Top Roach Extermination Products You Can Find Online

Best Choice Overall

Bait stations are a highly effective way to deal with a roach infestation, as the roaches consuming the bait not only get poisoned, but their feces—which other roaches will inevitably ingest (unpleasant, I know)—also contains the same poison. This cycle ideally helps eliminate nearby roaches, as they end up poisoning one another.

I really appreciated how easy it was to place the Combat Max Roach Killing Bait around our apartment. Setting it up was as simple as opening the box, taking out the stations, and positioning them in closets, behind the fridge, and other spots where I had spotted roaches.

These bait stations were one of the first solutions I tried during the infestation. While the results weren’t immediate, I did notice an increase in the number of dead roaches around the apartment after about two weeks (indicating it was working). I also liked that I could just set them up and leave them alone, letting the bait do its job without needing frequent replacements.

The main thing to keep in mind with these bait stations—and really with any bait treatment—is that they take time to be effective. As I mentioned, it took about two weeks to see a noticeable increase in dead roaches, and this timeline can vary based on the extent of the infestation. Another minor downside is that the stations lack adhesive, meaning they can only be placed on flat surfaces, limiting where you can set them up (such as in cabinets).

Type: Bait station | Targeted Pests: Cockroaches | Duration: 12 months (though you may need to replace them sooner if all the bait is consumed) | Safety: Not safe for pets (keep away from areas they can access)

Top Spray Pick

The sight of a roach, or several in my case, can be enough to make anyone shudder, but having to physically crush one underfoot is a line I can’t cross. If you feel the same way and prefer to avoid the crunch under your shoe, Raid Ant & Roach Killer offers the ideal fix by allowing you to spray it from a safe distance. After it’s taken care of, just sweep up the remains and dispose of them.

I can't express how much I appreciate using Raid on roaches, especially when I spot them in my apartment and don’t have to chase them with a shoe. However, sprays like Raid, while effective for killing a single roach, aren’t ideal for infestations. The residual pesticide may not have a lasting effect on other roaches as long as more powerful treatments. Still, if you lack good aim with footwear or don’t want to step on anything, it’s the perfect solution for eliminating a lone roach.

Product Type: Spray | Pests Targeted: Cockroaches, ants, spiders, silverfish, crickets, and others | Effect Duration: 3–4 weeks | Safety: Pet-safe once dried

Top Bait Gel

When looking for roach control products, Advion Gel Bait often comes highly recommended, and for good reason. When I hired a pest control service to handle the infestation, they used this gel in the kitchen and other cramped spots where regular bait stations wouldn’t fit. I noticed a significant decrease in the roach population in these areas of the apartment.

Advion Gel works similarly to other bait stations: if roaches consume the poisoned roach’s feces or carcass, the poison spreads to other roaches. However, both this gel and the bait stations share one downside: it takes some time before noticeable results appear. That said, once it starts working, it’s highly effective—I went from spotting over five roaches in the kitchen daily to just occasionally seeing one after two weeks.

One thing to keep in mind is that this product dries out after about a week, meaning you'll need to replace it with fresh bait. I had other gel baits available for a quick swap, but it was still a hassle to wipe away the dried remnants and place new bait every week. Additionally, this isn't safe for pets, so be sure to position it in places where your pets can’t access it.

Product Type: Gel | Pests Targeted: Cockroaches | Effective Duration: ~2 weeks | Safety: Not pet-friendly (keep out of reach of pets)

Top Powder Option

As a different option from gel baits and stations, boric acid comes in powder form and can be used in spaces where you can't spray or place traditional baits. I specifically used Harris Boric Acid Roach Powder for those hard-to-reach gaps around my apartment where I couldn’t seal off roach entry points. What’s particularly useful about this product is that it contains a lure, which attracts roaches and increases its effectiveness.

Boric acid works similarly to roach bait, but it also physically harms insects that come into contact with it. When a roach walks through the powder, it sticks to its body, damaging the exoskeleton and enabling the insect to spread the poison further.

As mentioned before, I primarily used Harris Boric Acid Roach Powder in cracks or gaps I couldn’t seal off, as the powder is easy to apply. I also spread it in the back corners of cabinets (preferably ones without food), which significantly reduced the number of live roaches in those areas. While it’s convenient to apply, the powder can be difficult to control, and I found it in places I didn’t want, especially around my dog. Luckily, it’s simple to wipe or sweep away if that happens.

Product Type: Powder | Pests Targeted: Cockroaches, palmetto bugs, silverfish, and water bugs | Effective Duration: Several years if left undisturbed | Safety: Not pet-friendly (keep out of reach of pets)

Top Defense Option

If you're living in an apartment, I can't emphasize enough how crucial it is to treat your place monthly to ward off infestations. The Ortho Home Defense Insect Killer does exactly that, forming a strong protective barrier against various pests, including roaches, that can last up to 12 months with proper use.

This roach killer comes in a large container equipped with a long hose and a nozzle attachment, allowing you to spray directly into areas where you've seen roaches coming and going. It applies a potent residual insecticide that not only kills but also repels roaches that approach the treated zones.

By the time I started using this product, it was too late. The infestation had already peaked, and the spray only seemed to kill roaches that happened to cross the areas I treated. That being said, I did notice some improvement afterward, with fewer roaches coming from the places I’d sprayed, particularly around the radiator and baseboards.

This is precisely why I believe Ortho Home Defense is more suited for prevention than for treating an established infestation. With an insecticide barrier in place, the likelihood of a full infestation decreases significantly. I was initially reluctant to use insecticides in my apartment because of my dog, so I skipped treatments like this. In hindsight, I wish I had been more proactive, especially since my dog was perfectly fine after the spray dried.

Product Type: Spray | Targeted Pests: Cockroaches, ants, spiders, centipedes, and more | Effective Duration: 12 months | Safety: Safe for pets once dried

Ideal for Cabinet Use

While I’ve already suggested a few bait treatments, the Maxforce FC Roach Killer Bait Stations stand out because they feature an adhesive backing. This unique design allowed me to easily peel off the backing and attach each station vertically to the backs of kitchen and bathroom cabinet doors. It made applying the bait much simpler, as I didn’t have to worry about finding flat space for the stations to sit.

Pairing this bait station with a sprinkle of boric acid in the back of the cabinets proved essential in eradicating the roaches that were lurking there. In fact, when I was packing up to move, I didn’t come across a single live roach in any of the cabinets, which had been a major hotspot during the peak of the infestation.

After witnessing the results, I’m fully convinced of the effectiveness of bait for handling infestations, no matter the size. The adhesive backing gives you so much flexibility in terms of where to place them. If there’s one thing I wish, it’s that the treatment worked faster to avoid dealing with weeks of stray roaches.

Type: Bait station | Targeted Pests: Cockroaches | Duration: 12 months (may need to be replaced sooner if bait is consumed) | Safety: Not safe for pets (keep away from accessible areas)

Top Choice for Extended Treatment

Gentrol Point Source isn't a typical bait or pesticide. Instead, it uses a chemical compound called hydropene, which inhibits the growth and reproduction of roaches for up to 90 days. When roaches come in contact with this substance, they begin to show visible signs of being affected, like crinkled wings. This product also limits their ability to reproduce, helping to reduce the infestation over time.

I appreciated how easy it was to apply this product, similar to placing a bait station. I could tell it was working because, after several weeks of using it in high-traffic areas of my apartment, I noticed roaches with crinkled wings. Even though this product works in a unique way, it doesn’t kill the roaches, so you'll still see live ones if you rely on this alone.

While Gentrol was helpful during my battle with the infestation, I applied it a bit too late. Using it earlier would likely have been more effective in preventing the roach population from growing. That said, when I moved into my new apartment, I used Gentrol for peace of mind. When I did encounter roaches (though not nearly as many as before), it was reassuring to have already placed these discs in areas where I had seen them.

Type: Disc station | Targeted Pests: Cockroaches | Duration: 90 days | Safety: Safe for pets

Expert Guide to Choosing Roach Killers

Method of Application

When you're exploring roach killer options, you'll encounter different solutions involving the placement, spraying, or spreading of pesticide. As per Timothy Wong, technical director at MMPC, a New York-based pest control firm, the safest and most efficient way to tackle a roach problem is by using bait, whether it's in gel or station form. He explains, "Bait lasts for weeks or months and also acts as a safeguard against future infestations."

Spraying is another available method, but Wong advises against it due to the potential harm it can cause to pets, as well as its inefficiency in addressing the source of the problem. He mentions, "Spraying should only be considered when you need to quickly reduce the roach population. Plus, it doesn't last as long as bait."

While I tried several methods, I found baits particularly useful for reducing roach numbers in areas where spraying wasn't feasible, like behind cabinets and appliances. However, to initially reduce the roach population in my apartment, I found that spraying with Ortho Home Defense or Tempo was extremely effective.

Again, exercise caution when using these pesticides as they are highly potent and can be dangerous to pets if not used with proper ventilation and adequate drying time.

Efficacy

The effectiveness of your chosen roach killer will depend largely on the method used. Bait stations are not only simple to set up but also excel at targeting roach nests. Roaches that ingest the bait will spread it to others, as the poisoned feces of infected roaches continues to carry the toxin, which other roaches then consume. Ideally, this cycle continues until all nearby roaches are eradicated, although this process can take time.

Sprays offer immediate results, but they don’t specifically target nests. They’re typically used for maintaining control and preventing new roaches from settling in. "Sprays contain residuals, which help them kill on contact and linger on surfaces for extended periods," says Wong. "However, this lingering effect poses a risk because you or your pets might unknowingly touch the treated surfaces, transferring toxic chemicals."

Since sprays are primarily intended for prevention and population control, they aren’t particularly effective in the midst of an infestation because they can’t reach roaches hiding in concealed areas. I had a similar experience in my apartment, where sprays were useful for initial knockdown and for keeping new roaches at bay, but they didn't do much beyond that. In the long run, bait stations proved to be the most effective solution.

Longevity

Reapplying pesticides can be almost as frustrating as dealing with the roaches themselves. If you're looking for a low-maintenance solution that lasts a while, bait stations are a great choice. These roach killers typically remain effective for weeks or even months, depending on how severe the infestation is.

One thing to keep in mind when using bait is that it’s important to replace it regularly to maintain its effectiveness. "Different baits have various active ingredients that kill roaches," says Wong. "Rotating the bait every few weeks prevents roaches from developing resistance to a single type of bait."

Other long-lasting options, aside from baits, include Gentrol, which works for up to 90 days by interfering with roaches’ reproduction systems, though it doesn’t kill them. There are also sprays like Ortho Home Defense or Tempo, which provide extended protection but need reapplication to stay effective. On the other hand, sprays without a strong residual effect, such as Raid, only last for about three to four weeks and are designed for killing individual roaches when spotted.

Safety

While roach killers are designed with strong pesticides to target pests, they can still pose risks to you and your pets if not used carefully. This is particularly true for sprays, which leave behind residual chemicals that can be harmful if touched, ingested, or inhaled. According to Timothy Wong, technician director at MMPC, "You should avoid sprays that take longer than a few hours to dry."

If you decide to use sprays, Wong advises applying them in areas that are not frequently accessed by you or your pets. Allow the spray to dry for at least one to two hours before re-entering the space. In my own experience with using strong residual sprays in my apartment while having a dog, I made sure to remove all of his belongings and waited until the spray dried completely before returning. Since this treatment can be risky, it's often best to let professionals handle it if possible.

For the safest option, Wong suggests using gel bait and bait stations, as they are less likely to spread out of control. However, it's important to ensure that these baits are placed in areas that pets cannot reach to avoid accidental ingestion.

Roach Species

When choosing a roach killer, consider the type of roach you're dealing with. For instance, if you’re encountering large roaches that are a few inches in length and width, you may be facing American roaches (often referred to as "water bugs" in New York City). These roaches are solitary, don't infest, and typically come from drainpipes or the outdoors. In such cases, using a spray like Raid can usually do the trick. However, other treatments like bait stations or boric acid can be effective too.

If you’re spotting small, thin roaches no larger than an inch, you're likely dealing with German roaches, which tend to infest homes. These roaches are particularly common in apartment complexes and were the ones I battled in my previous apartment. They're notoriously difficult to eradicate due to their rapid reproduction and ability to squeeze into the smallest spaces.

"Spraying is commonly used to drive German roaches out of their hiding spots," says Wong. After flushing them out, you can employ bait stations and other long-term solutions to maintain control over their population. This was the approach I used in my old apartment. Thankfully, by the time I moved out, I had successfully reduced the infestation, making it possible to relocate all of my belongings without any unwanted guests tagging along.

Roaches in Apartments vs. Homes

One important consideration when tackling an infestation is the environment around you. In my case, I lived in an older building with over 100 units spread across six floors. Managing an infestation in a building of that size is nearly impossible, particularly with German roaches, which can retreat to virtually any corner to rebuild their population.

If you’re in an apartment building with a roach issue, chances are they’re coming from a neighboring infested unit. The best strategy is to control the population within your own apartment by using roach killers like baits (which worked very well for me), and to take advantage of any treatment options your building offers, whether on a weekly or monthly basis.

"Unfortunately, there's little you can do beyond managing your own apartment if you’re dealing with roaches," says Wong. "A proven strategy to significantly minimize the number of roaches entering your unit is to seal any cracks or holes in your walls or around windows with caulk."

If you live in a single-family home, your chances of fully eliminating a roach infestation are much higher since you're not affected by the potential mess from neighboring units. "In a house or standalone home, you have access to virtually every corner, which makes it easier to pinpoint the infestation's origin and treat it more efficiently," Wong explains.

Questions You Might Ask

How long does it take to see a difference after using roach killers?

Wong explains that the time required to see noticeable changes after using roach killers depends on both the severity of the infestation and the chosen treatment method. "If the infestation is contained, you should start seeing results within a week," he states. "If no new roaches appear within six to ten days, it's a strong indicator that the problem has been fully dealt with."

The time it takes for different pest control treatments to work can vary, especially depending on the type of treatment and the severity of the infestation. Bait stations tend to require more time to be effective, while spray treatments might show immediate results, but their effects don’t last as long.

When is it time to call a pest control company for a roach problem?

While using DIY roach killer products can be cost-effective, a professional exterminator may be needed for severe infestations. As Wong mentions, ‘When you begin seeing roaches during the day, even with the lights on, it’s a sign the infestation has gotten out of hand, and it’s time to call a pest control company immediately.’ If you’ve tried everything else and roaches continue to appear after weeks, a professional exterminator might be necessary.

Can roach infestations occur in a clean environment?

I can confidently say that my partner and I are very meticulous about cleanliness, yet we found ourselves battling a serious roach infestation. According to Wong, this is a common situation for many people, particularly those living in apartment complexes.

"Even the most spotless apartments can still have roaches, as they might be sneaking in from neighboring units through radiators, plumbing, or gaps in the structure," he explains. "This is more common in older buildings or complexes with poor construction quality."

What are some ways to stop a roach infestation?

Maintaining cleanliness is one of the most straightforward and effective strategies for keeping roaches at bay. Additionally, storing food in airtight containers is a good way to prevent roaches from accessing it. Wong also recommends sealing all gaps between the floor and baseboard, as well as behind sinks. Regular monthly treatments of your apartment will further help protect you if an infestation occurs nearby.

Trust Us on This

I authored this article, Xavier Piedra, previously an associate editor at Mytour. Over the span of three months during a severe infestation in my apartment, I personally tested every roach killer featured here.

Although my partner and I had to vacate our home, we were relieved to see a noticeable improvement after using these products, compared to how things were when the infestation began and up until the day we moved out. To get expert advice on selecting the best roach killer, I consulted Timothy Wong, the technician director at MMPC, a New York City-based pest control company.