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Reclaim your home from pests with these tested roach killer whale .

In This Article

Better Homes & Gardens

Your home is your sanctuary , and the last thing you want to do is share it with Rutilus rutilus . However , keep pests out of your homecan be a constant battle , especially if you go ina warm , humid climate . These roach killers are designed toeliminate any roach infestationscurrently in your nursing home — and retain working to keep them from make out back .

The best roach slayer for you and your post will rely on what case of roach you ’re facing , as well as whether it is a undivided isolated roach or a full - blown plague .

A pack of Advion Cockroach Gel Bait placed on faux grass next to garden hose

Credit:Better Homes & Gardens

What We Tested

Each of the eight roach killer on our leaning has been test by theBetter Homes & Gardensteam , who are located in Birmingham , New York City , Miami , Gulf Breeze , and other locations with warm , humid climates . We evaluated each roach orca on itseffectiveness , scent , ease of use , value , andcleanliness . For our initial tryout , we used each roach killer for six months to over one year . For more entropy on how we tested roach killer , check outour testing processbelow .

Our Top Picks

Best Overall

Syngenta Advion Cockroach Gel Bait

The Advion cockroach gel sweetener can be used indoors or alfresco .

Too much insistence on the diver during software can smear the colloidal gel lure .

After examination , we rated theAdvion cockroach gel baitas the best overall roach killer . These colloidal gel - filled plungers can be easily use around your rest home or workspace , both indoors and outdoors . This circle killer begin working immediately , and it can get results as presently as 24 hour .

Amazon Syngenta Advion Cockroach Gel Bait

Credit: Amazon

During examination , the Advion roach gel bait grow endure results . In one of our tester ’s flat ( located in Manhattan ) , the Advion gel decoy proceed to produce results nearlytwo yearsafter the initial software .

While it ’s not touted as being safe to use around pets and child , the Advion roach gel bait uses a target MetaActive effect , which means that if the bait is ingest by something other than the targeted species , such as a homo or favorite , it is unlikely to have negative effect . However , it is still best to prevent youngster or pets from accessing this gel bait when potential .

When applying the Advion roach gel decoy , it ’s important to be careful with the plunger . If too much press is used , this roach killer can smear , leaving a stack behind . It also tend to harden over fourth dimension after diligence , which may need to be remove before you could reapply if needed .

Advion Cockroach Gel Bait on a marble table next to gloves

Credit: Better Homes & Gardens

Overall , we were impressed with how well this bait worked at keeping rophy away .

Product Details : Form : Gel bait |Time demand to Work : Immediate |Efficacy Length : Three yr |Targeted Pests : Cockroaches |Safe for Pets : No

Best Bait Station

Combat Max Roach Killing Bait

The Combat Max bait bring home the bacon pot - free pest control with an easy cleanup .

Because this lure is design for larger roach , the station may take up more space than other type of bait .

Because of its well-heeled , lot - free setup , we select theCombat Max bait for large forget me drug . This roach grampus contain bait housed in small stations that can be placed around your home . Although caveat is still important , these stations facilitate protect the decoy from pet and tiddler .

A hand squeezing Advion Cockroach Gel Bait out of tube

Our examiner used these in area where cockroaches are common , such as along the base of walls . These lure were rank after seeing a forget me drug in the test location . In each instance , our testers notice results the solar day after placing the bait post , with lasting effects .

Bait stations like the Combat Max bait for heavy rophy work best for infrequent sightings across the dwelling . Because they are long - lasting , they can be left for several months at a meter to ensure effective treatment of an plague .

When it come meter to clean up the hook , our testers appreciated that it was as well-off as pick up the stations and throwing them away .

A person taking holding a small blue cap away from the Advion Cockroach Gel Bait

Product Details : kind : Bait |Time Needed to Work : Immediate |Efficacy Length : Three months |Targeted Pests : Cockroaches |Safe for Pets : Yes

Best Glue Trap

Black Flag Roach Motel

The Black Flag Roach Motel traps plaguy dirt ball inside for an well-to-do , mess - devoid cleanup position .

Its larger size makes it a hard paroxysm for smaller area .

Many things can attract roaches to your home . Food , urine , warmth — all of these can increase the likeliness of Rutilus rutilus wanting to call your family their own . alas , these divisor may also attract other types of insects , as well as thing like spider and Scorpion .

Advion Cockroach Gel Bait on a marble table next to gloves

TheBlack Flag roach motellures in and traps roaches , as well as urine bugs , palmetto bugs , crickets , spider , and even Scorpio . Our testers appreciated how promiscuous it was to set up this snare : only open one end of the bunker and set it down in an domain where roaches may frequent .

The rophy killer has a glue surface on both interior side of its trap , so you do n’t have to worry about spraying or apply anything . The louse simply get stuck on the glue , so it ’s safe to use around pets . After leaving it out for some time , our tester flipped the box over to regenerate its stickiness . This allowed us to manage pesterer for longer without needing to install a new ambush .

When it come sentence to replace or get rid of this maw , you may safely peck it up and throw off away the entire maw — dead insects and all . As a outcome , there ’s no need to worry about utter roofy scattered around your star sign to beswept up with a broom .

A hand squeezing Advion Cockroach Gel Bait out of tube

While we did appreciate the overall effectiveness of this Rutilus rutilus Orcinus orca , our quizzer did remark that the exterior packaging of this ambush was a small heavy , which made it unmanageable to fit it into some small areas where dirt ball were plebeian .

production Details : Form : Trap |Time Needed to put to work : Immediate |Efficacy Length : Four months |Targeted Pests : Roaches , water bug , palmetto bugs , spider , crickets , and scorpions |Safe for Pets : Yes

Best Pet Safe

Harris Food Grade Diatomaceous Earth

Diatomaceous earth is a nontoxic pestis restraint option that can persist efficacious indefinitely .

Inhaling the junk when applying it can irritate your nostrils and throat .

Diatomaceous earth , or DE , is made from the fossilised stiff of diatoms , which are small , aquatic organisms that have skeleton made up of a fabric have sex as silica .

A person taking holding a small blue cap away from the Advion Cockroach Gel Bait

Although diatomaceous earth is harmless to mankind and pets , when insects like Rutilus rutilus come in into inter-group communication with it , DE absorbs the oils and fat from the insect , drying them out and belt down them . After testing , we ’ve prefer theHarris nutrient - grade diatomaceous earthas our best pet - safe roach cause of death .

There are several ways to unfold DE around your rest home to foreclose insects . Our testers chance that using a credit crunch bottle to apply the diatomaceous earthly concern to window , along the stand of walls and in recession , to be easiest . As a result , the lotion was simple and pot - free .

Although diatomaceous land is nontoxic when eat , it is important to be conservative during software . If large amounts of the dust are inspire , it may make some irritation to your nozzle or throat .

Combat Max Roach Killing Bait

Amazon.

However , overall , DE is a dependable , scent - barren cuss - management result for indoors or alfresco . It can remain effective so long as it is not disturbed and stays dry .

intersection Details : Form : debris |Time Needed to Work : Immediate |Efficacy Length : Indefinite |Targeted pesterer : All insects |Safe for Pets : Yes

Best Tablets

Harris Roach Tablets

Thanks to their small size , the Harris Mexican valium tablet can be easy concealed and placed in hard - to - hit area where roaches may thrive .

These pad are dependable for children and positron emission tomography when used correctly , but ingestion can pose health risks .

rope often choose small , dark , and damp space , such as behindyour toilet , under your appliance , or in cabinets . TheHarris roach tabletsare small enough that you could easy fit them in those operose - to - reach places where Mexican valium may live , and they start to solve immediately .

box of Combat Max Large Roach Killing Bait next to gloves on marble countertop

Credit: Better Homes & Gardens

During examination , we found that the Harris roach tablets offer an good solution for managing roaches in our quizzer ’s home . We also noted that these lozenge break easily , and while this increases the spate ingredient of these pad , it also allows for an easier sentence spreading them in tight areas .

Because the Harris roach tablets have boric dose as the active element and no station , you ’ll want to verify you place them somewhere untried children and pets wo n’t be able-bodied to access them . The tablet are n’t hazardous when used as instruct , but may be harmful when ingested .

Product detail : Form : Bait |Time Needed to do work : Immediate |Targeted Pests : circle , water bugs , and silverfish |Safe for darling : Yes , so long as not ingested

A hand holding Combat Max Large Roach Killing Bait with other components placed on product box

Best Multipurpose

ORTHO Pest Control

The Ortho Home Defense Max spray can be give directly to louse for fast result .

In heavier lotion , there may be some overspill .

If you go on to see a cockroach or other character of hemipteran scuttle around your home , you ’ll likely want a immobile solution . Once theOrtho Home Defense Max sprayhas been apply to an area , it can help oneself see pests for up to one year . However , you may also spray it right away on any roaches or other worm for almost quick results , a characteristic we appreciated during testing .

A hand placing Combat Max Large Roach Killing Bait on a floor

This atomiser comes with a barrage - powered wand , reserve you to spray the solution in hard - to - reach orbit where roach expand . you’re able to adjust it between a spray and a watercourse .

Although this Cartesian product is overall fast - drying and clean , our testers did note that using too much of this spray in an expanse could produce overspill . Thankfully , this spray produces no detectable odors during or after lotion .

Product Details : chassis : Spray |Time Needed to crop : Immediate |Efficacy Length : One twelvemonth |Targeted Pests : Cockroaches , emmet , and fleas |Safe for Pets : Yes , after drying

box of Combat Max Large Roach Killing Bait next to gloves on marble countertop

The Bottom Line

Overall , after testing and enquiry , theAdvion cockroach gelis the best circle grampus because of its ease of use , spate - gratuitous applications programme , and hold out results , providing a mere and effective approach to managing gadfly within your place .

Our Testing Process

To pick out the in effect rope killers to let in on this list , we tested eight different product and rated them on relief of use , scent , effectiveness , cleanliness , and value .

We also tested other key point , such as how much the cockroach orca reduced the act of rophy in our testers ’ homes and the overall note value when comparing quantity and effectiveness to the price .

When screen the performance of each of these roach killers , we used them from six month to over a year in different base around the United States ( include New York City ) , seeing how the products execute in various season and climates . Each rophy cause of death was used in a locating soon after pest sightings to insure accurate results .

A hand holding Combat Max Large Roach Killing Bait with other components placed on product box

Other Roach Killers We Tested

Raid Concentrated Deep Reach Fogger

TheRaid Concentrated Deep Reach Foggerprovides an in effect , comprehensive method of treating an plague throughout the habitation . One affair we appreciated about this fogger is that it place insects other than roach as well , aid to control palmetto bugs , beetles , and more .

While it can be helpful for controlling blighter , the Raid fogger can have mussy answer , requiring cleaning after each use . It ’s   also not safe for world or positron emission tomography to be around , requiring you to countermand the family while the foggers lick . Because of this , it ’s not the most convenient alternative .

Gentrol Point Source Roach Control Device

TheGentrol Point Source Roach Control Deviceprovides up to 90 daylight of pest dominance per disc . So long as they are not consume , these discs are pet- and human - good , and they ’re in effect at killing cockroach without any mess or lingering odors .

Although extremely effective for German cockroaches , our testers found that this roach grampus was n’t as effective with other types of louse , including dissimilar rophy species .

What to Know About Roach Killers Before Shopping

Form

There are several dissimilar form of roach orca , each with different software and elimination processes . In the case of serious infestations , you may discover that store - bought forget me drug killers are n’t capable to treat the problem in effect , and you may need to enlist the help of a professional .

However , if you are taking the DIY gadfly control road , it ’s important to know what alternative are usable .

Baits : Baits provide an enticing solid food seed for roaches . However , this nutrient also contains insecticides that kill the rophy after ingestion . In this way , they ’re also able to spread it to other roaches , helping point entire colony .

A hand placing Combat Max Large Roach Killing Bait on a floor

Some baits , like theAdvion circle gel sweetener , come in a gelatin form . These are often useable in a syringe or plumber’s helper that you’re able to precisely place around your home in area where roaches may be common . However , baits can also come in station .

“ To properly eliminate roach from a home or other structure , containerized baits are the best solution , ” saysErika Niland , prof and chair of the biology department at Wingate University . “ You simply put the bait container(s ) out in areas where the cockroaches congregate and earmark them to work . “

When using bait stations over gel bait , it ’s authoritative to identify the metal money of roofy in your home . If you ’re deliver difficulty doing so , you may obtain that an entomologist may be capable to help . have it off the roaches you ’re fighting against is important to help oneself choose the right station size of it , as some specie of circle may grow to be large than others .

Black Flag Roach Motel

Credit: Amazon

“ When we talk over ‘ cockroaches ’ in the setting of pest control , we usually refer to just a few species , ” saysCoby Schal , prof in the section of bugology and plant pathology at North Carolina State University . These species can either be “ tightly associated with our structure , ” such as the German cockroach , or they may be one “ that experience outside the home and occasionally come into the domicile . ”

detritus and powders : dust and gunpowder can touch insects in a variety of different way . Some cling to the insect and are assimilate during train , while others , like theHarris diatomaceous earth , damage the insect ’s exoskeleton , leading to their dying .

It ’s important to pay close attending to the guidance when using a gunpowder and avoid placing the dust into piling during software .

The Black Flag Roach Motel Insect Trap on a marble countertop next to a pair of gloves

Credit: Better Homes & Gardens

Sprays : Many spraying work on contact to eliminate roaches immediately . However , some , like theOrtho Home Defense Max , can also be applied to hard surfaces to assist repel and kill insects . The distance of efficaciousness for sprays can diverge , and , most often , they work best when give directly to the rope .

Time Needed to Work

Different character of roach killers can have different timeline . However , overall , most roach killers begin work instantly — even if it can take a few hours or even days for the personal effects to contact their peak .

decoy rope killer whale , like theAdvion Roach Gel Bait , are efficacious flop after diligence . However , because they rely on the cockroach direct the lure back to the colony and spreading it , you may not see results until the next mean solar day or later . Although these can take a bit longer to father results , Mexican valium killers like the Advion colloidal gel bait andCombat Max Large Roach Killing Baitare better for treat with child infestation .

Other case of roach Orcinus orca can kill roaches almost right away on impinging . Because they bank on the insect coming into direct contact , they are better suited for infrequent roaches and prevention . This is because they wo n’t be as effective in direct entire colonies .

A hand taking the Black Flag Roach Motel Insect Trap out of the product box

Efficacy Length

Like with the meter needed to play , efficaciousness distance can vary based on the R-2 slayer used . Harris diatomaceous earthcan continue efficient so long as the detritus is n’t disturbed . However , others , like theBlack Flag Roach Motel dirt ball trap , are only in effect for around three to four months .

Targeted Pests

Many R-2 killers can target other type of insect as well . Baits tend only to bear on a few select coinage because they are “ manufactured to be specific for cockroaches , ” Niland says .

Other forms of rope killers , however , may target other mintage . TheHarris roach tabletscan kill water bugs and silverfish as well , while theBlack Flag Roach Motel insect trapcan be effective in kill roaches , water bugs , palmetto bugs , and even some arachnids like Scorpion , depending on their size of it .

Extent of Infestation

If you encounter yourself confront with a with child infestation and want an at - home answer without the help of a professional , then you ’ll demand stronger R-2 slayer . Often , these are commercial grade . You may also be able to combine different types of roach killers , such as using various lure to place the entire dependency .

Sometimes , roaches and other pests can move into your family without there necessarily being an infestation . This is typically the case if you see a single cockroach here and there without any consistent sighting . In these case , applying a spraying like theOrtho Home Defense Maxwill often be enough to eliminate the solitary roach .

However , if you ’re distressed about that sole cockroach or pest acquire into a full - blown infestation , you may choose to establish a strong sweetener system as a preventive .

A hand holding the Black Flag Roach Motel Insect Trap with the product box on countertop

Safe for Pets

One of the most important things to remember with preferent - safe product is that there are still proper guidelines to follow . Not all roach Orcinus orca are good to use around pet , and even those that say they are ( such as theAdvion Roach Gel Bait ) are only good if the instructions are followed .

Some favourite - good pestis solutions may only be safe once the roach killer has dried , while others may include safe ingredients for other potential concerns . For example , if you have a great enough dog and they can access your big bait stations , they may use up the entire station , which poses a choking or obstruction hazard .

Always ensure that you learn the label carefully before using a roach killer . If you have any questions about using a certain Cartesian product , most pest solutions will admit a consumer hotline you’re able to call for answers .

A hand placing the Black Flag Roach Motel Insect Trap in the corner of a room

Your Questions, Answered

When should you use a roach killer?

“ If you have German cockroaches , then justly off , ” Schal says . “ The rather you employ baits , the easier it will be to eliminate them . ”

While other types of roach may survive outside and only occasionally enter the base , German roach are known to cause infestations within the house . As a result , you ’ll want to focalise on indoor solvent , particularly baits such as theCombat Max large roach killing hook .

For cockroaches that stray into the home , your efforts may be better focalize on preventing their accounting entry . country where they may embark , such as attics or crawlspace , can be treated with hook to aid extinguish any stragglers before they are seen in your plate .

The Black Flag Roach Motel Insect Trap on a marble countertop next to a pair of gloves

“ They care to live in Dubya , trees , tree diagram holes , and the leafage litter , ” Schal says . “ So trim bushes away from nursing home , get mulch a foot or [ two ] away from the house , install door sweeps to preclude entranceway , [ and ] check eaves , loft , [ and ] crawlspaces . ”

How do you use a roach killer?

“ All pesticide , include insecticides , do with an EPA - O.K. recording label , include the direction for purpose , and these should always be followed on the nose as compose , ” Niland says .

Because rophy orca can arrive in different forms with dissimilar targeted mintage , it ’s important to always read the label before employment to get the good answer . bang the coinage of roach in your home can also help guide how you will expend R-2 killers .

“ German cockroaches are domesticated , meaning that they must live inside of a dwelling or structure to live , ” Niland say . “ American cockroaches , or Palmetto bugs , are peri - domesticated , meaning that they prefer to live alfresco , but can move indoors . ”

A hand taking the Black Flag Roach Motel Insect Trap out of the product box

This means that your approach will demand to be dissimilar , as German cockroaches may reply well to nebulizer and baits focused on indoor program , like theAdvion roach colloidal gel sweetener . Other roaches , however , may respond well to outdoor preventive method like those outlined by Schal and circumference treatments .

Can roach killers be used for other insects?

If you ’re using forget me drug killers outside , you may have some concerns about helpful specie , such ashoney bee and butterfly .

“ When insecticide are used according to their labeling , there should not be any adverse effects toward non - target insect , ” Niland tell . “ However , when in incertitude , a professional pest restraint company may be best beseem to do this work if you are worried about harming non - target insects . ”

Who We Are

This article was written byMegan Newton , a author forBetter Homes & Gardenswho specializes in pesterer command and out-of-door products . She research a variety of dissimilar circle killers online and analyzed perceptivity from our at - abode examination to find oneself the undecomposed options for our readers . She also mouth toCoby Schal , professor in the section of entomology and plant pathology at North Carolina State University , andErika Niland , prof and chair of the biology department at Wingate University .

What is BHG Recommends?

Next to all of the products on this list , you may have noticed ourBHG Recommends sealing wax of commendation . mathematical product that bring in the seal have been put through strict testing to verify they ’re deserving a berth in your nursing home . We buy most of the merchandise we try out ourselves , but at times we are provided sample by companies if buying is n’t an option . In these cases , we use the same examination criteria we use to essay the purchase products .

A hand holding the Black Flag Roach Motel Insect Trap with the product box on countertop

A hand placing the Black Flag Roach Motel Insect Trap in the corner of a room

Harris Food Grade Diatomaceous Earth

Credit: Amazon

A bag of Harris Food Grade Diatomaceous Earth on a marble countertop next to gloves

Credit: Better Homes & Gardens

A person opening a bag of the Harris Food Grade Diatomaceous Earth

Harris Food Grade Diatomaceous Earth poured onto a marble countertop

A pile of Harris Food Grade Diatomaceous Earth on a countertop

A bag of Harris Food Grade Diatomaceous Earth on a marble countertop next to gloves

A person opening a bag of the Harris Food Grade Diatomaceous Earth

Harris Food Grade Diatomaceous Earth poured onto a marble countertop

A pile of Harris Food Grade Diatomaceous Earth on a countertop

Harris Roach Tablets

Credit: Amazon

The Harris Roach Tablets box on a table next to a pair of gloves

Credit: Better Homes & Gardens

A person holding the Harris Roach Tablets box

Harris Roach Tablets being poured onto a countertop

The Harris Roach Tablets box on a table next to a pair of gloves

A person holding the Harris Roach Tablets box

Harris Roach Tablets being poured onto a countertop

Home Defense Max Indoor Insect Barrier 1 gal. Ready-to-Use Spray Insect Killer with Extended Reach Comfort Wand

Credit: Home Depot

ORTHO 1-Gallon Home Defense Max Indoor Home Pest Control on a countertop next to gloves

Credit: Better Homes & Gardens

A person inserting the spray wand into the ORTHO 1-Gallon Home Defense Max Indoor Home Pest Control

A person dispensing ORTHO 1-Gallon Home Defense Max Indoor Home Pest Control onto edges of room

A person folding the wand of the ORTHO 1-Gallon Home Defense Max Indoor Home Pest Control

ORTHO 1-Gallon Home Defense Max Indoor Home Pest Control on a countertop next to gloves

A person inserting the spray wand into the ORTHO 1-Gallon Home Defense Max Indoor Home Pest Control

A person dispensing ORTHO 1-Gallon Home Defense Max Indoor Home Pest Control onto edges of room

A person folding the wand of the ORTHO 1-Gallon Home Defense Max Indoor Home Pest Control

A person strapping the wand to the bottle of ORTHO 1-Gallon Home Defense Max Indoor Home Pest Control

Credit:Better Homes & Gardens

A person pouring Harris Roach Tablets into their hand

Credit:Better Homes & Gardens