Cockroaches are gross, but they also can introduce dangerous diseases into your home. Whether you live in an apartment or home, cockroaches can be difficult to get rid of. In my experience of being a pest control technician, getting cockroaches out of an apartment is even more difficult because your unit can do all the right things, but if your neighbor has cockroaches, then it’s likely you will as well. Because I know how difficult it can be to deal with roaches in an apartment, I put 7 roach killers to the test and I found the #1 most effective roach killer for apartments!
Our 7 Best Roach Killer For Apartments
From our testing here are seven of the best roach killers in 2023 based on efficacy, cost, and reputation:
- Advion Roach Bait Gel
- Harris Boric Acid Tablets
- Black Flag Roach Motel Trap
- Bengal Gold Roach Spray
- Hot Shot Fogger with Odor Neutralizer
- Bell Trapper Insect
1. Advion Roach Bait Gel
The Syngenta 383920 Advion Cockroach Gel Bait is one of the best-selling products for killing cockroaches in 2023. The gel comes in easy-to-use tubes that help you apply the product in crevices, cracks, or other areas that roaches like to occupy.
Advion Cockroach Gel Bait can kill any roach species, including Australian and American cockroach species. The main ingredient in the gel is Indoxacarb, whose efficacy length is approximately two weeks, learn more about advion roach gel bait!
Applying Advion Gel Bait is not time-consuming, and it’s an ideal product when dealing with a larger roach infestation. The main reason for this is that it does kill roaches instantly. Instead, the gel is attractive enough for roaches to eat it and then return to their main habitat in the apartment. Once this happens, the product can kill hundreds of roaches if they eat any feces produced by the poisoned roach. Although the ingredients are technical poisonous, they’re in such a low dosage that generally this product is quite safe for pets and effective at killing roaches.
Advion Gel Bait is useful for dealing with roach infestation at schools, motels, or apartments. But you should keep it away from children or any food storage. Some of the pros and cons of Advion Gel Bait are:
Pros
- Affordable
- Attracts roaches of any size of species
- Applicable in both residential and commercial buildings
2. Harris Boric Acid Tablets
Harris Boric Acid Tablets are a great alternative to bait traps or boric acid powder. The product contains boric acid as its active ingredient. Set up the tablets around your apartment, specifically where you usually see roaches. Each room should get at least 12 tablets to improve accessibility for roaches.
Boric Acid Tablets are effective over a long time if kept dry. The tablets work after getting consumed by roaches. The roach will not die immediately and often return to its nest. Any roach that consumes the feces or the carcass of the dead roach will also die. Thus, Boric Acid Tablets are an effective pesticide if you suspect you have a cockroach infestation. Learn more about using boric acid against roaches.
You can place the tablets in hidden areas likely to host roaches, such as cabinets, appliances, or under drawers. Harris Boric Acid Tablets or Powder will kill any roaches that come into contact with it after 72 hours. The product’s effective time allows it to reach more roaches when one consumes it.
Some pros and cons of Harris Boric Acid Tablets include the following;
Pros
- Uses lure to attract roaches
- Contains a minimum of 145 tablets
- Registered by the Environmental Protection Agency
- Capable of wiping out whole colonies
- Safe for use around pets and people due to its low toxicity
Cons
- Moisture or rain adversely affects its efficacy
- Not applicable in killing roaches in outdoor settings
3. Black Flag Roach Motel Trap
Retailing at $4.97 per pack on Amazon, the Black Flag Roach Motel Insect Trap is useful for trapping and killing roaches. The trap contains a lure that attracts cockroaches and traps them on the surface. The product is also useful for dealing with other insects in your apartment, such as spiders, crickets, waterbugs, and scorpions.
The adhesive properties of the Black Flag Roach Motel Trap make it one of the best roach traps for apartments. It’s easy to use because you just set up the trap and let it do its work. You don’t have to worry about seeing dead roaches. The trap hides any dead insects; you can simply throw it away when it gets full.
The trap has no toxic chemicals, and the roaches usually die of starvation. The internal design of the trap is specifically built to injure any insects attempting to escape. The lack of chemical ingredients in the Roach Motel trap makes it ideal for use in bathrooms and kitchens.
Pros
- It’s very affordable
- Contains no odor or pesticide
- Easy-to-use and durable
- Safe for use around pets or children
Cons
- Not suitable for eradicating giant roaches
- Not suitable for dealing with a full-blown infestation
4. Bengal Gold Roach Spray
As one of the best roach sprays for apartments, the Bengal Gold Roach Spray lasts 1 to 4 months. The active ingredient in this spray is Pyrethrin which can get to hard-to-reach places, such as crevices and cracks. The spray is useful in killing roaches that usually remain hidden.
You may have noticed that cockroaches often come back even after using various measures to kill them. Luckily, the Bengal Roach Spray can prevent re-infestation by using an insect growth regulator. The regulator prevents re-infestation by eliminating insect populations for up to 6 months and limits their reproduction.
Limit the use of this spray in indoor areas of the apartment unless you have found the nest. The Bengal Gold Roach Spray contains chemicals that may be harmful to you or other occupants in your apartment when inhaled in large quantities. The pros and cons of this spray are:
Pros
- It can eradicate an infestation in a matter of hours because it kills on contact
- Leaves no odor
- Effective for an extended period
- Reaches places other roach killers wouldn’t
Cons
- Not safe for use around pets
- Contains chemicals that may be harmful to children or plants
- You will have to clean up the dead roaches
5. Hot Shot Fogger with Odor Neutralizer
The Hot Shot Indoor Fogger can kill roaches on contact and works for at least two months. The pesticide is helpful in killing various kinds of insects and pests, such as crickets, mosquitoes, and ants.
The fogger doesn’t stain and will not leave any residue when applied indoors. The product is ideal for eradicating roach infestations with a large population. Thus, you can use it in crawl spaces, storage sheds, and basements.
It’s easy to use, and the fog can reach areas other pesticides can’t. You need to turn off any flames before fogging and cover any food items in the house. After fogging, you should let the house get some air by opening all the doors and windows. Don’t enter the fogged area for at least two hours.
Pros
- Extended effective period
- Can treat 2000 cubic feet of space
- Fog can enter numerous rooms and penetrate hard-to-reach areas
- The value pack has six foggers
Cons
- Contains dangerous chemicals
- Requires careful observation of all directions of the labels on the product
6. Bell Trapper Roach Trap
The best roach traps for apartments include products such as the Trapper Monitor Insect Trap. The product contains no poison and mainly captures and traps insects such as spiders, bedbugs, and cockroaches. It’s ideal for use in commercial and residential buildings.
The Trapper insect trap contains at least 90 traps, but it’s more cost-effective than most roach killers. The trap works by attracting and capturing insects using a non-toxic adhesive. It’s an ideal way of eradicating cockroaches and trapping them without chemicals.
You should place the traps near spaces where roaches are likely to frequent. The trapper isn’t harmful to pets or children but should also not be easily accessible to avoid tampering.
Pros
- It’s easy to use
- Doesn’t contain any chemical substances
- No odor or residues
- Trappers are portable
Cons
- Not useful in eradicating cockroach infestation
- Doesn’t penetrate hard-to-reach areas
- It’s not effective in the long-term
7. Pest Soldier Ultrasonic Repeller
The CraveGreens Pest Soldier Ultrasonic Repeller is a great alternative to roach killers that contain hazardous chemicals. The product is one of the best roach repellents for apartments, and it works by producing high-density ultrasonic frequencies that repel insects.
The sound waves are inaudible but effective in repelling pests, such as cockroaches, mice, rats, mosquitos, and spiders. The Repeller does not pose any risk to pets and is easy to use. For instance, you simply plug it into a power source and turn it on. It doesn’t have to remain plugged in for it to work.
You should note that the repellent does not kill insects. It simply repels insects and keeps them away. The Pest Soldier Ultrasonic Repeller has become one of the most popular pest control products because it’s eco-friendly.
Pros
- Comes with a lifetime warranty
- Keeps all pests and insects away, not just roaches
- Poses no risk to humans, pets, or the environment
- Does not consume a lot of power
Cons
- Not suitable outdoors
- Generates heat when on
How To Choose the Best Roach Killer for Your Apartment
Controlling or eradicating a cockroach infestation isn’t easy. Cockroaches can hide in various places which are hard to reach and often breed quite easily. Additionally, they can adapt to various challenges thrown their way, which makes killing them all the more difficult.
Thus, the main factors you need to consider before choosing a roach killer for your apartment are:
- Safety risks
- Cost
- Ease of use
- Effectiveness
- Other targeted pests
Safety Risks
Products used as roach killers often contain very harmful chemicals. You need to consider the risk the roach killer poses to you, your kids, or your pets. It’s important to pay attention to the warning labels or any safety information on the roach killer before making a purchase decision. Ensure that you use the spray away from kids or pets.
Roach killers should never be mixed with other chemicals, as this may cause a hazardous reaction. It’s important to follow the instructions on the label when using roach killers, as they can be dangerous if not used correctly.
Cost
The price of roach killers differs based on various factors, including effectiveness and type. Sprays, tablets, gels, and baits all have varying prices. Roach killers with a higher price tag are often more effective at eradicating roaches. If you rent your apartment, consider talking with your landlord to minimize the costs you will incur.
A building with numerous tenants will likely have a cockroach infestation in more than one apartment. It will drive up the cost of eradicating the cockroaches, and you may need to buy a higher quantity than you had initially planned.
Ease of Use
Select a roach killer that is easy to use, especially if you will be applying it yourself. Traps are usually very easy to use because you just have to set them up where the cockroaches often frequent. Sprays and gels are also not difficult to use because you can apply them where the roaches are hiding.
Powder solutions used in killing roaches, such as boric acid, are a bit complex as they involve preparation and cleaning up afterward. These solutions are often a great option if you need to eradicate some roaches in an outdoor area.
Effectiveness
You should check the ingredients on any roach killer to determine its effectiveness at killing roaches. Some products are highly effective because the active ingredient breaks down quickly after application. Sprays are arguably one of the most effective roach killers, but they are not efficient at permanently dealing with a roach infestation.
Poison and traps are the best options for dealing with a large infestation of roaches. The efficacy period of most roach killers varies from 1 month to 2 years. Roach killers that work slowly are more effective at killing a large population of roaches. For instance, boric acid can eradicate the whole population but works very slowly.
Other Targeted Pests
Cockroaches don’t live in isolation, and you will likely find one or two other pests alongside them. Consider roach killers that kill other pests, such as ants, mice, and hornets. Some traps are useful for catching both roaches and rats.
Many roach killer products will have a list of pests they can kill. Thus, you should find out what other pests you can eliminate before making a purchase decision.
Dangers Roaches Pose to Your Apartment
Cockroaches are a health hazard when present in your apartment or home. Roaches can carry germs or bacteria that may make you or your loved one sick. Roaches can cause allergic reactions in some individuals, such as coughing, sneezing, and watery eyes. People with asthma risk suffering an attack if they come into contact with cockroach feces or dust.
Roaches contaminate food and surfaces with their feces, which can cause food poisoning and other illnesses. Roaches can spread Salmonellosis and cholera, which can be fatal. Allergies and allergic reactions are likely to increase with cockroaches in the apartment.
If you’re renting an apartment you should look into guide on roaches in apartment law.
What Brings Roaches to Your Apartment
Noticing a roach infestation for the first time is not quite shocking. But repeated roach infestations, even after extermination, should make you question what makes your apartment so attractive to pests despite being clean. Some of the reasons roaches will find your apartment appealing include the following:
- Availability of food
- Water or moisture
- Presence of clutter
Availability of Food
Cockroaches can eat almost anything from grease to wallpaper paste. Even if you keep a clean kitchen, you shouldn’t be surprised to see a few roaches.
Presence of Water or Moisture
Locations with high humidity will likely attract roaches as they need moisture to survive. Ensure your apartment has no leaky pipes or areas, such as the laundry room, and the kitchen remains dry. Consider keeping such areas well-lit because roaches like to make their nests in dark or poorly-lit locations.
Clutter
The presence of too much clutter in your apartment will attract roaches. Make sure you regularly dispose of anything you don’t need. The buildup of clutter will offer a suitable habitat for roaches and encourage them to breed.
Alternatives to Commercial Roach Killers for Apartments
An alternative to commercial roach killers is natural remedies that don’t contain any toxins. You can create roach killers on your own using ingredients available in your home. Here are some remedies to roach infestation you can make on your own:
- Borax
- Essential oils
- Onions and baking soda
- Boric acid
Borax
Borax is a powder often used as a laundry product. You can use Borax to eradicate roaches by combining them with sugar. Leave the mixture in locations where you know roaches will find it. Remember that you should keep it away from pets and children.
Roaches cannot get attracted to Borax, and it has to get ingested to eradicate any infestation; therefore, you need to mix it with something roaches like, such as sugar. Borax kills roaches by causing dehydration due to the presence of Sodium Tetraborate. Borax is not a fast-acting killer of roaches. But you will notice a drop in the roach population 1 or 2 weeks after making the mixture.
Essential Oils
Essential oils in peppermint and citrus are helpful in repelling roaches. Cockroaches despise the scent produced by these essential oils.
Onions and Baking Soda
A mixture of onions and baking soda can help kill any roaches you have seen running around the apartment. Cut up some onions and place them in a dish. Add baking soda to the onions and place the dish where it’s accessible to the roaches.
Baking soda is an effective roach killer capable of causing death one day after ingestion. Thus, baking soda helps manage a roach infestation without the use of commercial roach killers.
Boric Acid
Boric acid is one of the most effective substances in killing roaches and features as one of the main ingredients in some of the best roach killers for apartments. You can create a mixture of boric acid and peanut butter or mix it with sugar and flour. Once you have prepared the mixture, place it near a roach nest.
After exposure or ingestion, boric acid will take three days to kill a cockroach. The solution is helpful in dealing with infestations because roaches often come into contact with the boric acid powder and then return to their nest.
FAQs
Some of the frequently asked questions on roach infestation and control are:
Why is it difficult to get rid of cockroaches?
The main reason it’s difficult to get rid of cockroaches is that they breed quickly. Roaches can hide virtually anywhere, making it hard for pesticides to work effectively. Cockroaches can adapt to various situations quickly and may even develop resistance to some pesticides.
What preventive measures can you take to ensure roaches don’t infest your home?
- The following are measures you can take to prevent a cockroach infestation:
- Keep food in sealed containers
- Empty garbage cans every day
- Ensure your kitchen and other areas of your house are dry
- Clear away any waste from your house, especially food sources
How much time does it take to eradicate cockroaches?
The time it takes to eradicate roaches will vary based on a few factors, such as the potency of the pesticide used and the number of roaches in the nest. Eradicating one or two roaches will not take more than three days.
Ensure you keep using the pesticide until the roaches have been completely eradicated. Failing to do this will often lead to a never-ending cycle of infestation as the roaches left behind breed and increase in number.
Wrap Up
Are you looking for the best roach killer for apartments? You can choose trappers, baits, gels, or even non-toxic choices to deal with a roach infestation.
Having roaches in your apartment is embarrassing and poses a health risk to you and your loved ones. We hope the list we have compiled above will help eliminate any roach infestation once and for all.