Cockroaches are notorious for being hard to track down and remove permanently. However, they have a weakness — they only linger in areas rich in resources.

“Cockroaches don’t usually sneak in from outside like other bugs,” says Trenton Frazer of Aptive Environmental. “Most of the time, they hitch a ride in. That could be inside grocery bags, furniture or boxes from storage. Then they stay for the food left out for them.”

That means that getting rid of those food sources is an important step in a multi-pronged effort to rid your home of them. “Storing food in sealed containers, keeping pet food covered and eliminating potential nesting sites can also make a home less inviting to cockroaches,” says Frazer.

Here’s how to get rid of cockroaches and shut down their food supplies so they stay gone for good.

How to Get Rid of Cockroaches Permanently

Remove Hiding Places

Don’t give cockroaches any hiding places to run to when discovered. Most important, remove any debris or unnecessary supplies from your house. That includes stacks of cardboard, magazines, and newspapers, which cockroaches love. Try to keep everything off the floor unless it is absolutely necessary to store it there.

“Pull small appliances, including toasters, coffeemakers and air fryers, away from the wall and clean under and behind them,” says Matt Smith of Green Pest Management. “Use cleaners that will make cockroaches uncomfortable. Some of my favorites are peppermint and lavender.”

It’s important to remain vigilant with your cleaning, too, checking for crumbs under the couch or food spills that got missed.

Then, with your cleaning finished, it’s time to take out a flashlight and give your home a thorough search for any gaps or cracks where cockroaches may be entering. Check your basement, attic, and any visible insulation for cracks. Look around at the edges of your floorboards and underneath your appliances, too. Check all cables, hoses, and ducts that enter or exit from the house to see if the gaps they use are fully sealed.

Use caulk and foam insulation to seal any gaps that you find. Remember, cockroaches can move through small spaces, so it’s important to seal up even the tiniest gaps. Try these tips to keep pests out of your house as well.

Get Rid of All Potential Food Sources

Cockroaches stay in places where they can find food and water. You can make your home unappetizing by removing all available sources of food. Store all fruits and vegetables in the refrigerator. If you have any flour, cereal, grains, sugars or other cooking supplies in bags or boxes, buy plastic bins and store them there instead so they can be fully sealed (and stay fresh longer).

After cooking and eating, always clean up thoroughly. Get into the habit of sweeping the floor and wiping down the countries/pantry after a meal, and cockroaches won’t have anything to eat. Otherwise, they will keep looking for crumbs and small spills to live on.

Also, “Check to see if your kids have stashed snacks in their rooms, under the bed or inside toy boxes,” says Frazer. “It’s more common than you’d think. And pets can be just as sneaky. Some dogs and cats like to carry food away from their bowls and hide it for later.”

Finally, don’t leave any standing water in your home. Fix any ongoing leaks and wipe away all puddles or spills. You may also want to wipe down the bathroom floor after a shower to remove lingering moisture as quickly as possible.

Set Up Bait Traps

Now that your home is no haven for cockroaches, it’s time to kill those you have left. The best way to do that is with an effective bait trap. Set these up in corners and under appliances where roaches hang out. And if you want to keep additional products on hand, here are some effective cockroach repellents to consider.

FAQ

What types of cockroaches are most common in homes?

German cockroaches and American cockroaches are the most common in homes. Other oft-seen species include Oriental cockroaches and brown-banded cockroaches.

How long does it take to eliminate an infestation?

If you’re vigilant with cleaning and applying pesticides (or if you hire a pro), you’re likely to see a significant improvement in one to three weeks, but it also depends on the severity of the problem and how early you catch it.

“For heavier infestations, especially with fast-breeding species like German cockroaches, it can take anywhere from four to six weeks, sometimes longer, to fully knock down the population,” says Frazer.

About the Experts

  • Trenton Frazer is a lead entomologist at Aptive Environmental. He has worked in the pest control industry for 20 years, providing pest control solutions and educating the public on pest prevention and management.
  • Matt Smith has been working in the pest control industry since 2009. He is co-owner of Green Pest Management, which serves the New Castle, Delaware, area.