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. Roaches are small insects that can enter your home through holes, cracks, and gaps in your homes structure. *At the time of publishing, the price was $7. Other powders we tried come in larger squeeze bottles and are much harder to portion out in small amounts. Mint oil extract was almost 100% repellent to American and German cockroaches for fourteen days. A one-time roofer and a serial remodeler, Dan can often be found keeping house at his restored Brooklyn brownstone, where he lives with his wife and kids. While roaches usually thrive where sanitation is poor, even clean homes can become infested. They transfer bacteria, parasitic worms, and other pathogens to humans by carrying them on their legs and bodies from sewage pipes and trash heaps onto human food and household surfaces. First of all, make it hard for them to obtain food, water, and harborage, said Koehler. Having written thousands of product reviews and how-to articles on all aspects of home ownership, from routine maintenance to major renovations, Dan (he/him) brings more than 20 years of industry experience to his role as the director of the Home Improvement & Outdoor Lab at the Good Housekeeping Institute. Some people say that using repellents may be more effective than trying to kill cockroaches because of their growing immunity to poisons. To use it in oil form, mix a small amount of neem oil with water in a spray bottle and spray it in places where you have spotted these pests. . Its a long-term process.. Many gels are equally effective, and one is usually available and less expensive: Combat Max Roach Killing Gel. Though effective, this process takes much more time than using baits. The products above, and even the ones in the Competition section, will all work. Its typically more expensive than the Combat gel we recommend, but it may offer a more convenient application. In this review, the This Old House Reviews Team researched the five best roach killers on Amazon to help you find the product thats right for you and your home. After narrowing down our list of recommendations, we conduct additional research and sometimes in-person testing to ensure that the products meet our standards. Since roaches flourish where food, moisture, and shelter are readily available, sanitation is essential in preventing and correcting problems. Cockroaches do not live in colonies but are not entirely solitary or congregate in specific areas. This specific blend included oregano and rosemary oil as well. But in certain situations, a powder may be less messy than a gel. Its called pyrethrum, a common active ingredient thats used in its artificial form in many manufactured insecticides. 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. As they walk, they leave trails of fecal matter, which they use to find their way around. This roach killer draws cockroaches in using a mixture of food and water bait that starts working in just a few hours. Its really two separate bait stations melded into one unit, with the ant bait on the upper half of the enclosure and the roach bait on the lower half. As for me, Ive covered bug-related topics for Wirecutter for years and have written about ants, mosquitoes, flies, bug zappers, wasp and hornet sprays, and bug repellents (and also why essential oils are not good bug repellents). I also live in a rural area and raise a variety of livestock, so effective bug and pest control is a personal thing for me. And each of them have their preferences (American cockroaches like sewers and can enter your home through a poorly sealed toilet, according to Koehler). Where it states in particular, there has been a scientific study using the repellent on the type of cockroach named. If youre dealing with both types of insects simultaneously, this may be a good all-in-one option. Brown-banded roaches are reported to spread at least thirty-three kinds of bacteria. Many pest-control experts (and entomologists at Utah State University) endorse this approach. Theyre like the vultures of the insect world, said Koehler. Bait stations and gel baits lure cockroaches in with poisoned food and get them to take the bait back to their nests. However, unlike other cockroaches, the oriental cockroach is attracted to light. 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. Gels and powders are similar in that theyre a food mixed with a slow-acting toxin, but they can be placed in a more-targeted and discreet way, making them standard methods in the professional pest-control industry. Cockroach gel is an effective treatment option for homeowners experiencing minor or major cockroach infestations. Put food in sealed containers, vacuum up all the crumbs on the kitchen floor, and keep the counters clean. The biggest downside of the Advion baits is that theyre more difficult to access at a moments notice. Go to Pest.org to find a top-rated exterminator in your area. An equally important feature is that the Terro bait stations come with small adhesive pads, so the stations can be placed vertically on a wall or under a cabinet. Terros traps are easier to monitor than those of competitors. One very effective device, easy to use, and an excellent alternative to electronic roach repellents, is the (IGR Device) Insect Growth Regulator. If you can avoid a cockroach infestation using eco-friendly repellents to keep them away, you do not have to contaminate your home and garden with poisons. Repellents deter or discourage cockroaches from entering the home, and while some can also kill them, that is not their main intention. So its simple to place the baits close to where the roaches live, even if the area is located in a high-up spot. They wouldnt have been around for 350 million years, said Koehler. "Multiple things must be done to prevent pests from entering the home and to make the home a less desirable habitat if they do enter," reports the Building Performance Institute. When deciding which method to choose, consider the type and size of your infestation. Maybe you have a soft spot for roaches. Insecticides can also poison pets and humans. Our repellent recommendations are EPA approved, backed by experts, and tested by us. They have rounded edges and are compact (about the size of a fat book of matches), so theyre more discreet than the competition, especially compared with the Combat Roach Killing Baits. BEST FOR LARGE INFESTATION: Zap . Although Clark is employed by a manufacturer, weve found him to be a reliable and honest voice on all things pest control. Pros: Effective, affordable, ideal for homes with kids and pets Baits are much easier to install, but theyre not as effective as raw gels, and they tend to be the most expensive option. There are two main methods of chemical cockroach control: sprays and bait stations. Cockroaches dont like being out in the open. Baits: Place chemical store-bought baits on the ground and in spots where cockroaches have been seen. To discourage cockroaches, it helps to know where they like to hide. Well, its been a few months, and I havent seen one bug since. We also reviewed the safety data of all selected products and checked online reviews for red flags related to performance, safety or usability. This roach killer provides up to three months of protection against common household pests, such as ants, roaches, spiders, stink bugs, and centipedes. Effectiveness Scale: 1 being the least, 10 being the most effective. We then tested the most promising candidates, inspecting each for general ease of use. Boric acid: Used correctly, boric acid is one of the most effective roach killers. From one study, researchers concluded that using yarrow, eucalyptus, oregano, rosemary, and mint oils was extremely successful in treating surfaces in a roach control program. So once the toxin is digested and, ahem, expelled, it still can kill. Keep children and pets out of the treated areas. Negative reviews said that their package was missing some roach traps upon arrival. Sprays are handy because you can direct them into cracks and crevices where cockroaches hide and wipe off the surface. For this report, our experts Good Housekeeping Institute started by shopping the market for roach killers to identify the products youre most likely to find in stores and online. If youre willing to spend the money, a monthly or quarterly spraying program can run from $600 to $1,200 annually. In the case of roaches, the bottom of the pyramid involves making the structure roach-proof, for example by sealing openings with caulk and foam sealant. Roach repellent can be loosely divided in a number of groups. As with gels, follow-up treatments should be repeated every couple of weeks until cockroaches are eliminated that means no cockroaches are found over a four-week period, according to the Rutgers University Cooperative Extension. The main types of cockroaches commonly found in the US include the German cockroach, Oriental cockroach, Brown-banded cockroach, and American cockroach. Other research has shown that Japanese mint and Scotch spearmint oils were the most repellents of some 80 essential oils tested against German cockroaches. Scientific studies have shown essential oils and other plant-based solutions to be effective repellants of those commonly found in the home. We researched the best roach killers on Amazon and created a buyers guide to help you make an educated purchase. Toni DeBella is a culture and lifestyle writer, reviews expert and DIYer covering everything from pests to pool cabanas to painting. So you may end up with a giant surplus. Gels and powders can be applied directly into the crack or crevice that the roach is living in, thus taking advantage of roach behavior. The primary downside to the Terro stations is the same as with all enclosed bait stations: There are only so many you can put out. But roaches are resourceful critters, having survived this world for hundreds of millions of years, so the occasional infestation is inevitable. 1 cup water. This provides a clear view into the enclosure so roach activity and the amount of remaining bait can be monitored. But, as Koehler also pointed out, if you blow up your house, the cockroaches are still going to be there.. The Advion stations are very similar to those of our top pick. The Terro stations are also one of the few that come with adhesive strips, so they can be mounted on a vertical surface. American cockroaches are the largest roaches you are likely to find in your house. Defend your home with Wondercide Indoor Pest Control. Employing more than one tactic greatly increases your chances of success. Shoes, rolled-up newspapers, and flip-flops are all adequate for roach hunting. Pesticides: Pesticides such as boric acid can be an effective way to kill cockroaches. It does not mean that the repellent can only be used for one cockroach, as studies have shown that a particular substance usually repels more than one type. If you do not have an infestation, it is much healthier to use repellents that keep them out. Why Is Repelling Cockroaches A Good Idea? Gel bait is the most effective killer because it can be applied in numerous locations and closer to cockroach harborages, says Rutgers University entomologist Dr. Changlu Wang. Instead, there are far better solutions available to repel and kill roaches. The Terro T530 Roach Bait Powder is another option. Combat Max Roach Killing Gel A more-targeted gel Combat gel can be placed right where roaches are living. An example of data being processed may be a unique identifier stored in a cookie. We have picks for all. The Environmental Protection Agency-approved Ultrasonic Pest Repeller sends a clear message to roaches that theyre not welcome in your home. And even though theyre not exactly pieces of art, the Terro stations also dont look half-bad. Both showed variable degrees of repellence depending on the oil concentration, the length of exposure, and the roachs life stage. But there are other widely available products that can make your roach problem worseor even blow up your home. Did you know chrysanthemum flowers produce a natural chemical that has strong repellent powers against cockroaches? You usually dont catch enough within those sticky traps to control an infestation, Koehler told us. If you shine a flashlight and a cockroach comes running toward you, it is probably an oriental cockroach. Continue with Recommended Cookies. They are renowned for carrying bacteria, viruses, and other nasties harmful to human health. The active ingredient on this roach killer is Bifenthrin and Zeta-Cypermethrin, which are very effective in killing and repel roaches. The specific type of cockroach youre targeting isnt that important, either. Switch things up if youre not having success. Read on: Natural Cockroach Repellent: What Works and What Doesn't. 12. Most essential oils can be mixed with a carrier fluid, such as water, in a spray bottle. Another study in 2016 found that rosemary oilis one of the roaches most toxic essential oils. The cockroach fogger comes in an aerosol can. I even still have half a gallon left. Neem oil or powder contains potent components that can kill cockroaches. If you are suspicious that you have roaches, you can use sticky traps to detect their presence. And with 150 applications per bottle, its affordable for tackling a big infestation. The applicator nozzle is very precise and good for getting into hard-to-reach areas, like under the fridge. 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. Additionally, theyre sold in larger amountsthe smallest bag available has 12 baits (Terro stations come in six-packs). Citrus oils, and grapefruit oil, in particular, are effective repellents against German and American cockroaches . These have the same great features as the Terro stations: a see-through top (for monitoring) and the adhesive strips (allowing for versatile placement). Thorough sanitation is the best way to keep cockroaches out. If you use the oil in water, you should thoroughly shake the container to disperse the oil droplets throughout the spray bottle. These baits share the best characteristics of the Terro stations. Theyre roughly the same size and have a see-through top, so monitoring is not difficult (although the top on the Advion baits is only semi-translucent, so its not as easy to see into as the top on the Terro stations). But well update the guide with any real-world roach-killing notes that we think prove anything meaningful. This allows the baits to be placed much closer to where the roaches are living, like underneath toe kicks or even on the ceiling. This means its time to tidy up. Glowing customer reviews praised this product for how easy it was to use and how reasonably priced it was. Therefore, its important to not only keep a clean home, but to also remove sources of excess moisture in your home. How To Use and Apply Repellents For Cockroaches. Neem has been used as a home remedy for cockroaches and other pests over the years. Becauseroacheseat garbage and waste, they can spread bacteria like Salmonella and Shigella from place to place. We have recommendations for those, as well as advice on stuff that does not work, including kill-on-contact sprays, bombs, and foggers. A powder is also a good option if youre not having success with the other products. If you put off enough butane in a room, for instance if you do that in your kitchen and the refrigerator cycles on and you have a spark, you can blow the place up. The destruction of your home would be bad enough. Also, many people are allergic to roach feces and their shedding. Gels: If youre dealing with a serious roach infestation, reach for the gel. The scent won't be detectable to people, but it will send roaches packing. If you blow up your house, the cockroaches are still going to be there. Wed like to note that all of the ways they transmit the poison are absolutely disgusting. Its the most direct treatment since gels are laced with a tasty food source that attracts roaches. The beauty of nature is on full display with cockroaches. 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 viewing window also lets you easily see when the bait is all gone and its time to replace the station. Whether its finding great products or discovering helpful advice, well help you get it right (the first time). (Explained), 4 Reasons Why a Bug Zapper Stopped Zapping, Brown-banded, German and American cockroaches, Oriental cockroach and German cockroach in particular, American and German cockroaches in particular. Powders often contain boric acid dust which is less toxic to mammals than most synthetic insecticides. Cockroaches can live for weeks without food but must have a nearby water source to survive long-term. Neither powders nor gels are as neat as bait stations. Reviews also stated that they saw results within a few days of application. Spray bottle. If you prefer, you can put your roach killer out in little containers instead of dusting the surfaces of your home with it. Cockroaches carry diseases, spread bacteria that can contaminate food and act as an allergen source to trigger asthma attacks. Wirecutter Editor Marguerite Preston used it to fend off a huge infestation and said that it was very successful. In a 2013 laboratory study, researchers looked at the repellence and toxicity of clove and sesame oils to the American cockroach. Some models can last longer than a few weeks. 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.. The American cockroach feeds on various things, including bread, fruit, leather, the starch in book bindings, paper, glue, skin flakes, hair, dead insects, and soiled clothing. The pest repeller covers an area up to 1,200 square feet, with three color-coded light settings that correspond to the size of the cockroach infestation you have: slight, normal or terrible. Some common signs of a roach infestation include: Additionally, spotting just one roach in your home could indicate that more are in the surrounding area. Once this has been achieved, you would use repellants to keep them out. While most people associate dirty homes with infestations, roaches also enter clean homes to search for shelter and water. Advion Cockroach Gel Bait Insecticide is marketed to pros, so its available only in large amounts and is therefore more expensive. You know what Benjamin Franklin said: An ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure. When it comes to avoiding a roach infestation, Bens right! Copyright 2023 This Old House Ventures, LLC. In addition to holding M.Eng. We made an initial assessment of each one based on company reputation, user feedback, cost, availability, and a general sense of the features. If you have a serious roach infestation, you need to call in pest control to eliminate as many of them as possible. Many reviews also highlighted that this product had good longevity. Because the poison doesnt kill instantly, there is time for the roach to spread it to other roaches. The adjustable flow nozzle controls the speed that the bait comes out, so it may be easier to apply in both wide and narrow cracks and crevases. The puffer bottle with a nozzle applicator makes it easy to apply the powder into cracks and crevices. It likes to hang out in sewers, drains, basements, cellars, and other cool, moist, dark places. 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. Mix vinegar with tea tree essential oil or cedar oil for a powerful cleaning and roach . Similar to a fogger, roach sprays produce an insect-killing substance that sticks to surfaces around your home. Negative reviews said that they received expired products from the Amazon seller. However, if you maintain practices that seal in food and moisture and dont leave these lying about, you make it much harder for them to live inside. They can also be carried in with firewood. If you dont keep your home clean, no amount of cockroach repellent will keep them out entirely. The MaxForce FC Roach Bait Stations may be excellent and effective baits, but they are geared toward professionals, so theyre available only in larger amounts and are thus a much more expensive purchase. The relatively bulky housings mean they cant be slipped into tight spaces where roaches like to hang out. 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. Texas A&M recommends (PDF) using at least one bait station within 1 to 2 feet of every suspected cockroach harborage. If you have a lot of roaches, this could lead to a floor that looks more like a bait-station minefield. Mix a few drops of these oils with one liter of water and spray the mixture in and around infested locations. We earn a commission if you purchase at no additional cost to you. Dish soap can be used in lieu of fabric softener, but we found it to be less effective. Our experts like this version from Combat because the syringe allows for easy application, including in cracks and crevices where roaches are nesting. The experts at the Good Housekeeping Institute work closely with entomologists and pest control professionals to come up with best practices for controlling all kinds of pests, including ants, mice, silverfish and more. In concentrations of 3% or more, mint oil was toxic and repellent to American and German cockroaches. 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. And they stay put on vertical surfaces, so you can place them close to where roaches live. According to the hack, just spray this where . A roach trap contains bait that lures cockroaches in. 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. For this guide we spoke with Philip Koehler, PhD, endowed professor of urban entomology at the University of Florida. Based on what our experts told us, all of the most common active ingredients should work (with very few exceptions). While foggers are affordable and easy to use, users cant target specific areas like they can with a cockroach gel. Our journalists combine independent research with (occasionally) over-the-top testing so you can make quick and confident buying decisions. Most roach killers contain harmful chemicals. One thing we appreciated in testing is that a powder wont get all goopy if you accidentally put your hand in it or rub up against it. Not only are you likely to save some money in the process (most of the products we recommend cost less than $15), but youll also gain a swelling sense of pride for having protected your living space from the gross, six-legged invaders. Clove oil exhibited stronger repellent activity than sesame oil for adult cockroaches. 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