Cockroach infestations pose significant health risks to households, not just from the insects themselves, but also from their droppings. These unsightly fecal pellets can trigger allergic reactions, spread bacteria, and indicate a larger infestation problem. This comprehensive guide will help you identify cockroach droppings, understand the health risks they pose, learn proper cleaning methods, and implement effective strategies to eliminate both the pests and their waste.
Quick Picks: Best Products for Cockroach Control
Editor’s Choice
Best Powder
Best Liquid Bait
Identifying Cockroach Droppings: What Does Roach Poop Look Like?
Cockroach droppings are often one of the first signs of an infestation, appearing before you might even spot a live cockroach. Being able to correctly identify these droppings is crucial for early detection and prompt treatment.
Appearance
Cockroach droppings look like small black or brown cylindrical pellets, similar in size to grains of rice or coffee grounds, with ridged surfaces and blunt ends.
Size Variation
The size of the droppings corresponds to the size of the cockroach – larger species like American cockroaches produce larger droppings than smaller German cockroaches.
Location
Cockroaches typically leave droppings along their travel routes, near food sources, and in their nesting areas—often in dark corners, cracks, and crevices.
When inspecting for cockroach droppings, pay special attention to areas where cockroaches commonly hide and travel:
- Kitchen cabinets, especially near food storage areas
- Under and behind appliances like refrigerators, stoves, and microwaves
- Inside drawers and along countertop edges
- In bathroom cabinets, especially around pipes
- Along baseboards and in corners
- Inside pantries and food storage areas
- Around garbage containers
While one or two droppings might go unnoticed, finding clusters of fecal matter is a strong indication of a significant cockroach infestation. Even if you’ve only seen one or two cockroaches, the presence of numerous droppings suggests many more are hiding within your walls or other concealed areas.
Health Risks Associated with Cockroach Droppings
Cockroach droppings are not merely disgusting—they pose serious health risks to humans. Understanding these risks emphasizes the importance of prompt cleaning and pest control.
Allergic Reactions and Respiratory Issues
One of the most significant health concerns related to cockroach droppings is their potential to trigger allergic reactions and respiratory problems:
- Allergen Proteins Cockroach droppings contain specific proteins that act as potent allergens, triggering immune responses in sensitive individuals. These allergens can remain active in the environment for years, even after the cockroaches themselves have been eliminated.
- Asthma Attacks The allergens in cockroach droppings are particularly problematic for people with asthma, especially children. Exposure can trigger asthma attacks characterized by wheezing, chest tightness, and difficulty breathing.
- Respiratory Symptoms Even in non-asthmatic individuals, cockroach allergens can cause respiratory symptoms such as persistent coughing, nasal congestion, and sinus problems.
Allergens from cockroach droppings are remarkably durable and can persist in your home for up to 5 years after cockroach removal if thorough cleaning is not performed. This means you could continue experiencing allergic symptoms long after the cockroaches themselves are gone.
Disease Transmission
Cockroaches are known vectors for various pathogens that can cause serious illnesses in humans. Their droppings can contain:
- 33 different kinds of bacteria
- 7 types of human pathogens
- E. coli and Salmonella species
- 6 parasitic worms
When cockroaches travel across food preparation surfaces, they can deposit these harmful microorganisms through their droppings, potentially contaminating food and causing illnesses like:
- Food poisoning
- Gastroenteritis
- Diarrhea
- Severe stomach cramps
Chemical Communication
Beyond the direct health risks, cockroach droppings serve another concerning purpose: they contain chemical compounds (aggregation pheromones) that act as signals to other cockroaches, essentially creating a map that leads more cockroaches to food sources and safe harboring areas. This communication system helps explain why cockroach infestations can grow rapidly if not addressed promptly.
Proper Cleaning and Removal of Cockroach Droppings
Cleaning up cockroach droppings requires more than just wiping surfaces. A systematic approach ensures both the removal of visible droppings and the elimination of lingering allergens.
Safety First
- Always wear gloves when cleaning cockroach droppings to avoid direct contact with allergens and pathogens
- Consider wearing a mask to prevent inhalation of allergen particles that might become airborne during cleaning
- For those with severe allergies or asthma, consider having someone else perform the cleaning
Three-Step Cleaning Process
-
Thorough Vacuuming
Begin by vacuuming all areas where droppings are visible. Work methodically from top to bottom:
- Start with high surfaces like the tops of cabinets, refrigerators, and other appliances
- Move to mid-level surfaces such as countertops, tables, and shelves
- Finish with baseboards, floor cracks, and corners
- Use vacuum attachments to reach into cracks and crevices where droppings may be hidden
Immediately empty the vacuum bag or canister outside your home and dispose of it properly to prevent recontamination.
-
Cleaning Walls and Surfaces
After vacuuming, clean all surfaces with a solution of baking soda and soapy water:
- Mix 1/4 cup baking soda with 1 quart of warm, soapy water
- Thoroughly scrub walls, countertops, inside cabinets, and any surfaces where droppings were found
- Rinse with clean water, changing the rinse water frequently to avoid spreading allergens
- Pay special attention to corners, cracks, and crevices where droppings tend to accumulate
-
Disinfection
Complete the cleaning process by disinfecting all surfaces:
- Use a household disinfectant cleaner effective against bacteria
- Thoroughly wash down all previously cleaned surfaces, including inside cabinets, behind appliances, and along baseboards
- Allow the disinfectant to remain on surfaces for the recommended time on the product label to ensure maximum effectiveness
- Pay special attention to kitchen and bathroom areas where cockroaches frequently travel
Effective Strategies to Eliminate Cockroaches
Cleaning up droppings is only half the battle—to permanently solve the problem, you must eliminate the cockroach infestation. A multi-faceted approach combining prevention, sanitation, and targeted treatments yields the best results.
Prevention and Sanitation
Before applying any pesticides, focus on making your home less hospitable to cockroaches:
- Remove Food Sources Clean up crumbs and spills immediately, store food in airtight containers, don’t leave pet food out overnight, and regularly empty garbage cans.
- Eliminate Water Sources Fix leaky pipes, address condensation issues, and don’t leave standing water in sinks or dishes overnight.
- Reduce Hiding Places Declutter your home, especially removing piles of newspapers, magazines, cardboard boxes, and other paper products that cockroaches love to hide in.
- Seal Entry Points Caulk cracks and crevices in walls, floors, and foundations. Pay special attention to areas around pipes, windows, and doors where cockroaches might enter.
Cockroaches can develop resistance to pesticides over time. To prevent this, use different types of products with different active ingredients in rotation rather than relying on a single product continuously.
Effective Cockroach Control Products
Advion Cockroach Gel Bait
Editor's ChoiceHow Does It Work
How to Use
- Apply small dots of gel in areas where cockroaches travel and hide, such as under appliances, along baseboards, in cabinet hinges, and around plumbing fixtures
- Place bait dots in multiple locations throughout the infested area, using more in heavily infested areas
- Reapply as needed when bait is consumed or every 2-3 months
- Avoid applying where cleaning products might wash away the bait
- Highly effective against even resistant cockroach species
- Secondary kill effect helps eliminate the entire colony
- No offensive odor
- Precise application means bait can be placed exactly where needed
- Does not repel cockroaches, encouraging them to consume the bait
- May require multiple applications for severe infestations
- Slightly more expensive than some other options
- Must be kept away from children and pets
- Effectiveness decreases if exposed to water or cleaning chemicals
Harris Boric Acid Powder
Best PowderHow Does It Work
How to Use
- Apply a very thin, barely visible layer of powder in areas where cockroaches travel and hide
- Focus on areas under appliances, behind toilets, under sinks, and along baseboards
- Avoid applying thick layers, as cockroaches will simply walk around them
- Reapply after cleaning or if the powder becomes wet
- Keep away from areas where food is prepared or where children and pets have access
- Long-lasting effectiveness when kept dry
- Works slowly enough to allow cockroaches to return to nesting areas, potentially affecting others
- Non-staining and odorless
- More economical than many other treatment options
- Lower toxicity compared to many chemical insecticides
- Must be applied correctly (very thin layer) to be effective
- Not effective if it becomes wet
- May take 1-2 weeks to see significant results
- Can be visible on dark surfaces
- Should be kept away from children and pets
Hot Shot MaxAttrax Liquid Roach Bait
Best Liquid BaitHow Does It Work
How to Use
- Place bait stations where cockroach activity has been observed
- Position near corners, along walls, under sinks, behind appliances, and in cabinets
- For best results, use all bait stations in the package and place them 4-6 feet apart
- Replace stations every three months or when empty
- Keep out of reach of children and pets
- Ready-to-use bait stations require no messy application
- Attractive formula that cockroaches actively seek out
- Kills cockroaches and their eggs for complete control
- Long-lasting protection for up to three months
- Child-resistant bait stations
- May not be as effective against large infestations as professional-grade products
- Bait stations are visible when placed
- Not recommended for severe infestations without supplemental treatments
- Must be kept away from children and pets
Sprays and Aerosols
While baits and powders typically provide more effective long-term control, aerosol sprays can offer immediate results when used properly:
Aerosol sprays may cause cockroaches to scatter to new areas, potentially spreading the infestation to previously unaffected parts of your home. Use sprays selectively and as part of a comprehensive treatment plan rather than as your primary control method.
Boric Acid vs. Bait Traps: Which Works Better?
Both boric acid powder and bait traps are effective cockroach control methods, but each has specific advantages depending on the infestation scenario:
| Boric Acid Powder | Bait Traps |
|---|---|
| More effective for severe infestations | Better for minor to moderate infestations |
| Covers more area for widespread control | More targeted placement, no mess or powder residue |
| Slower initial results but excellent long-term control | Often provides faster initial results |
| One application can last months if kept dry | Need to be replaced periodically |
| Needs careful application to avoid visible residue | Discrete and self-contained |
For the most effective results, especially with moderate to severe infestations, consider using both boric acid in hidden areas like under appliances and behind baseboards, while placing bait stations in more visible areas like under sinks and in cabinets.
When to Call Professional Pest Control
While DIY methods can be effective for minor infestations, certain situations warrant professional intervention:
- Severe Infestations If you’re seeing numerous cockroaches daily, especially during daylight hours, you likely have a major infestation that requires professional-grade treatments.
- Recurring Problems If cockroaches return despite your best efforts with DIY treatments, professionals can identify hidden harborage areas and entry points you might have missed.
- Multi-Unit Buildings In apartment buildings or townhomes, cockroaches can easily travel between units. A coordinated approach managed by professionals is often necessary.
- Health Concerns If household members have severe allergies, asthma, or other respiratory conditions that are being exacerbated by cockroach allergens, prompt professional elimination is advised.
Professional pest control services offer several advantages over DIY methods, including access to commercial-grade products, specialized equipment, and comprehensive knowledge of cockroach behavior and hiding places.
Frequently Asked Questions
How can I tell if cockroach droppings are recent?
Fresh cockroach droppings are usually darker in color and slightly moist, while older droppings become lighter and drier over time. Recent droppings might also appear shiny under light. If you clean an area thoroughly and find new droppings shortly afterward, this indicates active cockroach presence.
Setting up monitoring areas by cleaning specific spots completely and checking them daily can help determine if you have ongoing cockroach activity.
Can cockroach droppings make my pets sick?
Yes, cockroach droppings can potentially make pets sick. Pets may ingest cockroach feces when grooming themselves after walking through contaminated areas, or by eating food that has been contaminated by cockroach droppings.
Pets can experience gastrointestinal issues similar to humans, and some may even develop allergic reactions to cockroach allergens. Keep pet food sealed, wash pet dishes regularly, and maintain clean pet areas to reduce these risks.
How long do cockroach allergens remain active in droppings?
Cockroach allergens are remarkably persistent and can remain active for up to 5 years after the cockroaches themselves have been eliminated if thorough cleaning is not performed. The proteins in cockroach droppings that trigger allergic reactions are very stable and resistant to degradation.
This is why thorough cleaning using the three-step process (vacuum, clean, disinfect) is essential even after successful cockroach elimination.
Can I use bleach to clean cockroach droppings?
While bleach is an effective disinfectant, it’s not the best first choice for cleaning cockroach droppings. Bleach may damage certain surfaces and does not remove the allergen proteins as effectively as thorough cleaning with soap and water followed by a disinfectant.
If you do use bleach, ensure the area is well-ventilated, wear gloves, and never mix bleach with other cleaning products, especially those containing ammonia, as this can create dangerous fumes.
Do cockroach droppings have an odor?
Individual cockroach droppings typically don’t have a noticeable odor. However, in the case of severe infestations, the accumulation of droppings, along with secretions from living cockroaches and decomposing dead cockroaches, can create a distinctive musty, oily smell often described as resembling the scent of roasted almonds.
If you detect this characteristic odor in your home, it’s likely a sign of a significant cockroach infestation that requires immediate attention.
Hello, you may want to try “diatomaceous earth” – this is a white powder. It’s essentially just silicon, but the shape is important. This is used often for filtration processes, and in gardening so it’s not hard to get.
What it’s like is tiny broken glass to a bug. It will not harm a human or an animal. When a bug runs into it, their exoskeleton is damaged, and they dry out. I find it’s worked well with ANY insect problem. I mix sugar 50/50 with it, and let them eat their fill.
The best thing about diatomaceous earth, is unlike a poison, it doesn’t get weaker. If an insect runs into it and brings it into the nest and dies, the diatomaceous earth is still there, and still effective at killing.
I rent apt. there are 4 apts total-one long building. I have been in them & ppl are clean, including myself. These apts were buiolt in 70’s on a concrete slab. Mgr. says I’m seeing “water Bugs” cuz my apt is in a lower
area. There is a slope area in my front yard. I[‘m not sure if they are roaches or water bugs. Reading these comments I have seen them on their backs & think their dead and try to pick they up and they run like hell. In kitchen & run behind stove. I CAN’T BUY A NEW STOVE. LIVE IN LOW INCOME SO APP. ARE FURNISHED & I’M SURE THEY WON’T REPLACE THEM. They are HUGE an Dark only one had a reddish back.
My silerware draw sits on the counter covered w/a towel. I can’t move.
I’m sooo embrassed. If my g/daugh especially saw this she would NEVER EAT HERE AGAIN. A few yrs ago I saw one in draw (12 a.m.) took utensils in bleach an hot soapy H20. i LIVE IN SC it’s in the 90’s.
I have someone who will more than likely be calling me to date. I CAN’T INVITE HIM OVER—WHAT IF ONE OF THESE CREATURES APPEARS. I WOULD DIE!!! I’m clean, fairly organized, just cleaned out pantry 2 mo. ago got rid of old or opened stuff. The onther end of this “pantry” is Xmas stuff in plastic tubs.
MGR. does have ppl spray but I swear its water. She said she is looking for a new co. I live alone so to move heavy appl. I have to get maintenance man. How often should I move items to apply whatever??
I’m sooo deperate. I had slugs outside really bad I mean I counted 15 one nite on siding. Well, I had to take of the prob. by going to Lowes.
Guess this is mine too. Like u said, know which one to kill or go for both??
Would apreciate advice ASAP.
Roaches in my ceiling??? I have been noticing roach droppings on the cushion on one side of my sectional. I haven’t actually seen any roaches, so I assumed they just like that area and are crawling and pooping there at night or when I’m not home. I keep vacuumming the droppings immediately when I see them and have placed roach traps around on the floors, but I still have not seen any roaches and the droppings keep coming back. The other day I worked from home and sat on that side of the couch all day. I noticed that even though I had vacuumed earlier, at various parts of the day there were droppings randomly appearing on the cushion next to me. I was sitting there the whole time and did not see a single roach! I’m wondering if there are roaches in my ceiling and the droppings are falling onto the couch from above? We live in (rent) an old house with ceilings that are made of wooden planks, so I’m thinking they could maybe be up in there and the droppings are falling through between the planks. The ceilings are super high though so even standing on a chair I cant reach anywhere close to inspect or spray. Is it possible that they are living in the ceiling or am I crazy? What should I do?? Helpppp
OMG! I am sitting in my kitchen and ready to unpack all of the boxes that I have packed to move. I don’t want to bring them with me. What should I do?
I ate half a bag of crackers and noticed on the other end of the bag there was a corner hole and 2 small roach droppings. Their were a few crackers bitten on the corner as well.
Will I get sick?
I had them years ago from the next door neighbors. I know because I went to their house, anyhoo, I called cooks and they used a specific spray that they said would draw them all out of the walls and hiding places and kill them. It worked and tho I had to spend the night away from home when I came home they were EVERYWHERE dead and I had to sweep them up and boom gone gone!
In the southern US they will try to come in when it starts getting cold. My cats love to chase and kill them. Cats work well!
We are about to move into a home that has been vacant for 2 years. There were tons of droppings in the house as well as some small cockroaches. I vacuumed every nook and cranny of the house and will bleach every surface. I did not see an live ones at all. Does this mean they are all dead?
No, they could still be hiding in the walls or there could be eggs hidden or even a nest.
I have water bugs and their droppings in my kitchen cupboards that are on exterior walls. I only see the varmint in the upper cupboards and have never seen them anywhere else in the house. The house has been professionally treated three times in the last 6 months but they still come back. These cupboards only hold dishes no food. Can somebody suggest ways for permanent riddance of these nasty creatures.
I live in Hawai’i…I’ve been away living in California the past 22 years, NOT ONE ROACH was EVER seen in my SoCal home. Moved back and living with my elderly mom and dad…OMG…I seriously forget that THESE SUCKERS FLY!! I’d visit regularly, but not encounter any roaches. So here I’am, frightened out of my wits, running and screaming all over the house trying to escape the flying monster headed straight for my face!! These American Cockroaches are 2″ long and so bold. So my dad use to spray the perimeter and inside, but due to his age has neglected. The Chinese Chaulk is banned in California, due to one of the pesticides being harmful to people and pets, but kid you not, it works awesome!! Yes, you can get them at swap meets. If roaches or ants step on the chaulk line, they get immediately paralyzed. My mom draws lines where she thinks they’re hanging out. Under bathroom and kitchen sinks, in cabinets…but please, keep this away from your family pets!! My dog licked a line of it and she wasn’t happy at all…it numbs. I know because I had some on my hand and I rubbed my nose and mouth after applying the chaulk and it was numb for hours!! It’s seriously poisonous. But a great deterrent for sure. Advion works great, on Amazon. But Black Flag spray doesn’t work at all!! Says kills on contact BS!! I sprayed the heck out of one that flew in my face and I swatted it to the floor and immediately sprayed it and it ran into my linen cabinet. Yuk!! I just saw a huge 2″ American with full wings in my utensil drawer 10 minutes ago, which brought me to this site…I’m so upset right now. I literally shake and freak out like I’m going to have a nervous break down! I that terrified of them!! So I tossed all my utensils and chop sticks into the sink full of soapy chlorinated water. I feel for everyone who encounters these nasty dirty monsters, but hey, even paradise has its issues!! Lol! Every time I see one of these disgusting creatures I want a one way ticket back FAST to California. The most effective method is to hire an exterminator if possible…get pro help. If you see one, there’s a ton more. Over here, the people are used to them and can co-exist, but no way no how I can! Aloha!!
This was the best comment! I was laughing so hard. Thank you. I’m so scared of cockroaches and I just killed a giant 2″ one with the bottom of a bottle of lotion. It was beheaded, but it still kept on twitching. Finally I got up the courage to lift up the bottle and squeeze it dead with a paper towel. Then I spray with vinegar to clean all the surfaces. Your comment made me feel a lot better! Thanks
I’ve seen cockroach droppings and skins come out the bottom of my walls when I took the skirting boards off, and around the edge of the bath where the seal was worn.
HOW DO I RID BETWEEN THE WALLS OF THIS PUTRID STUFF?
HELLLLL-PPP!
COME ON IT WILL COST ME A LOT OF MONEY TO THROW ALL MY ELECTRIC DEVICES AWAY!!!
Should we get rid of all dishes? I’ve been told to just wash them in bleach, but it just seems gross.
Yes. it would be for the best to get rid of all dishes include toaster, blender, mixer, coffeemaker and any electric devices. It would take many hours to wash them off, it’s too hard.
I had to wash them but they are all yellow. Not good. I would rather toss all of them out. Buy everything new and make sure don’t move in an apartment or house has serious infestions. Pick out the best good apartment or house, pest-free!! Good luck.
I use pure peppermint oil. I put about 6 drops of it onto a cotton ball once a week under cabinets, near the trash, and where ever I have ever seen them before. Since then… I haven’t seen one and the oil is safe for kids and pets.
Peppermint oil is not safe for kids
Peppermint oil is NOT safe for pets either! Please do your research before stating that certain things are safe! Are there no moderators on here to make sure that information posted is accurate?
I have been living in my apartment for a year, and we have an occasional American or outdoor roach wander in from outside. They tend to migrate indoors during hot and dry Summer months, in search of water. I used the boric acid, baits and the syringe Combat gel. It seemed to last all Summer as I never saw any bugs inside. However, this Summer has been worse than usual. Every morning for the past week, I’ve noticed that at least one large roach has made their way inside. However, I have now noticed egg cases and baby roaches…when I didn’t before. I’m starting to panic, because it seems that my old methods are no longer effective, not even the boric acid.
1/2 ” wide x 2″ long roach, brownish red on bathroom wall above
bathtub. Could he have gained access thru the tub drain? I saw him
around 11 pm on the wall close to the ceiling….and nailed him with
Home Defense. Should I expect others or is it possible b/c of the extreme
heat, he managed to gain access to the interior thru bathtub drain?
Could he have been a loner?
we have roaches/water bugs coming up from under the bathroom sink/vanity. We have tried the home defense sprays, on contact sprays and at home mix of baking soda and sugar. Seems like nothing is working! I hate even going into our bathroom now because those damn bugs. I want to try the boric acid but I am unsure how to put it where the problem lies, as it’s under the attached vanity which is attached to the wall. 🙁 Help!
Remove everything from inside your vanity cabinet, shake the bottle vigorously, untwist the top, and hold the bottle at a 45 degree angle, squeeze the bottle enough that a puff of powder comes out. This part is very important, the powder you apply should be light enough that it can’t be seen…just a fine layer will do. The reason for this, is because roaches aren’t going to crawl through a pile of powder, they will avoid it like a snowdrift. The point is for the roaches to be coated in the powder as it dries their exoskeleton out and makes their stomachs explode. It doesn’t happen right away though. They carry the boric acid back to their nest, die, and the other roaches will feed on the boric acid infected bug. This is also how the Combat Gel works.
You can get rid of the roaches you see with a mixture of 1/5 dishwashing liquid (I use ajax orange but the others work as well) and 4/5 water, put this in a spray bottle (1$ at the dollar store) keep it handy on the kitchen counter and you can kill about any bug that shows up. Will kill them dead in 20 sec, no need to buy raid. You will still have to use the other methods to get rid of the ones you don’t see, but 100% effective on the ones you do.
I have roaches inside the electronics of my stove I put boric acid in there but the circuit board has feces on it how or what.do I use to clean it
Burn the place
That is what I want to do here. I am on my 3rd microwave in 6 months. Now they are in the brand new stove. I have not spoken with my landlord in 6 months and there are no maintence people to call. Owner lives in another state. Have spent a lot on sprays. Ready to buy the chalk now.
The comment was very helpful do anybody knows something on the market that I can buy that last longer killing roaches
The Japanese Chalk mentioned above is actually called “Chinese Chalk”. It’s not legal to sell in the United States because it literally looks like the chalk you’d see in school. So kids have put this in their mouth and gotten sick. Apparently it works pretty well since it contains two pesticides deltamethrin and cypermethrin. You can buy it on eBay, or find it in Chinatown. But there is no telling what kind of quality control you’re getting, and as how to apply it who knows? (Write on the floor with it?)
i live in central Florida and my boyfriend is considering purchasing a property that for YEARS the individual has cohabitated with German roaches and heaven knows what else. He has recently made a small effort to rid this,”manufactured home” of the roaches. i believe with some serious effort we could get rid of the bugs, probably. My issue is the place reeks of their droppings, like, i can’t even breathe it’s awful. i have read that the pheromones in their feces, aside from causing a variety of health issues it also attracts more of them. The feces has to be however thick within the walls. How can it be removed? i have 2 little ones and a baby due in 4 months. i personally wouldn’t buy this property because of the mess that common sense dictates is in those walls. Am i being negative as he claims or is there some vacuum method of removing years of roach droppings from within walls or to make whatever creepiness is lurking in there ineffectual that i have not been aware of? i mean, aside from tearing the structure down and rebuilding i think we would be stuck with the stench for years, causing a never-ending battle of roaches, that to me, outweighs the supposed,”value” of the property. What do you fellow bug crusaders think?
I had pest control company spray outside and inside of my house about 6 wks ago but within the past three weeks I have had two different times found a cockroach in the house on its back dying. Does that mean I need to get the pest people back or is it that they did a good job?
I haven’t seen Are Around a Roach Since I was A child. ..I was so focused on making sure that the apt didn’t have Bedbugs that I totally forgot to ask About Roaches, Etc…..Then once I signed my lease I would go to the Apt and One day I noticed Alot of dead Roaches I liked to died….Well I freaked out, wanting to move but I be darned if I allow a roach to run me out of my Home….So I remember as being a Young Girl And ine of my Friends Lord They Had Roaches On every single wall in their home,My friends father use to get sick and Have Heart attacks all the time come to find out it had something to do with the roaches. ..They Were On Housing and his wife would call 3 or 4 times daily and finally tge housing Authority Finallly came out to see the problem, They Order This Stuff Called Japanese Chalk and OMG ALL YOU COULD SEE WAS ROACHES DROPPING FOR CENTURIES NEVER ONCE HAVING ANOTHER ONE….SO AS I STATED I HAVE SEEN A FEW BABY ROACHES AND ABOUT AN HR AGO A ADULT ONE,SO I WILL BE PAYING 55 DOLLARS FOR THIS JAPANESE CHALK AND PEOPLE IT IS WELL WORTH IT….I KNOW THAT IF OTHERS HAVE ROACHES IT’S HARD TO MINIMIZE THEM BUT PLEASE BELIEVE ME WHEN I SAY BORIC ACID HAVE NOTHING ON THIS JAPANESE CHALK VERY EXPENSIVE BUT IT’S WORTH EVERY DIME TO ME. ..I HOPE THIS HELPS SOMEONE IF YOU DECIDE TO TRY PLEASE THANK ME LATER;)
Where can you find this Japanese chalk?
Japanse chalk? What’s it called? Or is that the name of it, ” Japanese chalk”? Where can we buy it?
Swap meets usually have this chalk for a dollar. I used it for the ants this season, and now I’ve seen a roach so heading back to the swap meet.
Do you know of a place to purchase the chalk I would be so very thankful
Lloyd
Flea markets
the chalk is very cheap go to any chinise or japanse store and tell them u need roach chalk and u r right it is amazing know i dont know why u paid so much u can also order on amazon and this stuff seems so simple but the defintly will not see another roach if u r clean and i to make sure i never ever get even once every 4-6 mnths take the chalk and run it up on to the cabnits and other areas just every were
I have gone through the materials which is very elaborate and extremely useful. These information will help in the eradication/mitigation of roaches and will give relief to female specially.
We moved into an apartment a few months ago and have been battling German roaches since that first day. We had management spray for them twice and both times we found them relocating to our bedroom but never going away. We finally decided to put out bait. I bought Combat gel and baited under sinks in kitchen and bathrooms. Then baited behind stove and in pantry. Since we keep seeing the buggers behind a specific cabinet near the stove, we’ve baited inside that cabinet and the little crack between the bar and the wall where they run and hide from us. Now we’re seeing them just laying around in the middle of the floor like they’re stunned but then they take off like crazy when we try to kill them by squashing them in a paper towel. We’re also seeing empty egg casings inside the cabinet and out in the open near the fridge. I found one yesterday that had dead baby roaches inside in one of the bathrooms. Does this mean that our baiting is working at getting rid of them since they’re showing up in the middle of the floor stunned and their egg cases are out in the open?
What type of bait are you using for the cockroaches? From what it sounds like and what I have read so far from my current problem (disclaimer: I am no expert, just someone facing an infestation), your bait may not be strong enough. This is most likely because your bait is having an effect which is inducing respiratory problems in the roaches. However, stated in the article, if these roaches are given enough time after being affected by the baits, they can actually make a full recovery which is what it sounds like when you mention that they dart away. As far as the egg casings go, usually they are very well hidden away from sight, was the case in the open? If so, it sounds like the bait might have some sort of effect on that. I’d wait and see if any more casings show up, if so then it definitely might be the bait.
So me and my fiance moved into our first apartment two months ago. Two nights ago we were awoken by two large american cockroaches in our bed with us! Prior to this we had never seen one inside. We had the occasional german roach and had baits and boric acid out for them. Its been three nights since the bed instance and i have found three american cockroaches in our room. Why in our bedroom and not the kitchen? I cant figure out where they came in and how to kill them we have been resting on the couch because we are both too afraid too sleep in our bed help please
The poisons target their sensory organs, so when the flushing occurs, you will find them all over the house (they wander aimlessly – it doesn’t mean the nest is anywhere near where you found them). As long as they are on their backs dying, you are doing well. They love dark “cave” like places, so corrugated cardboard, aluminum foil tubes, behind appliances can be their favorite places to hide. Take a flashlight to every drawer in your home and look for a shiny brown waxy substance, which indicates highly trafficked roach area. Take note of any “coffee grounds” looking debris as you’re sweeping and vacuuming as this is their droppings and the nest is probably nearby. Good luck.
I rent an apartment. The building has 8 units. I’ve asked my landlord to spray all the apartments because they move from one apartment to the next. I’ve used boric acid and it works but it seems like they come back after a short period. What can I make my landlord do to take care of this problem??
Advion by DuPont. Don’t buy anything else ever again.
Hi, last night I found american roach feces inside a shelf all over my clothes, most of those clothes were my underwear. I already got rid of the droppings, I put the shelf and the clothes on the rooftop terrace so they can take a sunbath. Aside from cleaning the shelf as explained in the article above, and putting the clothes in boiling water before washing them, what else can I do? Is it safe to wear those clothes again after being in boiling water and washed, specially the underwear? Or is it better to get rid of all those clothes? If the clothes can be salvaged, which one is better to use to wash them, detergent or soap? Thanks in advance.
Washing in holy water usually does the trick.
Hi there! Looks like you’ve got quite a problem at hand. The only way to deal with this infestation is careful planning and determination.
You need to step up and above your current methods of eliminating these gross pests if you want them out once and for all.
The methods you describe seem effective enough to capture probably a few at a time. That is definitely not going to help. What we are after is the source. The NEST. Or NESTS. They lay eggs, and the whole cycle repeats.
You need to zone into these hot spots through simple trial and error.
Here’s the easiest and most effective.
1. Get sweet wine, aperitif, or some sweet alcohol (it MUST be sweet). I accidentally discovered this when I brought home some Baileys Irish creme and left the glasses in the living room after drinking. The glasses were FILLED with dead cockroaches and ants. So they have a thing for sweet booze. Nice.
2. Litter all rooms with diacardable containers of sweet alcohol, filled to half an inch, especially more containers in kitchens bathrooms and attics and turn the lights OFF.
3. Sleep peacefully at night knowing that our devious master plan is about to rock their world.
4. In the morning, the containers with the highest amount of dead roaches indicates a closer proximity to the NEST.
5. Look around those areas, under boxes, under the fridge, inside cabinets filled with old food and unused dishes, in crevices and hard to reach corners. You will find the congregation.
6. Locate ALL THE NESTS IN THE HOUSE this way. Once you locate them, you know what to do.
7. Revenge is sweet 🙂
If pot can put a dog in a coma or die for eating a cookie made with pot you it should kill the bug’s no need to use the buds left will do but if you tried ever thing i use some buds can boil water and pot put in Browne’s or by the sweet drink you’re good. I hope one of these idea’s helps, thy says a nuclear bomb kills the little shits, leaving you’re home for 3-5 days kills flees not cockroaches. I had to tier a pro I was renting a house in Ventura California . I didn’t have to pay for it but he had to come to the house every week for 3 mounths finally gone good luck sending killing bug energy i never said that before
I live in a house that was built in 1932. So there is plenty of hiding for the roaches. I’ve lived in this house for 19 years. The first 16 years roach free. I let a relative stay here for 2 weeks when she left her now ex-husband. She didn’t stay here much but she brought her stuff and kept it in my vacant room. The first day I seen a roach on a picture she was bringing in she acted like she was suprized to see it so I told her to leave it outside for a while. She assured me she didn’t have roaches at her house at all. Well 3 years later we are still trying to get rid of the roaches. I told her not even a month after she left that she didn’t get all the things she brought and told her the problem she told me I’m sorry I’ll buy you some of the bombs. She did 2 months later and would you know it made the problem worse. A lot worse. Then we tried boric acid then the traps then the indoor/ outdoor sprays then the syringe gel (worked for awhile). Nothin has erradicated them. My husband fixed all the cracks and hole. We have caulking everywhere. I made some jar traps which work somewhat. But really gross. I am sick of them. I started using Styrofoam everything just about. I store all of my dished in plastics sealed containers all but can items of food in my fridge. Wash everything before and after I cook or use it nothing has worked completely. I even went as far as getting birth control pills and crushing them and mixing them with water and auger placing them around the house. That worked better for a while. But the pills are costly. Just keeping them in lower numbers is a fortune. They have tented my house. I have had pest control in and out side of my house for months on end. Nothing but a smaller amount of the roaches for a while. I am convinced only a fire will rid them. The jar traps and birth control were the best methods but I am real tired of trying to fight them. Help any advice would be a blessing.
Sounds like your efforts have been extensive. I think a misunderstanding occurred, igr ( like birth control for roaches) should be used. I prefer nyguard. You hit me with one i have never heard as far as using human birth control pills crushed.
are attracted to anything electric. Take off all light switch covers, spray with Bengal and use a gel called combat. Put back covers, out of kids and pets reach. By now you know the smell, don’t even look in your toaster bottom tray just toss it. Any hand mixer, electric can opener, blender,GONE!!. Don’t limit treating to kitchen. Lots of trouble, when you and pets can be out of house use the Bengal little sprayer to do every baseboard, take out every drawer in house and spray. Wear glasses and mask. Work from end of house to front door. Turn fans off. I would stay gone 8 hrs , open windows for an hour before coming back in.
Go read my post. I had same problem. And this stuff is awesome. It says not to use if your not a professional but I have used this stuff personally where the infestation was unreal and it worked. You will be cleaning up roaches for weeks but it’s worth it. I would do a second treatment about 3 weeks to make sure you created a strong barrier. And the one you see that are still alive will have a funky appearance. Almost like the shells have curled up on the their back. That’s a good indication that they have come in contact with the spray and it’s working. At first you are going to see more roaches than you did before because they’re hiding places have been compromised by the spray. Don’t be alarmed this is quite normal. If you do this correctly you will not only put a large dent in the population right off hand you will eliminate your pest problem. Be sure to take everything out of your cabinets and look at the corners if you have roach poop that needs to be eliminated as soon as possible and cabinets called and cleaned before using. Hope this info helps