Best Roach Killer Reviews – Ultimate Guide 2021

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Cockroaches are some of the most common and one of the most disgusting pests across the globe. The scariest thing is that they prefer to live in conditions similar to us. They are the most adaptable insects in the world and can survive almost everywhere that has water and food. Finding the best roach killer to 100% eradicate them requires various methods. How to get rid of roaches vary according to the mode of application and the areas to be applied. Some methods may be used indoor and others outdoor. The best cockroach killer has the ability to kill on contact with a fast result. Here, we have prepared the most effective and readily available methods on how to get rid of cockroaches completely. While finding the best way to get rid of roaches may take longer time but at the end, roach colonies will be entirely destroyed.

Best Roach Killer Reviews

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1. Advion Cockroach Gel Bait – Best Roach Gel

The Advion roach gel from Syngenta is a high performing insecticide which targets all species of roaches. It joins our best roach killers as it combines non-repellent ingredients and highly attractive chemicals. This forms a superior combination which roaches cannot resist thus eliminating them.

With Indoxacarb as the active ingredient, the Advion roach gel bait makes roaches in the house a thing of the past. It works in a special way which is bio-activated by the roaches own enzymes after consumption. The toughest and strongest roaches will be eliminated completely.

For indoors and outdoors use as a crevice and crack treatment in residential homes, commercial, and industrial facilities or any other area infested with cockroaches. Also applying the gel in dot forms along the wall surface or on top of a tape is a great technique to maximize product exposure, as well as, makes it easy to clean.

Pros:

• Roaches cannot resist the superior combination thus they are eliminated completely.
• The package is effective for a long period of about two years.
• It can control a large population of cockroaches. Targeting both small and large roaches.
• It’s also very easy to use and apply with a syringe that can be squeezed into cracks and hard to reach areas.

Cons:

• Cockroaches can become resistant to the bait over time, which requires you to switch gel baits periodically to control potential resistant roaches. However, this happens with almost all bait products and it all depends on the amount of infestation that you have.
• It can take up to few weeks of frequent application every two weeks before you can see complete eradication of the roach infestation.

2. Bengal Gold – Best Roach Spray

The Bengal gold roach spray eliminates roaches completely in the house with a residual effect that lasts up to six months. While Bengal roach spray kills on contact, the Bengal gold takes it a step further.

It contains an insect growth regulator which breaks the life cycle of roaches thus preventing more breeding. It also hinders immature roaches towards reaching the adult stage. As a result, it causes mutation in roaches so roaches which are hatched are sterile thus cannot reproduce.

It has Permethrin and Pyriproxyfen as the main active ingredients with an odor free and a stain-free formulation. Easy to use with a fast drying action. Specially designed to force cockroaches out of their hiding places, killing them quickly. In addition, it works effectively on a variety of other insect species.

Pros:

• It eliminates roaches by breaking their life cycle and preventing reproduction.
• Has a fast effect that can be seen within 3 to 5 days.
• A long-term solution with a residual effect. Re-infestation is prevented for a period of 6 months.
• It kills roaches and other insects which include ants and spiders.

Cons:

• This is not an instant kill spray, it may take few days before you start seeing results.
• It takes more than one treatment for it to work defectively which requires you to use more than one can.

3. Hot Shot Ultra Liquid – Best Roach Bait

This Hot Shot bait is designed to kill cockroaches in hours. It also provides protection from cockroaches for a period that can reach up to three months.

Has a water-based formula, this is because cockroaches can live without food for up to four weeks, but can only survive without water for only one week. This makes it highly attractive to roaches, combining a food source and a water source. Ultimately, delivering a lethal dose, killing roaches where they breed.

It’s also easy to use and everything is contained in small plastic stations. All you have to do is pull the tab on the side of the station to break the seal of the bait, then place the stations where roaches have been seen and near water sources such as the kitchen or the bathroom.

Pros:

• Dual bait formula, containing food and water that is highly attractive to roaches. As a result, they find it fast and die quickly.
• It is easy to use and do not require any installation as the stations are pre-filled. Requiring no handling of chemicals.
• Capable of killing an entire nest when positioning enough stations near the roach infestation.
• Considered a long-term roach control solution, allowing you to replace the stations once every 2 or 3 months.

Cons:

• These bait stations make it difficult to penetrate some of the hiding places of cockroaches. It’s also hard for large roaches to fit in the station.
• Depending on how bad the infestation is, it can take up to two weeks before you start seeing results.

4. Harris Boric Acid Roach Powder – Best Roach Poison

Has 99% boric acid as the active ingredient which interferes with the roaches digestive system and an irresistible lure to attract roaches thus eradicating them completely.

This roach dust is one of the best cockroach killers, it can cling to the body of the roach and when the roach returns to the colony, other roaches are affected as well, thus eliminating them completely. It’s a fast acting powder which kills roaches within 72 hours.

Easy to apply with an extended straw, you can easily distribute it in nooks and crannies and other hard to reach spots. It should be applied in roaches hiding places such as along baseboards, behind a refrigerator, and in the cracks and crevices. The best part is that it’s EPA registered and also registered with the Environmental Protection Agency.

Pros:

• Its effect lasts long and can kill roaches, silverfish, and other bugs weeks after application.
• Fast acting, it takes a short time to eliminate an entire nest of roaches once they get into contact with the powder.
• Puffer bottle with an included straw makes it easy to apply and easy to use in hard to reach areas.
• A more affordable and safer option for roach control.

Cons:

• It takes longer to start seeing an effect, in a few days you will start to see a decrease in the cockroaches activity, and a few weeks to see final extermination. This is usually due to previous unhatched eggs at initial application.
• It cannot be applied in watery areas, should be kept dry so as to make it effective.

5. Black Flag Roach Motel – Best Roach Trap

This type of cockroach traps controls the medium cockroach infestation in the house. Once the roach checks in, checking out becomes difficult thus exterminating them. It has no toxic ingredients. The trap only contains a very sticky substance inside.

It’s designed with an entrance for the cockroaches to enter and they get attracted by a bait or a special scent inside. The scent entices the roaches thus entering through the entrance. Once they enter, they are trapped by the sticky substance.

Kills cockroaches without any mess. It hides the dead roaches from view and it contains no pesticides and no fumes and leaves no odor. Once the insects get inside, they become stuck in the glue and die. It’s easy and ready to use, ideal for use against light to medium indoor roach infestations.

Pros:

• It is easy to use and affordable choice. Once the roaches get into the trap, they don’t check out.
• Hides dead insects from view. Doesn’t require cleaning after use, you will only throw the box away when full.
• It can be used to trap small to large roaches and other crawling insects in the house.
• Leaves no smell and does not contain pesticide which makes it safe to use around children and pets.

Cons:

• It only works well indoors and is only effective if you mainly have a light roach problem in the house.
• They work better if you place bait in yourself, as sometimes the luring scent is weak and can be ignored by roaches.

6. Raid Concentrated Deep Reach – Best Roach Fogger

This roach fogger is often referred to as a roach bomb. Simply, you can use it to target an entire room. Fogging up an entire room of up to 625 square feet to kill any roaches and other insects.

This formula of Raid deep reach concentrated fogger does the work while you are away. Leaving no mess or stains and it will keep working with a residual effect for up to two months.

Its thick fog will penetrate into cracks, crevices, and carpet fibers, killing all insects in the room. All you have to do is place the fogger on a chair or a covered stand in the middle of the room. Then, break off the removable tab to prepare the can for use. Make sure the sprayer is facing away from you and press down firmly until it locks into place then get out of the room. Keep the room locked for minimum 4 hours.

Pros:

• Penetrates deep into hard to reach spots where insects live and hide.
• A fast acting formula, effective in killing roaches, ants, spiders, and other bugs.
• Has a non-staining formula that leaves no messy residue.
• Ideal for bombing an entire infested room with a residual effect that can last up to two months.

Cons:

• Has a very strong odor. It’s advised to leave the room for at least ten hours, if not for a day. Upon returning make sure to open all windows and allow for plenty of clean air in.
• It’s harmful if inhaled or if it got into contact with eyes. It would burn your nose, throat, and eyes. It’s advised to wear a face mask.

What is the Best Cockroach Killer?

Cockroaches are one of the most widespread household pests across the globe. Roaches can be attracted at different places within the household or even in the car for various reasons. They are however associated with dirty things and dirty environment at large. Identifying the type of cockroaches and their habitat is also important when considering the best way to kill roaches. Cockroaches species include the German roach, oriental roach, and the American roach. Roaches enter the household to search for food, water, shelter, and if they get these, they will invade the house in large numbers.

It should be understood that roaches multiply quickly. As a result, completely eradicating them is important so as to avoid roach infestation and that may be associated with them and keep our family free from areas which are infested by cockroaches. There are various methods used to eliminate cockroaches, these methods include;

Roach Baits

A cockroach bait works by luring the roaches through a chemical attractant and once they consume it, they die within a few days. The best roach bait is not designed to kill roaches instantly. They are designed to be ingested and shared with the whole colony. Once the cockroach has ingested the bait, they carry it back to their nest and spread it to the rest of the colony through secretions and feces. Ultimately, destroying the entire nest.

For successful cockroach control, the use of cockroach bait is the best way to get rid of roaches. Just place the bait in areas where roaches are seen especially in bathrooms, kitchen, under sinks, inside cabinets, and storage areas. Baits should also be applied where walls meet the ceilings and on the floor since these are the paths which are commonly used by roaches. After a period of 1 to 3 weeks roaches will start to die and at the end of it, roaches will be gone completely.

• Advantages of Roch Bait: They are a very effective method for roach extermination. There are several types of roach baits available that you can choose from depending on the infestation available. There are roach bait stations which are confined in a container, roach gels where you can use in crack and crevices and other hard to reach areas around the house, and roach granules which you can use more freely in large outdoor areas.
• Disadvantages of Roach Bait: They are somehow a slow method of roach control, they have a delayed effect. However, the more roaches that get to eat the bait the bigger chance you will get for the insecticide to spread to the whole nest. Placement is also very important, it requires a little understanding of where they are infesting.

Roach Traps

Cockroach traps or roach motels are basically designed to catch roaches. The trap consists of a sticky substance which lures the roaches and once they pass through it, they become trapped. Roach motel is one of the most effective types of a trap which is commonly used to get rid of roaches. Roach motels dominated the market and they are used in many households. The earliest designs of roach motels use pheromones and once the roaches check in, checking out becomes impossible as they get stuck in the glue.

The best roach traps can hold a large number of roaches inside and when applied correctly, its effectiveness will be evidenced. Close to ten traps should be used at one time especially in the kitchen and around two traps in the bathroom. Other rooms like the bedroom and other utility rooms, 2 or 4 traps can be used.

• Advantages of Roach Traps: The fact that these traps don’t use any toxic insecticides makes them great to use around children and pets. They work great if you have a few roaches inside the house. They are also a great way to know how big your problem really is and to help you monitor how successful your other products are performing.
• Disadvantages of Roach Traps: They are weak against large infestations, they require you to use other methods for roach control. A roach trap will only kill the roaches that pass through it. It cannot target the roach colony as a whole. They also require you to replace the full traps frequently with fresh ones. It takes one or two days for the stuck bugs to die and sometimes you will end up killing them yourself.

Roach Spray

Roach spray uses some chemical agents which cause the nervous system to stop working thus killing the roach on spot. It is more effective when the spray comes into direct contact with the roaches. The spray is always available in the market and therefore can be applied by many individuals since accessing it is easy and available. They are a fast-acting approach to cockroach control. Some types of roach sprays work with a residual effect that can last up to a month. The best roach spray uses insect growth regulators (IGR) which works as a birth control method for roaches, by disrupting the reproductive cycle of the cockroach population.

Cockroach spray can penetrate into the cracks and crevices where roaches hide when the spray comes with an extended straw. They can also help you create an invisible barrier around your home to protect you from roaches and other crawling insects.

• Advantages of Roach Sprays: A fast-acting method to eradicate cockroaches quickly. Capable of destroying large sized roaches fast. They are easy to use and sometimes they act as a long-term pest eradication solution with a residual effect. Sprays are a popular approach to homeowners and professionals alike for eradicating roaches and as a barrier treatment.
• Disadvantages of Roach Sprays: These types of sprays poses health risks to human beings and pets due to the chemicals used in the spray. Always make sure that the spray is pointing away from you and avoid inhaling the chemicals. Also, some sprays leave an unpleasant chemical odor and can stain furniture.

Roach Fogger

Cockroach foggers or roach bombs are one of the forms of pest control which is used by many individuals in the eradication of roaches in the household and also in cars. Roach foggers are used in such a way that they release the mist of pesticides into the air. The best roach fogger contains chemicals that kill roaches once they come into contact with the chemical. If administered properly this method can be an effective way of getting rid of roaches in the house.

The best roach bomb works with some residual effect. They have heavier smoke which is intended to go deep into the smallest nooks, cracks, crevices, and deep into the storage cabinets. They can be used in destroying severe infestations when handled properly to eradicate roaches in an entire room.

• Advantages of Roach Foggers: They are a great way to remove a whole infestation at once. They operate similar to fumigators but on a smaller scale that can be used indoors. Hassle free and easy to use without a technical assistant. Some foggers operate with a residual effect.
• Disadvantages of Roach Foggers: This method lacks some of its effectiveness as the chemical does not penetrate into cracks and crevices where roaches hide. As well as, some species of roaches may also become resistant to some of the chemicals contained in the fogger, thus, they may not die due to exposure. Foggers can also damage fabrics and furniture in the house when not administered properly. An odor may stay in the room after use. They also pose a health risk to human beings and pets.

Roach Poison

Cockroach poisons come in different forms, such as liquid and powder. Once the roaches come in contact with the poison it enters their nervous system and they die instantly. For us, the best roach poison is boric acid. It tends to have no repellent effect on roaches and roaches always return to the treated areas, get poisoned, and eventually die. It gets attached to their body, cutting their protective exoskeleton. A simple method to use and it guarantees complete eradication of roaches.

The powder is applied in a very thin layer which is barely visible. Before applying, the container should be shaken and a small quantity of powder puffed into the target area. Hiding places for roaches should be targeted so as to boost the effectiveness of the method. However, the most preferred areas to apply the powder are in the kitchen, bathroom, near cracks, crevices, under cabinets, and in storage utilities. As a result, with this method being applied properly, the end results will be evidenced within a short period of time.

• Advantages of Roach Poison: They kill cockroaches that come into contact. Also, capable of killing an entire nest. This method is one of the best cockroach killer methods, it is used by many individuals in eliminating roaches successfully. It is also less toxic to human and therefore it doesn’t pose any health risk to family members.
• Disadvantages of Roach Poison: Boric acid exterminates cockroaches at a very slow pace. Applying is very crucial in this method. If not used correctly it may not be effective. A thin layer of powder may not be enough and a thick layer of powder can make the roaches avoid to come near it entirely.

How to Get Rid of Cockroaches on Your Own

Eliminating roaches requires proper planning and the application of multiple methods to eradicate them completely. This also involves identifying the type of cockroaches in the house. This will enable one to apply the most effective method. However, it’s recommendable to use the method which can be able to eradicate a large population of roaches. It’s also important to consider the safety of your family. This means that effective methods which do not pose health risks to family members should be used. Therefore with all these methods being applied, roaches existence will be a thing of the past in the house.

Natural Roach Killers

These are some of the most effective and cheapest methods to use to get rid of cockroaches. One of the most popular natural methods is mixing borax and sugar to make homemade cockroach bait. Using one part of sugar and three parts of borax. The sugar acts as a lure to attract the roaches, and the borax does the killing.

Another option is to mix flour and sugar with boric acid in equal volumes. You can also add water to the mixture to create a paste. Applying the mixture to areas where the cockroaches hide is very effective.

You can also try diatomaceous earth or try mixing baking soda with water and sugar. However, they are not as effective. All these methods are as close as you can get to natural roach killer that will work to an extent.

DIY Roach Traps – Home Remedies for Roaches

This is one of the simplest methods to use to eradicate roaches. This method is however useful when the cockroaches population is small and it tends to be more effective when dealing with a smaller population of roaches. In the case where the roaches population is large, other methods as discussed above should be applied and professional assistance may also be required to eradicate the roaches completely. These homemade roach traps are made of materials which are readily available in your home, so they are less expensive. These traps include:

• Duct Tape Cockroach Trap

Duct tape and bait is the only items required to make this duct tape roach trap. When making a trap the following has to be done:

1. The duct tape is cut to the desired length.
2. The sticky side of the tape is put up.
3. Both the ends of the tapes are folded about a half an inch as this makes it easier to pick the tape when disposing of it after use.
4. The tape is put on the floor while the sticky side is up.
5. A small piece of either a sweet or fat is put at the center of the tape so as to attract the roaches.

It should be noted that a peanut butter is recommended to be used on top of the tape. This would make the roaches not resist thus they will not escape, cockroaches love to eat peanut butter.

• Jar Cockroach Traps

For an effective jar cockroach trap, a jar, petroleum jelly, bait, and a tape are required. When making this trap, the following is done:

1. The jar should be clean and dry. The tape is used to cover the jar as this would make it easier for the roaches to climb the jar.
2. Petroleum jelly is applied inside the jar so as to make it slippery. This ensures that roaches do not climb out.
3. Bait is placed at the bottom of the jar. The trap jar is placed in roaches pathways so as to make it effective.

These traps, however, work well, but they should be supplemented by other methods of eradicating roaches so as to wipe them out completely in the house.

Types of Roaches

There are many types of roaches across the globe. However, there are five common types of house roaches which include: German roaches, American roaches, brown-handed roaches, smoky brown roaches, and oriental roaches.

• German Roach

The German roach is the most common type of roach across the globe. This type of roach reproduces very fast and thus it’s a big threat to our home. This type of roach is found in throughout structures but prefers more humid and warm places. They are usually found in the kitchen and bathroom. A single female German roach can reproduce 30,000 roaches within a period of one year. Each case can hatch twenty to forty roaches. The female mother roach carries the case until they hatch thus making it difficult for them to be eradicated. The German roach measures 0.6 inches, light-brown in color with 2 dark stripes which are located at the back. The roach barely flies but can glide in a pinch. They are also oval shaped, six legs and have antennae like other insects.

• American Roach

Also referred to as palmetto bug. This is the largest type of roach compared to the others. They can survive up to two years and they can live longer than other types of cockroaches. They are reddish-brown in color and contain a figure eight pattern at the back of their head. American roaches are active at a temperature of seventy degrees or even higher and prefers outdoor but love warm areas. They are usually found in a sewer, drain pipes, kitchen, bathroom, and laundry rooms. The roach measures 1 to 3 inches and both females and males can fly.

• Oriental Roach

This type of roach is also commonly referred to as the water bug. They always live in darkness and moist places and dump locations where they cannot be harmed by a human. This makes it harder to kill them. The roach measures 1.25 inches and dark brown in color. Some of the distinguishing features are glossy in appearance, the wing of the roach is shorter than the body and the female roach wings appear underdeveloped. Both the male and the female cannot fly. Oriental roach is considered as the dirtiest type of roach compared to other species of roaches.

• Smoky Brown Cockroaches

This type of roach is commonly found in areas with water. They tend to dehydrate very fast thus they require water regularly. The roach measures 1.5 inches and it’s a bit smaller than the American roach. Its dark-mahogany in color and the wings are longer than the body. Both the males and females can fly. The roaches can pass through the vents, nearest vegetation, and shrubs.

• Brown-Banded Cockroaches

Brown handed roach rarely hide in the same spots with other roaches. The roach prefers drier and warmer areas which are free from moisture. They are usually found inside electronics, refrigerator, and television. The roach measures 0.5 inches, dark brown color at its base and the wings are golden tan. Females have dark brown bodies and reddish-brown wings. The roach enters the house whereby it is carried through furniture’s, clothing, and packages. However, only the male roaches can fly and more likely to jump. It is also found in dry areas like the ceiling, behind picture frames and dry indoor areas.

Roach Facts

In many locations, cockroaches tend to invade and breed thus increasing their number. Knowing more about roaches, their habitats, as well as the danger that may come from them is important to find the right way to prevent them from coming back.

The Roach Life Cycle

All roaches undergo a complete life cycle which consists of 3 distinct stages: egg, nymph, and the adult.

1. Egg Production

The roach life cycle starts with the egg production. Eggs are produced by female adults who range from ten to forty eggs and they usually carry them in cases known as ootheca. Roaches eggs normally hatch within a period of twenty to sixty days depending on the type of roaches. This ootheca is carried by the female roach or if not carried, it is placed in a strategic location until it hatches.

2. Nymph to Adult

The newly hatched roaches come out of the egg as nymphs. The nymph, then, starts to grow by shedding the skin many times until the time it reaches adulthood. This process is therefore referred to as molting.

3. After Molting

After the roaches undergo the molting process, they become a self –bodied and white in color. They, however, become larger, get darker in color and later harden off.

It should be noted that although all roaches undergo the same developmental phases, specific elements in the life cycle vary depending on the type of the roach.

Dangers of Roaches

Roaches are among the most adapting insects which have followed human as pets. They pose danger to human through harmful effects. Some of the dangers of roaches to human being include:

• Food Contamination

Roaches can live by eating anything. They usually feed on the food we eat, dead plants, feces, leather, and animals. While they crawl overnight, they can contaminate open food by depositing some of the empty egg shells and dead skin on our food. While this is disgusting on its own, it also spreads bacteria and parasites. Bacteria known as Pseudomonas Aeruginosa are found in roaches and can be transmitted to human. Roaches are also homes for the Bacterium Salmonella which usually causes food poisoning. These bacteria can also cause Typhoid as well.

Roaches may carry bacteria on their bodies that passes directly to the food preparation surfaces. This causes food poisoning and diarrhea from eating food which was prepared in an area where roaches have traveled. To prevent this, it is advisable to clean all areas where food is prepared before preparation. This ensures that the food is free from contamination thus keeping human safe. Not to mention, to ensure that our food is not left exposed.

• Roach Allergies

The exoskeleton of roaches is periodically shed. This means that if there are roaches in the house, there could be many shed skins in the house. These skins can cause allergies in the human body. Their saliva also normally contains allergens which can trigger reactions in the body. The symptoms can range from redness, watery, or itch in the eyes to skin rashes or even severe asthma.

To prevent these allergies it is important to maintain cleanness in the house so as to wipe all the shed skins in the house. Eradicating roaches in the house would be the best option as it ensures that there are no shed skins in the house nor any roach in the house. This will keep the family as well as pets safe from infection.

• Roach Bites

Some types of roaches can bite human beings but that’s rare. It can happen in areas where they have invaded or infested in large numbers, they can nibble on toes and other soft parts. Roaches can prey upon human especially those too young, old, or sick to brush them away. This is highly unlikely to happen though it can be seen in cases of abuse or poverty.

To prevent this, it is important to apply all effective methods and get the best roach killer to eliminate roaches in the house. This will ensure that there no roaches in the room at night while sleeping thus keeping you and your family safe.

• Invasion of Body Parts

Roaches can sometimes accidentally invade some of the body parts through entering the nose and the ear while asleep. It is important to ensure that the bedroom is safe when asleep. Roaches usually leave humans alone, though when they are gathered in a common place they will venture out where they would not go.

Eliminating roaches would be the best way to keep the room safe when asleep. Eradicating roaches would make the room be free from roaches thus preventing any invasion.

Bottom Line

In many locations, roaches tend to invade and breed thus increasing in large numbers. However, eradicating roaches is not an easy job. It requires you to act fast before they start taking your residential areas as a nest for them. Try the safest and proven best roach killer that will always return result every time. It is important to note that roaches can be killed in all stages. We hope that by reading our roach killer reviews, comparison charts, and guides you could learn everything about roaches and your search for the best cockroach killer became easier. Applying any of these methods will eliminate all types of roaches in your house and surrounding areas. However prevention is always better than cure, our homes should maintain cleanness so as to avoid invasion of roaches.