Why Safe Cockroach Removal Matters
If you’re reading this, chances are you’ve spotted an unwanted guest scurrying across your kitchen floor. Cockroaches are more than just creepy; they’re a health hazard. They spread bacteria, contaminate food, and can even trigger asthma, especially in kids. And once they find a way into your home, they don’t leave without a fight.
I've treated countless homes for cockroach infestations, and I can tell you this: blasting your house with toxic chemicals isn’t always the best answer. Not when you've got children, pets, or sensitive allergies. The good news? You can take care of the problem safely and effectively.
In this guide, I’ll walk you through 10 proven methods for how to get rid of cockroaches without harming your family. These are tried-and-true tactics I use in the field, and with a little persistence, they can work for you too.
1. Keep Your Home Spotless
Why It Works
Roaches are scavengers. If you cut off their food supply, they’ll have less reason to stick around.
How to Do It
- Clean crumbs and spills right away
- Wash dishes after meals
- Wipe down counters daily
- Take out the trash regularly
- Don’t leave pet food out overnight
Pros:
- Natural and completely safe
- Prevents reinfestation
Cons:
- Requires consistency
Residential Pest Control Tip: Pay attention to hidden areas like under the fridge or stove; those are roach favorites.
2. Seal Entry Points
Why It Works
Roaches can squeeze into your home through tiny cracks and crevices. Cutting off their access is half the battle.
How to Do It
- Seal cracks in walls, floors, and backsplashes
- Use weather stripping on doors and windows
- Install mesh screens over vents and drains
Pros:
- Long-term prevention
- Reduces future infestations
Cons:
- Some repairs might require a handyman
Pro Tip: At night, turn off the lights inside and look around the outside of your home with a flashlight. Light escaping through cracks is a sign of potential entry points.
3. Use Gel Baits Safely
Why It Works
Cockroach gel baits attract and poison roaches over time. The beauty is, they take the poison back to the nest, killing others.
How to Use
- Place small dots in corners, under appliances, and along baseboards
- Keep away from pets and children (use tamper-proof bait stations)
Pros:
- Targets nests
- Easy to apply
Cons:
- Takes a few days to see results
- Needs regular reapplication
Residential Pest Control Tip: Rotate bait brands every few months to prevent bait resistance.
4. Try Diatomaceous Earth (Food Grade)
Why It Works
This natural powder dries out and kills cockroaches by damaging their exoskeleton.
How to Use
- Sprinkle light dusting under cabinets, behind appliances, and in cracks
- Avoid damp areas; it loses effectiveness when wet
Pros:
- Safe for pets and kids when used properly
- Odorless and chemical-free
Cons:
- Doesn’t work if it gets wet
- Needs reapplication after cleaning
Pro Tip: Always use food-grade diatomaceous earth, not the stuff for pool filters.
5. Use Boric Acid with Caution
Why It Works
Boric acid is a low-toxicity substance that kills roaches when ingested. It sticks to their legs and is brought back to the nest.
How to Use
- Lightly dust behind the fridge, stove, and dishwasher
- Never over-apply, roaches will avoid large piles
Pros:
- Effective against large infestations
- Inexpensive
Cons:
- Can be toxic if misused
- Needs to be kept away from kids and pets
Residential Pest Control Tip: Mix boric acid with sugar and flour for a homemade bait.
6. Deploy Sticky Traps
Why It Works
Sticky traps don’t kill infestations, but they help you monitor activity and spot high-traffic zones.
How to Use
- Place near water sources (under sinks, behind toilets)
- Check weekly and replace as needed
Pros:
- Non-toxic
- Good for tracking progress
Cons:
- Not a standalone solution
Pro Tip: Label trap locations so you can see which ones catch the most and target those areas more aggressively.
7. Use Essential Oils
Why It Works
Certain essential oils repel cockroaches. While they won’t eliminate an infestation, they’re a great natural deterrent.
How to Use
- Mix peppermint oil or eucalyptus oil with water and spray in corners, around baseboards, and near drains
- Reapply every few days
Pros:
- Smells great
- Safe for family and pets
Cons:
- Temporary effect
- Doesn’t kill roaches
Residential Pest Control Tip: Combine with cleaning and sealing for a stronger effect.
8. Fix Plumbing Leaks
Why It Works
Roaches need moisture to survive. Leaky pipes and dripping faucets create the perfect environment.
How to Do It
- Inspect under sinks and behind appliances
- Fix even minor drips immediately
- Use a dehumidifier in damp areas
Pros:
- Prevents roach breeding grounds
- Improves overall home maintenance
Cons:
- May require a plumber
Pro Tip: Check for condensation on pipes too. It’s a sneaky water source.
9. Limit Cardboard Storage
Why It Works
Cockroaches love cardboard. It holds moisture, is easy to hide in, and even acts as food in a pinch.
How to Do It
- Switch to plastic storage bins
- Get rid of old boxes, especially in basements and garages
Pros:
- Easy to implement
- Cleans up clutter
Cons:
- Requires some organizing
Residential Pest Control Tip: Never store cardboard directly on the floor.
10. Call a Professional Residential Pest Control Service
Why It Works
Sometimes, a DIY approach just isn’t enough. Professional treatment gets deep into the walls, plumbing, and hidden spaces.
What to Expect
- Initial inspection
- Customized treatment plan
- Follow-up service for long-term prevention
Pros:
- Fast and effective
- Safe products when used correctly
Cons:
- Cost varies
Pro Tip: Choose a licensed and insured local service that understands the specific pest pressures in Michigan and uses safe, family-friendly methods.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Even with the best intentions, homeowners often make a few key mistakes when trying to figure out how to get rid of cockroaches:
- Using too much spray: Over-the-counter bug sprays kill on contact but don’t reach the nest. They also scatter roaches, making the problem worse.
- Ignoring sanitation: Baits and traps only work if your home is clean. Roaches will always go for the easier food source.
- Not sealing entry points: If you don’t close off how they’re getting in, new roaches will replace the ones you kill.
- Skipping follow-ups: Cockroach control isn’t one-and-done. You need to monitor and retreat if necessary.
Avoid these missteps and you’ll save yourself time, money, and stress.
FAQs About Cockroach Control
Q1: What’s the fastest way to get rid of cockroaches?
The fastest way is a mix of gel baits and professional treatment. Baits get to the nest, and pros can flush them out safely.
Q2: Are natural remedies really effective?
They can help prevent infestations and reduce numbers, but natural remedies work best when combined with cleaning, sealing, and baiting.
Q3: How do I know if I have a serious infestation?
If you see roaches during the day, smell a musty odor, or spot droppings (which look like ground pepper), the infestation may be severe. Call a residential pest control expert ASAP.
Summary Tips: How to Get Rid of Cockroaches Safely
Here’s a quick checklist of the best practices we covered:
- Keep your home clean and dry
- Seal up cracks and crevices
- Use gel baits and rotate brands
- Try diatomaceous earth for natural control
- Avoid overusing sprays
- Store food (and pet food) in sealed containers
- Fix plumbing leaks
- Get rid of cardboard
- Use sticky traps to monitor activity
- Call a residential pest control professional for backup
If you follow these steps, you’ll be well on your way to a roach-free home that’s safe for the people and pets you care about most.
Need help now? Contact Empire Pest Control for expert residential pest control services that are safe, local, and effective.
