Best Roach Repellents and Their Effectiveness. Finally, lets not forget straight-up cannibalism, in which living roaches will eat the deceased, toxin-infused body of another roach. "Foggers can also be hazardous to human health, and the chemicals are a fire risk that when exposed to an open flame like a pilot light, can ignite and cause the fogger container to explode." In a 2012 scientific study, lemongrass essential oil at higher concentrations effectively killed German cockroaches. Positive reviews noted that this cockroach gel saved their homes from large roach infestations. Among the many essential oils that bring us calming relief and fresh fragrances, a few also kill cockroaches. Peppermint essential oil is strong enough to keep many cockroaches (and rodents) away from people's houses. 16 Awesome At-Home Remedies for Roaches - Cockroach Facts Professional pest-control operators rotate to a new bait every few months for exactly this reason. For the biggest messes, these vacs can handle anything. The Terro T500 Multi-Surface Roach Baits are little cartridges filled with an insect baita mixture of food and a slow-acting poison. She agreed that the amount she had to buy was larger than she needed, but shes given the extra tubes to neighbors to use. If you find one of these products and are okay with the caveats noted, any would be fine to tryespecially if you are rotating through multiple bait types and one listed below sounds more suitable for your needs. Note: Alpha-pinene is another compound that is less effective against cockroaches. Their favorite locations include electrical appliances, paintings, and other decorations on walls, hollow furniture, and clutter. The second stage includes eliminating sources of food and moisture, for example by fixing leaky pipes and storing food properly. Weve already covered things that dont work. Naphthalene has been one of the most common chemicals used as a cockroach repellent. Bait stations and gel baits lure cockroaches in with poisoned food and get them to take the bait back to their nests. The Advion stations are very similar to those of our top pick. However, it is also a known toxin, so it's important to avoid contact with skin and eyes. Gels are effective too, but the enclosed Terro station has far less potential to be messy or accidentally consumed by a pet or child. Nepetalactone, which is one of the main ingredients in catnip, is a strong repellent of cockroaches and some other bugs and could be very effective against your unwanted pest guests. While roaches usually thrive where sanitation is poor, even clean homes can become infested. Second, there are not any alarm-raising concerns on the T500 traps Safety Data Sheets (in a PDF via the T500 page on Woodstream; Terro is a Woodstream brand). Preferred hideouts are dark and moist in kitchens and bathrooms, but cockroaches may be found anywhere inside the home. 8 Best Cockroach Repellents | The Family Handyman The pest professionals we consulted also say to stay away from essential oil-based sprays, which are often marketed as all natural. Most of them only work when applied directly to the roach and offer little to no residual effect, making them much less effective for long-term control. These cockroaches will eat just about anything and have been known to bite feet and hands and chew on hair, skin flakes, and fingernails. Each little canister has roughly 150 bait applications in it, so you can bait in a lot of different places, increasing your chances of success. To discourage cockroaches, it helps to know where they like to hide. Here are four factors to keep in mind before making a purchase. Home Cleaning Is The Best Way of Keeping Cockroaches Out, How to Get Rid of German Cockroaches NATURALLY & PERMANENTLY, https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-sXx98obL90&t=272s, 12 Natural Ways to Get Rid of Cockroaches Permanently (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-sXx98obL90&t=272s), What Happens if You Kill a Queen Wasp (Wasp Colony Explained), What Flying Termites Look Like (Explained), What is a Termite Inspection: 10 Things You Need to Know, 24 Home Remedies to Kill Termites Naturally, Do Termites Bite People or Pets? Why Is Repelling Cockroaches A Good Idea? The Hot Shot Ultra Liquid Roach Bait has a viewing window, but its on the side of the bait station, so its harder to check. A roach trap contains bait that lures cockroaches in. Investing in some high-quality basics can get kids excited about camping outand help you avoid a mid-trip detour to the nearest big-box store. If you have small children or pets, take safety precautions, such as applying the killer to inaccessible areas, to prevent accidental ingestion. One of the advantages of mint oil is that it vaporizes rapidly in an open environment and leaves little or no residue. The German cockroach, in particular, is highly resistant to many insecticides. During the day, they remain hidden in cracks and other dark, secret areas. Other models have the viewing window on the side, which means the station needs to be picked up in order to be monitored. Clove oil exhibited stronger repellent activity than sesame oil for adult cockroaches. The major downside to gels is theyre harder to apply than baits and the exposed substance is a potential hazard if ingested by humans or pets. To support this business model, ThisOld Housemay be compensated if you purchase through links on our website. Clark added a similar sentiment, saying, At this point I dont think there is a silver bullet in any of these products. That said, Koehler noted that its good to have several different kinds of tools in the toolbox.. Other bait stations were dismissed due to their fully opaque enclosures, which prohibit any monitoring of the bait. Wed also be concerned about larger roach parts causing issues on some light-duty vacs functions, but we didnt hear experts saying not to use one. There are two main methods of chemical cockroach control: sprays and bait stations. Its a long-term process.. Here are the pest repellents and traps that experts agree can effectively keep bugs away. Youve tried repelling cockroaches with DIY solutions to no avail. Cockroach traps, sometimes referred to as "roach motels," use bait to lure the cockroaches onto a powerful sticky surface similar to a glue strip. Even worse, as Koehler explained, is that there have been cases where people havent properly sized the amount to the room size. Also, they can cause allergic reactions and worsen asthma attacks, especially in children. Citrus is a tasty treat for humans, but it's a repellent to cockroaches. If youre willing to spend the money, a monthly or quarterly spraying program can run from $600 to $1,200 annually. One of the best ways to keep oriental cockroaches out is by sealing entry points around pipes, windows, and doors and eliminating standing water and other moisture sources in and around the house. The 10 Best Cockroach Repellents To Keep The Creepers Out This is possible with gels, baits and powder, but less so with sprays and foggers, which is why we dont recommend them. If you would like to change your settings or withdraw consent at any time, the link to do so is in our privacy policy accessible from our home page.. Natural roach repellents | Effectiveness: 4 out of 10 So its simple to place the baits close to where the roaches live, even if the area is located in a high-up spot. Brown-banded roaches are reported to spread at least thirty-three kinds of bacteria. An example of data being processed may be a unique identifier stored in a cookie. In extreme outbreaks, you might need to drop dozens of pea-sized dots everywhere roaches are hiding to fully squash the infestation. To successfully keep cockroaches at bay, you must know your enemy. As for safety, Advion 68663s Safety Data Sheet (PDF) contains language thats similar to that in other roach killers we evaluated, with first aid measures are not normally required frequently appearing in instructions on treating exposure to skin and eyes. Powder dusters are available, but thats a separate purchase and an added expense. For this testing, we drew on our experience with other bug-killing products, particularly ant baits. Odor-free and non-staining, when applying be sure to keep pets away from the area until the spray is completely dry. Besides being generally creepy, roaches can carry diseases, cause allergies, destroy food, and (brace yourself) crawl into your ears while you sleep. Most essential oils can be mixed with a carrier fluid, such as water, in a spray bottle. Peppermint oil shows the strongest roach-removal potential. *At the time of publishing, the price was $10. This provides a clear view into the enclosure so roach activity and the amount of remaining bait can be monitored. None of them come with adhesive strips either. And then put out your baits. The best cockroach repellents are essential oils and other plant derivatives, which have a natural aversion. Most bait stations weve tried dont even have a way for you to look inside. While some roach traps hold onto the roach for later disposal, most models like the Hot Shot Ultra-Liquid Roach Bait have poisonous bait that kills the insects on contact. Advion is a brand geared toward pest professionals, so these baits are not as easy to find in brick-and-mortar stores. The This Old House Reviews Team has written over 1,000 reviews on products in the home space, from cordless drills to kitchen trash cans, lawn mowers, and dining room decorations. An alternative method is to spray paper towels or cotton balls with the mix and leave them lying about. For a bit more information on the subject, these are the utmost best essential oils to use to get rid of cockroaches: The prevalence of cockroaches in human habitats makes them a major nuisance and a threat to human health. "Foggers may kill those pests that come in direct contact with the chemical residue, but they do not penetrate into the crevices where cockroaches are known to hide and have a nest," says the Building Performance Institute. It is vital to use sufficiently high concentrations of the oils for success. We earn a commission if you purchase at no additional cost to you. So applying the gel there in a thin bead is the kind of targeted approach often taken by pest-control operators. Toni DeBella is a culture and lifestyle writer, reviews expert and DIYer covering everything from pests to pool cabanas to painting. Unsatisfied customers criticized this product for not working on Florida roaches. Apply cockroach gel baits in any crevices or cracks in outdoor walls, foundations, or around doors and windows. Before embarking on your cockroach eradication efforts, there are a few simple measures to take that might even solve your problem entirely. Get the latest This Old House news, trusted tips, tricks, and DIY Smarts projects from our expertsstraight to your inbox. In our opinion, the Safety Data Sheet (PDF) for Terros T530 doesnt raise any major alarms. Bait stations have downsides, too. As always we invite readers to share any valuable advice or personal experiences with us. This is when natural, non-toxic repellents come into their own. The Hot Shot MaxAttrax Roach Killing Powder is like many other powders in that it has boric acid as the active ingredient. Pros: Effective, affordable, ideal for homes with kids and pets BEST FOR SMALL INFESTATION: Hot Shot HG-95789 Roach Killer. According to a scientific study in 2016 in laboratory conditions, oregano oil was the most potent repellent for brown-banded cockroaches. Ortho Home Defense, which is a famous brand of repellents in the US, keeps insects and roaches away for 12 months. Baits are much easier to install, but theyre not as effective as raw gels, and they tend to be the most expensive option. I've been conducting professional home inspections since 2002. 4 Best Roach Killers of 2023 - How to Kill Cockroaches - Good Housekeeping Some of our partners may process your data as a part of their legitimate business interest without asking for consent. Based on what our experts told us, all of the most common active ingredients should work (with very few exceptions). If you blow up your house, the cockroaches are still going to be there. Put them around where you think you have a problem. The same day we got it delivered, I sprayed the entire perimeter of the house outside, plus inside the house corners and closets, plus the garage. A bucket, water, detergent and a little elbow grease is still the best and most budget-friendly way to discourage cockroaches from invading your home. Bay leaves are a natural roach repellent - they simply hate the smell . Instead of spraying, you can put a few drops of essential oil on a cotton ball and wipe it thinly onto surfaces. Koehler explained that because there is little to no air circulation in the small spaces where roaches reside, the insecticide wont reach them. You may also need to switch to gels or powders. If youre concerned about messy pesticides, this product is advertised as a no-residue option. American cockroaches are the largest roaches you are likely to find in your house. The price per bait is roughly the same between Advion and Terro (Advion might be a shade more expensive on average). The top of the bait station is clear, so its easy to monitor how much bait is left and whether the roaches are even entering in the first place. Peppermint oil is a must, as it is considered the most effective oil in combating pests. Numerous studies have demonstrated the toxicity and repellency of essential oils against cockroaches. Integrated pest management, or IPM for short, is based on the notion that there's not a single cure-all solution to pest control. They are renowned for carrying bacteria, viruses, and other nasties harmful to human health. No more spraying or setting out stations. Keep it clean! Wondercide indoor pest control spray does the trick. It is best to apply repellents in or near their favorite spots, such as under household appliances, walls and floors intersect, and cracks and crevices. Cockroaches are a health hazard, so keeping them out of living areas is vital. These multipurpose killers are useful for homes experiencing a wide range of pest problems. (Combats specific Safety Data Sheet (PDF) lists mild possible reactions from skin or eye exposure.) Health, Beauty and Sustainability Lab Director Birnur Aral, Ph.D. shared her expertise around the safety of insecticides. Mix vinegar with tea tree essential oil or cedar oil for a powerful cleaning and roach . Our recommendations would be to treat each insect separately, giving you more ability to place the bait stations in the best locations. Harris Roach Gel uses indoxacarb as the active ingredient, so it should be similar to our recommended Combat gel and is a fine alternative, if its easier to get. This roach killer draws cockroaches in using a mixture of food and water bait that starts working in just a few hours. Additionally, this product contains indoxacarb, which is safe for application sites where pets, children, and other sensitive individuals and animals may come into contact with it. Best Roach Repellents | How to Keep Roaches Away - Stoppestinfo The downsides: It's messier, and it's not as safe for use around kids and pets. Many pest-control experts (and entomologists at Utah State University) endorse this approach. To figure out which roach killer is the best fit for your home, weigh the pros and cons of the three main types. Clove Oil. This works.. Whether you need spraying for ants, roaches, spiders, ticks, mosquitos, or bed bugs, We Can Help! This roach gel fits in small cracks and crevices within your home to kill both German and American cockroaches. In the course of testing, we didnt collect heaps of dead roaches using these products. While most people associate dirty homes with infestations, roaches also enter clean homes to search for shelter and water. Using essential oils as a natural cockroach repellent works because these oils are easy to get, leave a pleasant scent behind, and are not toxic to kids. Because the poison doesnt kill instantly, there is time for the roach to spread it to other roaches. When mixed with other essential oils, clove oil can help repel cockroaches. How To Use and Apply Repellents For Cockroaches. If you have a serious roach infestation, you need to call in pest control to eliminate as many of them as possible. The downsides of the Terro powder are similar to those of the gels. Start with the bait stations for one or two weeks, and if youre not seeing any reduction in roach activity, Clark suggested its time to switch to a gel or powder. However, they mostly prefer to feed on dead things, garbage, and other filth. Battling cockroaches can make you feel like youre on the losing end of a full-scale invasion. But the Terro is far more versatile than other bait stations, which can be placed only on flat surfaces, such as floors, counters, or inside cabinets. Similar to a fogger, roach sprays produce an insect-killing substance that sticks to surfaces around your home. Natural Cockroach Repellent: What Works and What Doesn't The scent won't be detectable to people, but it will send roaches packing. Which means that the cockroaches refuse to eat the bait because they detect something in the bait that they find unpalatable. Understanding this means being ready to switch things up if youre not having success.
