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I had to move but was able to prevent the roaches from coming with me.

Hands holding the box of Combat Max Roach Killing Bait

Photo:Real Simple

In This Article

Real Simple

My partner and I dealt with a nightmare roach infestation for months.

We experienced them falling out of cabinets, crawling out of our appliances, and nesting throughout our apartment.

To tackle this problem, we used a variety of roach killerssome of whichworked better than others.

Combat Max Roach Killing Bait

Amazon.

The following products are ones that actually worked against the roaches that were in my home.

It isnt an immediate solution, and they cant be placed vertically.

This set of bait stations was one of the earliest treatment options I used during the infestation.

A person holding a set of six Combat Max Roach Killing Bait

PHOTO: Real Simple

Its not a long-term treatment option or solution for severe infestations.

Once its dead, all you better do is sweep it up and toss it away.

It has to be replaced relatively frequently to remain effective.

A hand placing Combat Max Roach Killing Bait into a cabinet

When searching for roach killer solutions, Advion Gel Bait is widely praised, and for good reason.

Its hard to control when placing it.

Thankfully, its easy to wipe or sweep up in case that happens.

the back label on the Combat Max Roach Killing Bait

Its better at preventing infestations rather than treating them.

By the time I got around to using this product, it was too late.

Its this exact reason why I think Ortho Home Defense is good for prevention rather than actual treatment.

Hands holding the box of Combat Max Roach Killing Bait

Like most baits, it takes a while to see an improvement.

It doesnt kill roaches.

Gentrol also affects the roachs ability to reproduce, further reducing their population during an infestation.

A person holding a set of six Combat Max Roach Killing Bait

Bait lasts for several weeks or months and is also a preventative measure against future infestations."

It also doesnt last as long as bait.

behind cabinets and appliances).

A hand placing Combat Max Roach Killing Bait into a cabinet

Effectiveness

The effectiveness of whichever roach killer you pick will vary depending on method.

Ideally, the cycle continues until all nearby roaches are eliminated, but this does take longer.

Sprays will have an immediate effect, but they dont actually target nests.

the back label on the Combat Max Roach Killing Bait

However, they are risky for this reason because you or your pet can touch them without realizing.

This allows toxic chemicals to get on yourself or your pet.

In the end, using bait stations really helped as a long-term solution.

Hands holding the box of Combat Max Roach Killing Bait

Duration

Having to reapply pesticides can be just as much of a pain as the roaches themselves.

These types of roach killers typically last several weeks or even months depending on the severity of the infestation.

Different types of baits contain different active ingredients that kill roaches, Wong says.

Raid Ant & Roach Killer

PHOTO: Amazon

You should avoid sprays that take longer than a few hours to dry, Wong says.

If thats the case, spraying them with Raid will usually get the job done.

However, other treatment options like bait stations or boric acid work, too.

A hand holding a can of Raid Ant & Roach Killer

PHOTO: Real Simple

Spraying is often used for German roaches to flush them out from where theyre hiding, Wong says.

This is what I was able to accomplish in my apartment by the time I moved out.

In my case, I lived in an old building that had over 100 units across six floors.

A hand spraying the Raid Ant & Roach Killer

If the infestation is isolated, you should see results within a week, he says.

Meanwhile, spray treatments may come with an immediate effect, but they dont last as long.

When should you get a pest control company involved for a roach infestation?

the back label on the can of Raid Ant & Roach Killer

Can roach infestations happen even if youre clean?

More often than not, this will happen in very old buildings or complexes with shoddy construction work.

What are some things you’re free to do to prevent a roach infestation?

A hand on top of the Raid Ant & Roach Killer

Cleaning your spaceis one the easiest and most effective ways to keep roaches out of your unit.

You should alsostore food in containersto prevent roaches from getting in it.

Wong suggests sealing every gap between the baseboard and floor and behind any sinks.

A hand holding a can of Raid Ant & Roach Killer

A hand spraying the Raid Ant & Roach Killer

the back label on the can of Raid Ant & Roach Killer

A hand on top of the Raid Ant & Roach Killer

Amazon Syngenta Advion Cockroach Gel Bait

PHOTO: Amazon

Harris Boric Acid Roach Powder With Lure

PHOTO: Amazon

A hand removing the cap from the Harris Boric Acid Roach Powder With Lure

PHOTO: Real Simple

A hand holding the Harris Boric Acid Roach Powder With Lure

the back label of the Harris Boric Acid Roach Powder With Lure

A hand dispensing the Harris Boric Acid Roach Powder With Lure onto a tile floor

A hand removing the cap from the Harris Boric Acid Roach Powder With Lure

A hand holding the Harris Boric Acid Roach Powder With Lure

the back label of the Harris Boric Acid Roach Powder With Lure

A hand dispensing the Harris Boric Acid Roach Powder With Lure onto a tile floor

Ortho Home Defense Insect Killer

PHOTO: Amazon

A person holding the Ortho Home Defense Insect Killer

PHOTO: Real Simple

the back usage label on the Ortho Home Defense Insect Killer

the dispense button on the wand of the Ortho Home Defense Insect Killer

A hand dispensing the Ortho Home Defense Insect Killer near cabinets

A hand holding the Ortho Home Defense Insect Killer from the handle

A person holding the Ortho Home Defense Insect Killer

the back usage label on the Ortho Home Defense Insect Killer

the dispense button on the wand of the Ortho Home Defense Insect Killer

A hand dispensing the Ortho Home Defense Insect Killer near cabinets

A hand holding the Ortho Home Defense Insect Killer from the handle

DIY Pest Control Maxforce FC Roach Killer Bait Stations

PHOTO: DIY Pest Control

A person holding the bag of Maxforce FC Roach Killer Bait Stations as they remove one

PHOTO: Real Simple

the back of a Maxforce FC Roach Killer Bait Station

A hand placing a Maxforce FC Roach Killer Bait Station into a cabinet

A hand placing a Maxforce FC Roach Killer Bait Station station on a tile floor next to the product bag

A person holding the bag of Maxforce FC Roach Killer Bait Stations as they remove one

the back of a Maxforce FC Roach Killer Bait Station

A hand placing a Maxforce FC Roach Killer Bait Station into a cabinet

A hand placing a Maxforce FC Roach Killer Bait Station station on a tile floor next to the product bag

Zoecon Gentrol Point Source IGR

PHOTO: Amazon