How to Get Rid of Roaches: Fast, Effective Solutions for Your Home

Few pests trigger instant disgust quite like roaches. They’re sneaky, fast, and seem to appear out of nowhere – especially when the lights go off. But here’s the truth: if you’ve seen one roach, there are probably more hiding nearby.

Cockroaches aren’t just unpleasant – they’re a health risk. They carry bacteria, spread allergens, and thrive in spaces where food and moisture are easy to access. The good news? With the right plan and a little persistence, you can send them packing.

Why Roaches Invade Your Home

Roaches are driven by survival. If they’re in your home, it’s because they’ve found one (or more) of three things:

• Food: Crumbs, dirty dishes, pet food, or open pantry items.
• Water: Leaky faucets, condensation, and standing water.
• Shelter: Warm, dark hiding spots like cracks, crevices, and clutter.

You’ll usually find roaches in kitchens, bathrooms, basements, and laundry rooms—anywhere that’s dark, damp, and close to food or water. Eliminating their access to these essentials is the first step toward reclaiming your space.

How to Get Rid of Roaches Fast

If you need roaches gone yesterday, here’s where to start:

1. Deep Cleaning and Sanitation

• Wipe down countertops and sweep floors daily.
• Don’t leave dirty dishes in the sink overnight.
• Take out the trash regularly and clean the bin itself.
• Vacuum behind and under appliances.

2. Remove Food and Water Sources

• Store food in sealed containers.
• Fix leaky pipes and faucets.
• Clean pet bowls and don’t leave water sitting out overnight.

3. Seal Cracks and Entry Points

• Use caulk or steel wool to close gaps around pipes, walls, and baseboards.
• Repair torn window screens and seal door gaps.

4. Set Traps and Baits Immediately

• Use bait stations in corners and under sinks.
• Sticky traps can help you monitor where activity is strongest.

Act quickly – the longer you wait, the harder it becomes to control the infestation.

Natural Scents and Smells That Keep Roaches Away

Roaches rely heavily on scent trails to find food and each other. Certain strong-smelling substances can disrupt those trails and keep them at bay.

Best Natural Roach Repellents:

• Peppermint Oil: Mix with water and spray around baseboards and entryways.
• Bay Leaves: Place in pantries, drawers, and cupboards.
• Lemon Juice: Wipe down surfaces with lemon-infused water for a fresh, roach-repelling clean.
• Cedar: Use cedar chips or oil in closets and storage areas.

When Natural Works (and When It Doesn’t)

Natural remedies work best as preventative measures or when populations are low. If you’re spotting multiple roaches daily or seeing them during the day (a red flag), it’s time for a more aggressive strategy – or professional help.

Why You Should Never Squish a Roach

It’s tempting to reach for the nearest shoe, but hold up.

• Squishing roaches can spread bacteria they carry on their bodies.
• Female roaches may carry eggs, and squishing them could release ootheca (egg cases) into your home.

Safer alternatives include:

• Spraying with soapy water
• Using traps or bait stations
• Vacuuming and disposing of the bag immediately

DIY Solutions to Remove Roaches

1. Boric Acid

• Lightly dust along baseboards and behind appliances.
• Roaches walk through it, ingest it while grooming, and die.
• Keep away from children and pets.

2. Baking Soda & Sugar Traps

• Mix equal parts and leave in shallow dishes.
• Sugar lures the roaches; baking soda kills them internally.

3. Diatomaceous Earth

• This fine powder cuts the roach’s exoskeleton, leading to dehydration.
• Use food-grade only and apply in dry areas.

Consistency is key with DIY methods—reapply often and monitor results.

Chemical Treatments for Heavy Infestations

If you’re seeing roaches daily or have tried everything else, it might be time for chemical control.

Options to Consider:

• Insecticide Sprays: Fast-acting, but short-lived. Use for immediate contact kills.
• Gel Baits: Attract roaches to feed and take poison back to their nest.
• Insect Growth Regulators (IGRs): Prevent roaches from maturing or reproducing.

Safety First

• Follow all product directions carefully.
• Keep children and pets away from treated areas.
• Ventilate well and avoid overuse.

Preventing Future Roach Problems

Once you’ve cleared your current infestation, it’s all about keeping them out.

Home Maintenance Tips

• Fix leaks, especially under sinks.
• Seal wall cracks and floor gaps.
• Keep clutter to a minimum.

Food and Trash Storage

• Use sealed containers for pantry goods.
• Take out the trash before bed.
• Don’t leave food or dirty dishes out overnight.

Ongoing Monitoring

• Set bait stations as a preventative measure.
• Regularly inspect common hiding spots.
• Stay vigilant during seasonal transitions – roaches love warmth and humidity.

When to Call Professional Pest Control

DIY methods are great—but they have limits. If you’re seeing signs of a large infestation, it’s time to bring in the experts.

Signs It’s Time to Call a Pro:

• Roaches are visible during the day.
• You’re finding egg casings or shed skins regularly.
• DIY traps aren’t reducing the population.

What to Expect from Mira Pest

• A thorough inspection of your home and problem areas.
• A customized treatment plan with safe, proven products.
• Ongoing support to prevent re-infestation and keep your home secure.

Ready to reclaim your space? Request a quote today and let Mira Pest do the dirty work.