Best Cockroach Repellents
By Sigmund Daughty, Expert Reviewer for Repellent Guide
published: Aug 01, 2017 | updated: Aug 01, 2017
Roaches are a common problem in homes all around the world but what's the best way to get rid of cockroaches? Roaches are attracted to garbage, food and other compost items. They breed quickly and can spread from one home to another nearby. This is common in apartment buildings.
One roach repellent that is available over the counter and can be mixed at home is boric acid. Boric acid is a natural dehydrator and, when applied to cupboards and cabinets, will stop roaches from advancing into food storage areas. Boric acid may be effective in cupboards; however it would need to be applied to nests and other habits where roaches breed in order to eliminate the problem altogether. Boric acid should be diluted with water and then applied in a spray form to the areas where you want roaches to avoid or die. Since it is a potent chemical, however, make sure to cover any surfaces that will touch dishes or food goods with contact paper or another barrier to avoid getting it onto humans.
Cockroach Electronic Repellers
Electronic repellents are considered to be a humane method of dealing with a roach issue. A roach repellent that uses electromagnetic and ultrasonic waves will emit electical and sound waves on frequencies that roaches cannot tolerate. When placed in a certain area where roaches reside, an electromagnetic repellent will drive them from the area and, as long as it remains on and in good working order, should prevent them from returning.
Cockroach Poisions
A chemical roach repellent may be the best method of ridding a home of a roach problem. There are many available in supermarkets and they may even be able to be used on other types of infesting bugs, such as ants. These chemicals are highly flammable and highly toxic and should be used with caution. Always use chemical repellents according to the instructions and keep them away from children, as to avoid mistaken ingestion. Most chemical repellents can be sprayed directly onto the bugs to kill them immediately and can also be used to spray nests and other habitats to repel them from returning to a certain area. Chemical repellents may work better on some surfaces than others and will need to be reapplied every so often to maintain control over the problem.
Cockroach Bait Stations
Cockroach bait stations are one of the most effective ways to rid your home of cockroaches. Cockroach bait stations are normally a plastic enclosure containing some poisoned bait, once the ants eat the bait they won't die immediately and so have time to move away from the bait station. Because the cockroaches dont't die immediately all cockroach visitors to the bait station are not put off by the presence of other dead cockroaches. Cockroach bait stations can be considered safe because the poision is targeted at cockroaches and is enclosed - however still be watchful that pets and children don't play or attempt to break open the bait station.
It's important to use a repellent that is specifically designed to kill roaches as other kinds may not help the problem and can even exacerbate it.
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Ultrasonic Electromagnetic
Ease of use: 9.5
Value for money: 8
Performance: 8.5
Overall Score: 8.7
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Bait Station
Ease of use: 8
Value for money: 8
Performance: 9.5
Overall Score: 8.5
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Baited Glue Traps
Ease of use: 8
Value for money: 8
Performance: 8.5
Overall Score: 8.2
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Boric Acid
Ease of use: 6.5
Value for money: 8
Performance: 8
Overall Score: 7.5