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Reclaim your home from pests with these tested roach killers.

A pack of Advion Cockroach Gel Bait placed on faux grass next to garden hose

Credit:Better Homes & Gardens

We evaluated each roach killer on itseffectiveness, scent, ease of use, value,andcleanliness.

Too much pressure on the plunger during app can smear the gel bait.

After testing, we rated theAdvion cockroach gel baitas the best overall roach killer.

Amazon Syngenta Advion Cockroach Gel Bait

Credit: Amazon

These gel-filled plungers can be easily applied around your home or workspace, both indoors and outdoors.

This roach killer begins working immediately, and it can produce results as soon as 24 hours.

During testing, the Advion cockroach gel bait produced lasting results.

Advion Cockroach Gel Bait on a marble table next to gloves

Credit: Better Homes & Gardens

However, it is still best to prevent children or pets from accessing this gel bait when possible.

When applying the Advion cockroach gel bait, its important to be careful with the plungers.

If too much pressure is used, this roach killer can smear, leaving a mess behind.

A hand squeezing Advion Cockroach Gel Bait out of tube

Overall, we were impressed with how well this bait worked at keeping roaches away.

Because of its easy, mess-free setup, we chose theCombat Max bait for large roaches.

This roach killer contains bait housed in small stations that can be placed around your home.

A person taking holding a small blue cap away from the Advion Cockroach Gel Bait

Although caution is still important, these stations help protect the bait from pets and children.

Our testers used these in areas where cockroaches are common, such as along the base of walls.

These baits were placed after seeing a roach in the tested location.

Advion Cockroach Gel Bait on a marble table next to gloves

In each instance, our testers noticed results the day after placing the bait stations, with lasting effects.

Bait stations like the Combat Max bait for large roaches work best for infrequent sightings across the home.

Its larger size makes it a difficult fit for smaller areas.

A hand squeezing Advion Cockroach Gel Bait out of tube

Many things can attract roaches to your home.

The insects simply get stuck on the glue, so its safe to use around pets.

After leaving it out for some time, our testers flipped the box over to renew its stickiness.

A person taking holding a small blue cap away from the Advion Cockroach Gel Bait

This allowed us to manage pests for longer without needing to install a new trap.

Inhaling the dust when applying it can irritate your nostrils and throat.

After testing, weve chosen theHarris food-grade diatomaceous earthas our best pet-safe roach killer.

Combat Max Roach Killing Bait

Amazon.

There are several ways to spread DE around your home to prevent insects.

As a result, the program was simple and mess-free.

Although diatomaceous earth is nontoxic when consumed, it is important to be cautious during software.

box of Combat Max Large Roach Killing Bait next to gloves on marble countertop

Credit: Better Homes & Gardens

If large amounts of the dust are inhaled, it may cause some irritation to your nose or throat.

However, overall, DE is a safe, scent-free pest-management solution for indoors or outdoors.

It can remain effective so long as it is not disturbed and stays dry.

A hand holding Combat Max Large Roach Killing Bait with other components placed on product box

These tablets are safe for children and pets when used correctly, but ingestion can pose health risks.

The tablets arent hazardous when used as instructed, but may be harmful when ingested.

In heavier applications, there may be some runoff.

A hand placing Combat Max Large Roach Killing Bait on a floor

you’re free to adjust it between a spray and a stream.

Thankfully, this spray produces no noticeable odors during or after program.

Each roach killer was used in a location soon after pest sightings to ensure accurate results.

box of Combat Max Large Roach Killing Bait next to gloves on marble countertop

Because of this, its not the most convenient option.

Baits: Baits provide an alluring food source for roaches.

However, this food also contains insecticides that kill the roaches after ingestion.

A hand holding Combat Max Large Roach Killing Bait with other components placed on product box

In this way, theyre also able to spread it to other roaches, helping target entire colonies.

Some baits, like theAdvion roach gel bait, come in a gel form.

However, baits can also come in stations.

A hand placing Combat Max Large Roach Killing Bait on a floor

When using bait stations over gel bait, its important to identify the species of roach in your home.

If youre having difficulty doing so, you may find that an entomologist may be able to help.

Dusts and powders: Dusts and powders can impact insects in a variety of different ways.

Black Flag Roach Motel

Credit: Amazon

Sprays: Many sprays work on contact to eliminate roaches immediately.

Time Needed to Work

Different types of roach killers can have different timelines.

Bait roach killers, like theAdvion Roach Gel Bait, are effective right after program.

The Black Flag Roach Motel Insect Trap on a marble countertop next to a pair of gloves

Credit: Better Homes & Gardens

Other types of roach killers can kill roaches almost immediately on contact.

This is because they wont be as effective in targeting entire colonies.

Targeted Pests

Many roach killers can target other types of insects as well.

A hand taking the Black Flag Roach Motel Insect Trap out of the product box

Other forms of roach killers, however, may target other species.

Often, these are commercial grade.

Sometimes, roaches and other pests can drop your home without there necessarily being an infestation.

A hand holding the Black Flag Roach Motel Insect Trap with the product box on countertop

This is typically the case if you see a single cockroach here and there without any consistent sightings.

Always ensure that you read the label carefully before using a roach killer.

Your Questions, Answered

When should you use a roach killer?

A hand placing the Black Flag Roach Motel Insect Trap in the corner of a room

If you have German cockroaches, then right away, Schal says.

The sooner you use baits, the easier it will be to eliminate them.

For cockroaches that stray into the home, your efforts may be better focused on preventing their entry.

The Black Flag Roach Motel Insect Trap on a marble countertop next to a pair of gloves

They like to live in bushes, trees, tree holes, and the leaf litter, Schal says.

How do you use a roach killer?

Knowing the species of cockroach in your home can also help guide how you will use roach killers.

A hand taking the Black Flag Roach Motel Insect Trap out of the product box

Can roach killers be used for other insects?

What is BHG Recommends?

Next to all of the products on this list, you may have noticed ourBHG Recommends seal of approval.

A hand holding the Black Flag Roach Motel Insect Trap with the product box on countertop

In these cases, we use the same testing criteria we use to test the purchased products.

A hand placing the Black Flag Roach Motel Insect Trap in the corner of a room

Harris Food Grade Diatomaceous Earth

Credit: Amazon

A bag of Harris Food Grade Diatomaceous Earth on a marble countertop next to gloves

Credit: Better Homes & Gardens

A person opening a bag of the Harris Food Grade Diatomaceous Earth

Harris Food Grade Diatomaceous Earth poured onto a marble countertop

A pile of Harris Food Grade Diatomaceous Earth on a countertop

A bag of Harris Food Grade Diatomaceous Earth on a marble countertop next to gloves

A person opening a bag of the Harris Food Grade Diatomaceous Earth

Harris Food Grade Diatomaceous Earth poured onto a marble countertop

A pile of Harris Food Grade Diatomaceous Earth on a countertop

Harris Roach Tablets

Credit: Amazon

The Harris Roach Tablets box on a table next to a pair of gloves

Credit: Better Homes & Gardens

A person holding the Harris Roach Tablets box

Harris Roach Tablets being poured onto a countertop

The Harris Roach Tablets box on a table next to a pair of gloves

A person holding the Harris Roach Tablets box

Harris Roach Tablets being poured onto a countertop

Home Defense Max Indoor Insect Barrier 1 gal. Ready-to-Use Spray Insect Killer with Extended Reach Comfort Wand

Credit: Home Depot

ORTHO 1-Gallon Home Defense Max Indoor Home Pest Control on a countertop next to gloves

Credit: Better Homes & Gardens

A person inserting the spray wand into the ORTHO 1-Gallon Home Defense Max Indoor Home Pest Control

A person dispensing ORTHO 1-Gallon Home Defense Max Indoor Home Pest Control onto edges of room

A person folding the wand of the ORTHO 1-Gallon Home Defense Max Indoor Home Pest Control

ORTHO 1-Gallon Home Defense Max Indoor Home Pest Control on a countertop next to gloves

A person inserting the spray wand into the ORTHO 1-Gallon Home Defense Max Indoor Home Pest Control

A person dispensing ORTHO 1-Gallon Home Defense Max Indoor Home Pest Control onto edges of room

A person folding the wand of the ORTHO 1-Gallon Home Defense Max Indoor Home Pest Control

A person strapping the wand to the bottle of ORTHO 1-Gallon Home Defense Max Indoor Home Pest Control

Credit:Better Homes & Gardens

A person pouring Harris Roach Tablets into their hand

Credit:Better Homes & Gardens