DIY Methods to Get Rid of Cockroaches
Cockroach Gel Bait
Gel bait is the most effective consumer-grade treatment for cockroaches. Apply small dots in cracks, crevices, behind appliances, under sinks, and inside cupboards. Cockroaches eat the bait and carry it back to the nest, killing others through secondary poisoning. Avoid spraying insecticide near bait as it repels cockroaches away from it.
Boric Acid Powder
A light dusting of boric acid powder in cracks, behind appliances, and under cabinets is toxic to cockroaches that walk through it. They ingest it when grooming and die within days. Use sparingly — heavy applications are less effective as cockroaches will avoid visible piles. Keep away from children and pets.
Sticky Traps for Monitoring
Sticky traps placed in kitchens, bathrooms, and near suspected harbourage areas help you monitor the scale of the problem and identify where cockroaches are most active. They will not control an infestation on their own but are useful for assessing the effectiveness of other treatments.
Deep Clean and Deny Food
Pull out the cooker and fridge, clean behind and underneath them, and eliminate grease deposits. Fix dripping taps, mop up standing water, and store all food in sealed containers. Denying cockroaches food and water is an essential part of any control programme.
Professional Cockroaches Control
Cockroach infestations are notoriously difficult to eliminate with consumer products alone. German cockroaches breed rapidly — a single egg case produces up to 40 nymphs — and they can develop resistance to commonly available insecticides.
A professional pest controller uses a combination of professional-grade gel baits, residual insecticidal sprays, and insect growth regulators (IGRs) that prevent nymphs from reaching maturity. These products are applied with precision into harbourage areas — inside wall voids, behind kitchen units, within electrical housing, and around pipe runs — places that are impossible to reach with consumer sprays.
For severe infestations, a flushing agent may be used first to drive cockroaches out of deep harbourage and into contact with treated surfaces. Follow-up visits are standard to monitor activity and apply further treatment if needed. Your technician will also advise on hygiene improvements and proofing measures to prevent re-infestation.
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How to Prevent Cockroaches
Eliminate Moisture
Cockroaches need water to survive. Fix leaking pipes and taps, use extractor fans in kitchens and bathrooms, and wipe down wet surfaces before going to bed. Oriental cockroaches are especially attracted to damp environments.
Seal Cracks and Gaps
Use silicone sealant to close gaps around pipes, cables, and where worktops meet walls. Fill cracks in tiles and grouting, and seal the gap between kitchen units and the wall. Cockroaches can hide in remarkably narrow spaces.
Inspect Deliveries and Shopping
German cockroaches often hitch rides into homes via cardboard boxes, grocery bags, and second-hand appliances. Inspect deliveries before storing them and break down cardboard boxes for recycling immediately rather than storing them.
Regular Deep Cleaning
Clean behind and under kitchen appliances regularly. Wipe down cupboard interiors, clean oven trays and hob drip pans, and empty crumbs from the toaster. Cockroaches thrive on food residues that accumulate in overlooked places.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why do I have cockroaches if my house is clean?
Cockroaches can enter any property regardless of cleanliness. German cockroaches are commonly introduced via cardboard packaging, second-hand goods, or shared building pipework. Oriental cockroaches often enter through drains and air bricks. A clean home reduces their food supply but does not make it immune to infestation.
Can cockroaches fly?
German cockroaches have wings but rarely fly. Oriental cockroaches cannot fly at all. Some tropical species that occasionally arrive in imported goods can fly, but flying cockroaches are uncommon in UK homes.
How fast do cockroaches breed?
German cockroaches are among the fastest-breeding pest species. A female produces an egg case every 4–6 weeks, each containing around 30–40 eggs. Under warm conditions, the population can double in a matter of weeks, making early treatment critical.
Are cockroaches dangerous?
Yes. Cockroaches carry harmful bacteria on their bodies and in their droppings, including salmonella and E. coli. They contaminate food and surfaces as they move around, and their shed skins and droppings are a known trigger for asthma and allergic reactions, especially in children.
How much does professional cockroach control cost?
Professional cockroach treatment in the UK typically costs between £120 and £300 depending on the species, the size of the infestation, and the number of follow-up treatments required. BuzzKill Pest Control offers competitive cockroach treatment packages with guaranteed results.