How To Get Rid Of Roaches Like The Professionals

Roach infestations are never fun — roaches are unsanitary, creepy-looking, and hard to get rid of. You might initially try going the natural route or using everyday household products to help drive roaches away. But if you want the best possible chance of exterminating these pests for good, consider taking a hint from the professionals. Professional exterminators typically use chemical insecticides to get rid of roaches, and some are available in products you can buy and apply yourself.

Professional exterminators can eradicate roaches from your home in several ways. They examine the house itself to determine what's attracting roaches to your home, how they're getting in, and where they're hiding. And they apply insecticides in the form of spray, powder, or bait to eliminate the roaches in the short and long term. Pros have access to treatments you can't get on your own, and their expertise is often worth the extra cost. But if you want pro-strength pest control without the price tag or commitment, look for products that contain the same insecticides that pros use. Active ingredients to look for include pyrethrin, piperonyl butoxide, fipronil, indoxacarb, boric acid, abamectin, hydramethylnon, clothianidin, or imidacloprid. Here's where to find those products and how to use them like a pro.

Several products that you can easily buy at Amazon or Walmart contain the same active ingredients that professionals use. Your best options will be in the form of bait, which mixes food that attracts roaches with a slow-acting insecticide. Baits are highly effective, making them popular among pest control pros. Brands to look for include Maxforce, Advion, Harris, Vendetta, Combat, and InVict. You can also opt for a spray to kill roaches more quickly, but keep in mind that sprays aren't as effective long-term and may just send the roaches away temporarily. One common roach spray is Bengal, which contains permethrin, the synthetic form of pyrethrin. Lastly, you can apply boric acid powder for another slower, but longer-lasting solution.

With any of these products, proper placement is key. Keep an eye out for the roaches themselves as well as any waste, skins, or eggs to determine where they're hanging out. Place bait or bait stations around the outside of the building, along walls, under and behind appliances such as refrigerators, near trash cans, and in cabinets. Gel bait, sprays, and powders are ideal for cracks and crevices. Don't bother spraying areas that roaches don't walk on for long, like countertops or baseboards.

Safety is also an important consideration. Read the label on your product of choice carefully. Typically, you'll want to remove kids, pets, and food during application. This is one perk of bait stations, which keep the insecticide in a small secured area.

Even professional products aren't a one-and-done solution. Most products will have to be reapplied or replaced regularly — gel baits will be eaten over time and may harden, while boric acid doesn't work if it gets wet, for example. Check the instructions on your chosen product to track when you should re-up. Additionally, professionals tend to rotate products every few months for maximum effectiveness, so you should, too. Some types of roaches are resistant to certain ingredients, and others experience "bait aversion," in which they won't bother eating specific types of bait. Experiment with different products and placements until you see results.

To truly keep roaches out of your home like a pro, you'll also need to combine these products with other roach control methods. Otherwise, you're bound to continue having the same problem sooner or later. First, examine your property to find where roaches may be entering the home, and seal or block any openings (including under doors or windows). Get rid of as many hiding areas, like piles of paper bags and cracks between cabinets, as you can. Lastly, make your home unappealing to roaches. Keep food and trash tightly secured, and clean, declutter, and vacuum regularly.