How to Get Rid of Roaches & Keep Them From Coming Back

Why Do Roaches Invade Homes in the First Place?

Roaches are not random invaders. They enter homes for very specific reasons, and understanding those reasons makes it much easier to eliminate them.

The most common reasons roaches infest homes include:

Easy access to food and water
Warm, sheltered hiding places
Cracks, gaps, and openings that allow entry
Poor sanitation or cluttered areas
Nearby infestations in neighboring units or buildings

Even clean homes can get roaches if there’s moisture, warmth, and a way inside. Kitchens, bathrooms, basements, and laundry rooms are especially attractive because they provide everything roaches need to survive.

How to Tell If You Have a Roach Problem

Seeing a single roach often means there are many more hiding nearby. Roaches are nocturnal and tend to stay out of sight during the day.

Common signs of a roach infestation include:

Live or dead roaches, especially at night
Small black or brown droppings that resemble coffee grounds
Musty or oily odors in cabinets or enclosed areas
Shed skins or egg cases (oothecae)
Smear marks along walls or baseboards

The earlier you identify the problem, the easier it is to get rid of roaches before they multiply.

What Type of Roaches Are You Dealing With?

Not all roaches behave the same way, and knowing the species can influence how you approach treatment.

German Roaches

Small and light brown with two dark stripes
Common in kitchens and bathrooms
Multiply rapidly and are hard to eliminate

American Roaches

Large, reddish-brown roaches
Often found in basements, crawl spaces, and drains
Attracted to moisture

Oriental Roaches

Dark brown or black
Prefer damp, cool areas
Often found near floor drains and basements

Brown-Banded Roaches

Smaller and lighter in color
Found in dry areas like bedrooms and living rooms
Hide in furniture and electronics

Identifying the type helps you choose the most effective control methods and focus your efforts where they matter most.

How to Get Rid of Roaches Using Immediate Elimination Methods

When you’re actively seeing roaches in your home, the priority is reducing their population as quickly as possible. Immediate elimination methods focus on killing roaches that are already present while targeting the hidden nests where most of them live. The key is using the right products in the right way so you don’t accidentally make the infestation worse.

Using Roach Baits the Right Way

Roach baits are one of the most effective tools for eliminating infestations because they work at the source of the problem. Instead of killing roaches instantly, baits allow them to return to their nesting areas and spread the treatment throughout the colony.

Why roach baits work so well:

Roaches eat the bait and carry the poison back to their hiding spots
Other roaches feed on contaminated roaches, droppings, or regurgitated bait
The slow-acting formula gives the poison time to spread through the colony
Baits target the nest, not just the roaches you see

For best results, placement matters just as much as the bait itself. Roaches tend to travel along walls, inside cabinets, and behind appliances rather than out in the open.

Tips for effective bait use:

Place bait near cracks, crevices, cabinet corners, and under appliances
Avoid putting bait in areas that get wiped down or disturbed
Use small amounts in multiple locations rather than one large pile
Do not spray insecticides near bait, as this can repel roaches
Be patient and allow several days to a few weeks for results

It’s normal to see more roach activity at first. This usually means the bait is working and drawing them out of hiding.

Insecticide Sprays for Spot Treatment

Insecticide sprays are useful for quick, on-the-spot control when you see live roaches. They can provide immediate relief, especially in high-traffic areas, but they should never be your only solution.

Sprays work best when used strategically rather than sprayed everywhere.

Best practices for using insecticide sprays:

Apply sprays directly into cracks, crevices, and wall voids
Treat areas behind stoves, refrigerators, dishwashers, and washing machines
Use sprays under sinks, along baseboards, and around plumbing access points
Avoid spraying countertops, dishes, and food-prep surfaces
Always follow the product label instructions

Sprays should be used alongside baits, not as a replacement. Relying too heavily on sprays can push roaches deeper into walls and hiding spots, making them harder to eliminate long term.

Traps for Monitoring and Light Infestations

Sticky roach traps are not designed to wipe out an infestation, but they play an important role in understanding and managing the problem. They help you identify where roaches are active and whether your control methods are working.

Sticky traps are useful for:

Monitoring roach activity over time
Identifying high-traffic areas and nesting zones
Catching individual roaches in light infestations
Confirming which rooms need more attention

For accurate results, place traps in areas where roaches naturally travel:

Along walls and baseboards
Under sinks and inside cabinets
Behind appliances and furniture
Near entry points like doors or pipes

Check traps weekly and replace them as needed. A decrease in captured roaches is a good sign that your elimination efforts are working.

How to Get Rid of Roaches Naturally and Safely

If you prefer non-toxic or low-chemical solutions, natural methods can help reduce roach activity and support long-term control. These options are best suited for mild infestations or as part of a larger strategy that includes sealing entry points and improving sanitation.

Diatomaceous Earth

Food-grade diatomaceous earth is a natural powder made from fossilized algae. It works by damaging a roach’s outer shell, causing it to lose moisture and dehydrate.

Why diatomaceous earth can be effective:

Non-toxic to humans when used properly
Long-lasting if kept dry
Targets roaches as they move through treated areas

How to use it correctly:

Apply a very thin layer in cracks, behind appliances, and under sinks
Focus on hidden areas where roaches travel
Keep the powder dry, as moisture reduces effectiveness
Avoid inhaling dust during application

Too much diatomaceous earth can cause roaches to avoid the area, so light application is key.

Boric Acid

Boric acid has been used for decades as a reliable roach control method. It works by disrupting the roach’s digestive system and nervous system after ingestion.

Key tips for safe and effective use:

Apply lightly in cracks, wall voids, and under appliances
Keep it out of reach of pets and children
Never leave visible piles in open areas
Use a thin dusting rather than clumps
Combine with bait stations for better results

When roaches walk through boric acid, they ingest it while grooming, which helps spread the treatment throughout the infestation.

Baking Soda and Sugar

This simple DIY method can help reduce roach activity by interfering with their digestive system. While it won’t eliminate a severe infestation, it can be helpful as a supplementary control method.

How it works:

Sugar attracts roaches to the mixture
Baking soda reacts internally when consumed
The reaction can be fatal to roaches over time

For best results:

Mix equal parts baking soda and sugar
Place the mixture in shallow containers near roach activity
Replace regularly to keep it fresh

Consistency is important, and results may take time.

Essential Oils

Essential oils don’t kill roaches but can help repel them and discourage activity in certain areas of the home.

Common oils used for roach deterrence include:

Peppermint oil
Eucalyptus oil
Tea tree oil

Essential oils work best when:

Mixed with water and used as a spray along baseboards
Applied near entry points and problem areas
Used alongside elimination methods

They are best viewed as a preventive or supporting solution rather than a primary method for how to get rid of roaches.

Why Cleaning Alone Won’t Get Rid of Roaches

Many homeowners assume that deep cleaning will solve a roach problem. While cleanliness is important, it’s rarely enough on its own.

Cleaning helps by:

Removing food sources
Reducing hiding spots
Making treatments more effective

However, roaches can survive on minimal resources and hide deep within walls, cabinets, and appliances. Cleaning should support elimination efforts, not replace them.

How to Get Rid of Roaches by Cutting Off Food and Water

Roaches are incredibly resilient, but they cannot survive without consistent access to food and moisture. Cutting off these resources forces roaches to move, weakens their ability to reproduce, and makes other control methods far more effective. This step is essential for long-term control and prevention.

Kitchen Habits That Make a Difference

The kitchen is the most common hotspot for roaches because it offers easy access to food, warmth, and hiding places. Small daily habits can significantly reduce what attracts them.

Key kitchen practices include:

Store pantry items, pet food, and snacks in airtight containers instead of original packaging
Wipe down countertops, tables, and stovetops daily to remove crumbs and grease
Sweep and vacuum floors regularly, especially under cabinets and dining areas
Take trash out nightly and keep trash cans sealed
Clean under and behind appliances weekly, where grease and food debris collect

Even tiny food residues can sustain roaches, so consistency matters more than occasional deep cleaning.

Bathroom and Moisture Control

Roaches are just as attracted to water as they are to food. Bathrooms, laundry rooms, and utility areas often provide hidden moisture sources that go unnoticed.

Effective moisture control steps include:

Fix leaking pipes, faucets, and toilet bases as soon as possible
Wipe sinks, tubs, and shower floors dry before going to bed
Use exhaust fans during and after showers to reduce humidity
Seal gaps and cracks around plumbing where moisture can accumulate

Even small water sources, such as condensation on pipes or standing water in drains, can keep roaches alive. Reducing moisture makes your home far less inviting to them.

Sealing Entry Points to Stop Roaches From Coming In

Getting rid of roaches inside your home won’t last if new ones can easily enter. Sealing entry points is one of the most overlooked yet most effective steps in permanent roach control.

Roaches can squeeze through extremely small openings, often entering through hidden or ignored gaps.

Common entry points include:

Cracks in walls, baseboards, and ceilings
Gaps around doors, windows, and sliding doors
Openings around pipes, electrical wiring, and cable lines
Floor drains, vents, and utility access panels

To block access:

Use caulk to seal cracks and small gaps
Install weather stripping on doors and windows
Cover vents and drains with fine mesh screens
Seal openings around plumbing with foam or sealant

Pay special attention to kitchens, bathrooms, basements, and shared walls in apartments, as these areas are frequent entry routes.

How to Get Rid of Roaches in Specific Areas of the Home

Roaches adapt to different environments within the home, so targeted strategies work best. Treating the entire house the same way can leave problem areas untreated.

Kitchens

Kitchens often require the most aggressive control because they attract roaches with food and warmth.

Effective kitchen strategies include:

Focus bait placement behind stoves, refrigerators, dishwashers, and microwaves
Clean grease buildup from cabinets, walls, and appliances
Inspect cabinets and pantries regularly for droppings or activity
Seal cracks inside cabinets and along backsplash areas

Reducing food access in the kitchen makes bait more attractive and effective.

Bathrooms

Bathrooms are high-risk areas due to moisture and plumbing access points.

Key bathroom steps include:

Control moisture aggressively with ventilation and drying
Apply treatments under sinks and behind toilets
Keep drains clean and cover them when possible
Seal gaps around pipes and fixtures

Addressing water issues in bathrooms can dramatically reduce roach survival.

Bedrooms and Living Areas

Roaches don’t just stay in kitchens and bathrooms, especially during larger infestations.

To protect living spaces:

Reduce clutter that provides hiding places
Inspect furniture, mattresses, and electronics
Use sticky traps to monitor activity along walls and furniture
Avoid storing food in bedrooms or living rooms

Electronics and furniture can provide warmth and shelter, making inspection important.

Basements and Crawl Spaces

Basements and crawl spaces often serve as entry points or nesting areas, especially for larger roach species.

Effective control methods include:

Address moisture issues with dehumidifiers or drainage fixes
Seal foundation cracks and wall gaps
Remove cardboard boxes and stored clutter
Keep stored items elevated and organized

Keeping these areas dry and sealed helps stop roaches before they spread throughout the home.

How Long Does It Take to Get Rid of Roaches?

The timeline varies depending on infestation size, roach species, and treatment methods.

General expectations:

Small infestations: 2–4 weeks
Moderate infestations: 1–2 months
Severe infestations: several months

Consistency is key. Skipping steps or stopping treatment too early often leads to reinfestation.

When Should You Call a Professional Exterminator?

Sometimes, DIY methods aren’t enough. Professional help may be necessary if:

Roaches persist despite repeated treatment
You’re dealing with a large infestation
Roaches are spreading between units
You want long-term guarantees

Professionals use stronger products, targeted treatments, and follow-up plans that address the root of the problem.

How to Get Rid of Roaches in Apartments and Shared Housing

Apartment living presents unique challenges because roaches can move between units.

What helps most:

Treat your unit thoroughly
Seal entry points inside your apartment
Coordinate with management
Keep shared areas clean

Without building-wide cooperation, roach control can be more difficult, but individual action still makes a difference.

Common Mistakes That Make Roach Problems Worse

Avoid these common errors when trying to get rid of roaches:

Overusing sprays instead of bait
Ignoring moisture issues
Using too many products at once
Placing bait incorrectly
Stopping treatment too soon

A focused, consistent approach always works better than random treatments.

How to Prevent Roaches From Coming Back

Once you’ve eliminated roaches, prevention becomes your top priority.

Long-term prevention tips:

Maintain regular cleaning habits
Fix leaks promptly
Seal cracks and gaps annually
Monitor with traps
Store food securely
Reduce clutter

Think of roach prevention as ongoing home maintenance rather than a one-time task.

Seasonal Tips for Roach Control

Roach activity often increases during warmer months, but prevention matters year-round.

Warm weather strategies:

Increase cleaning frequency
Check entry points more often
Monitor moisture levels

Cold weather strategies:

Seal drafts and cracks
Inspect basements and crawl spaces
Continue bait maintenance

Consistency across seasons helps prevent surprise infestations.

Final Thoughts: Get Rid of Roaches for Good

Learning how to get rid of roaches isn’t about finding a single miracle solution. It’s about understanding their behavior, eliminating current infestations, and creating an environment where they can’t survive or return.

By combining effective elimination methods, sealing entry points, controlling moisture, and maintaining good habits, you can take control of your home and keep roaches out long term. Whether you choose DIY methods, natural solutions, or professional help, the key is persistence and prevention.

With the right approach, roaches don’t stand a chance.