. On the contrary, leaving food residue behind could attract more roaches.

How do I keep roaches away at night?

Cockroaches are nocturnal creatures, and nighttime is when they venture out of their nests to search for food. So in order to keep roaches away at night, you have to get rid of them during the day. 

However, there are a few things that will help keep them at least away from you while you sleep.

The most effective method is to ensure your bedroom is devoid of food scraps, water, or any items that could serve as cockroach food.

You can also try an ultrasonic repellent near your bed. However you should know that the ultrasonic repellent alone may not resolve your issue, and without appropriate measures, cockroaches may still find their way into your room.

Finally, and probably the best thing you can do, is to sleep with your kitty if you have one. Cats are excellent cockroach hunters. And they have very good night vision.

Finally, there are a few more things you need to know about cockroaches:

• Cockroaches are one of the most common and adaptable insects on the planet. They emerged in the Carboniferous period, about 350 million years ago.
• The life expectancy of cockroaches ranges from a few months to five years.
• They can withstand doses of radioactivity 6 to 15 times higher than those of humans.
• They can live without food for a month but only a week without water.
• They can stop breathing for 40 minutes and survive underwater for half an hour. They are quite fast. In one second they can travel 50 times the length of their body. Most of the time, cockroaches die upside down because rigor mortis causes their legs to contract so that they become unbalanced and eventually tip over.
• Cockroaches fake their death. Yes, cockroaches adopt that same position as a defense mechanism.

Conclusion

Getting rid of cockroaches for good is no easy feat; it’s almost impossible. That’s why combating these pests requires a thoughtful and strategic approach.

One of the best tips for wiping out cockroaches is to know where they are hiding. Remember that cockroaches are not solitary creatures, and if you’ve seen one, it means their nest is nearby.

Cockroach pests have their favorite hiding places some of them are:

• In wooden furniture
• In openings and cracks
• Bathroom Plumbing
• Kitchen
• Gas or heating outlets
• Under any type of appliance
• In boxes and drawers, especially if you have textile products in storage

When you see your first visitor, these are the places you should check first. But remember that any dark and humid place is perfect for cockroaches to hide.

The second tip you can’t miss to get rid of cockroaches forever is to find out where they came from.

This is one of the first questions you should ask yourself since the strategy you undertake will depend on it. Some of the most common places are:

• False ceilings: This is one of the places where it is very easy for various pests to develop, such as cockroaches since it is an excellent environment for them.
• Doors: It is very common to see cockroaches near doors and windows, especially if a neighbor has a pest.
• Garbage: The garbage area can be a very attractive place for cockroaches. Food odor can attract one or more cockroaches to your home.
• Products in cardboard boxes: Cardboard in warehouses is a favorite place for cockroaches. By bringing a box with cockroaches or cockroach eggs into your home or business, you could be unknowingly introducing the pest.

Once you have successfully eliminated the cockroaches, you should take a few steps to make sure they don’t come back.

The most important will be cleaning. Be sure to remove odors and stains after exterminating a cockroach infestation to prevent future infestations.

Disinfect all areas where you applied the roach killer, as well as places where roaches may have left droppings.

Regularly clean areas where cockroaches may hide and use any of the preventive roach killers mentioned in this article.

We suggest using Combat Max Roach Killing Gel for its easy application, allowing you to reach all corners of your house where roaches might nest or hide. Additionally, employing baits throughout the house is a convenient method for ongoing care.