5 Ways to Get Rid of Cockroaches Fast (And Why You Shouldn’t Wait)
Cockroach infestations can spread fast and pose serious health risks—so it’s important to act quickly.
Why You Should Act Fast Against Roaches
Roaches aren’t just unpleasant to see—they’re known carriers of bacteria and allergens. Their droppings, shed skins, and saliva can trigger asthma and spread germs, especially in kitchens and bathrooms. Cockroaches multiply quickly, and once they settle in, they’re much harder (and more expensive) to eliminate.
Fast action reduces the chance of an infestation spreading to walls, appliances, and hidden parts of your home.
1. Use Gel Bait Traps in High-Traffic Areas
Gel baits are among the most effective over-the-counter options for DIY roach control. The bait contains slow-acting poison that roaches bring back to their nests, infecting others.
Apply gel behind appliances, under sinks, in bathroom corners, and near baseboards. Roaches love the dark and damp, so target those spots. Reapply every couple of weeks for best results.
2. Seal Off Entry Points and Remove Food Sources
Cockroaches don’t need much to survive—crumbs, cardboard, even soap can be a feast. Start by:
- Cleaning floors and counters daily
- Storing food in airtight containers
- Fixing leaky faucets (roaches need water)
- Sealing gaps in baseboards, under doors, and around pipes
Cutting off access to food, water, and shelter forces roaches to move elsewhere—or into your traps.
3. Use Roach Foggers (Cautiously)
Roach foggers (or "bug bombs") can kill large numbers of roaches in open areas. But they don’t reach hidden nests, and they can spread toxins around your home. Use only in extreme infestations and follow directions closely—then follow up with traps to catch stragglers.
These are best combined with deep cleaning and sealing strategies.
4. Try Boric Acid and Diatomaceous Earth
Both powders are lethal to roaches but safe for humans and pets when used properly.
- Boric Acid clings to a roach’s body and gets ingested as they groom, disrupting their nervous system.
- Diatomaceous Earth scratches the outer shell of the roach, dehydrating and killing it over time.
Apply lightly under appliances, along baseboards, and in cracks. Avoid using where kids or pets can reach.
5. Use Catnip Spray—Yes, Really
The most surprising method? Catnip spray. The compound nepetalactone, found in catnip, repels cockroaches naturally.
Studies show roaches strongly avoid it, making it a chemical-free alternative for sensitive households. Mix catnip essential oil with water and spray around known entry points and cabinets. (Don’t worry—it won’t attract cats unless they ingest or sniff it directly.)
When to Call Professional Pest Control
If you’ve tried home remedies with no success, or if you’re seeing roaches during the daytime (a sign of a major infestation), it’s time to call in the pros.
Professional exterminators can:
- Identify nesting sites
- Use industrial-grade treatments
- Provide prevention plans for future outbreaks
Many companies offer affordable first-visit rates or multi-treatment packages. Some even specialize in non-toxic or eco-friendly options.
Final Thoughts
The key to fast cockroach removal is early action and consistency. Start with bait, seal your home tightly, and don’t be afraid to call pest control if the problem grows. Even one roach can signal dozens more hiding nearby—so act quickly to protect your health and your home.
Sources
Orkin – https://www.orkin.com
Terminix – https://www.terminix.com
EPA Cockroach Control Guide – https://www.epa.gov
National Pesticide Information Center – https://npic.orst.edu
Scientific American (Catnip Study) – https://www.scientificamerican.com