Pest Control Resources and FAQ's

How to Kill and get rid of American Cockroaches

How to Kill and get rid of American Cockroaches

Killing American cockroaches and eliminating their presence in a home often involves using bait. Traps may also work as a way to get rid of these filthy pests.


Introducing the American Cockroach


American cockroach (periplaneta americana) goes by several names, including the palmetto bug and the water bug. These roaches might be hard to miss, considering their size. An American cockroach averages around 1.5", but they could grow upwards of 2".


These roaches are brown-colored, and they can live indoors and outdoors. If a house provides a food supply, expect them to try and move inside. An American cockroach has wings, making it capable of flying short distances. Thankfully, the creatures can't take to the air and remain as long as wasps, moths, and other winged insects do.


The American cockroach looks somewhat frightening, but looks aren't the problem. The health hazards American cockroaches present are. These creatures may run around and pick up microorganisms and bacteria. They'll potentially bring these things into the home and present risks to people's health. So, getting rid of American cockroaches seems like the right move to make upon discovering them.


Killing Off an American Cockroach Infestation


Spraying cockroaches on sight with insecticides comes with some dangers. Yes, the poisons may kill a roach hit with the spray, but the presence of poison in a home brings worries. Also, roaches may build immunity to poisons, potentially rendering insecticides useless.


Baits with boric acid might work to kill off roaches. Boric acid mixed with baits will kill a roach that eats the bait. If other roaches eat that roach, they will ingest the poison, too. Boric acid comes in powder form, and spreading the powder around could lead to cockroaches getting it on their legs. When a roach cleans itself, it ingests the boric acid. Boric acid is a poison, though. So, it presents risks to humans and animals.


Consider Preventive Steps


Preventive steps may keep a roach problem from developing. Keeping the home and the surrounding yard clean might help, as the American cockroach looks for a safe place to live and a source of food. Moisture attracts them, too. So, preventing dampness may prevent roaches.


American cockroaches are found all over the world, and "the world" includes people's homes. Taking immediate steps to kill them might be the right plan for a homeowner to put into motion.

How to Kill and get rid of American Cockroaches

Killing American cockroaches and eliminating their presence in a home often involves using bait. Traps may also work as a way to get rid of these filthy pests.


Introducing the American Cockroach


American cockroach (periplaneta americana) goes by several names, including the palmetto bug and the water bug. These roaches might be hard to miss, considering their size. An American cockroach averages around 1.5", but they could grow upwards of 2".


These roaches are brown-colored, and they can live indoors and outdoors. If a house provides a food supply, expect them to try and move inside. An American cockroach has wings, making it capable of flying short distances. Thankfully, the creatures can't take to the air and remain as long as wasps, moths, and other winged insects do.


The American cockroach looks somewhat frightening, but looks aren't the problem. The health hazards American cockroaches present are. These creatures may run around and pick up microorganisms and bacteria. They'll potentially bring these things into the home and present risks to people's health. So, getting rid of American cockroaches seems like the right move to make upon discovering them.


Killing Off an American Cockroach Infestation


Spraying cockroaches on sight with insecticides comes with some dangers. Yes, the poisons may kill a roach hit with the spray, but the presence of poison in a home brings worries. Also, roaches may build immunity to poisons, potentially rendering insecticides useless.


Baits with boric acid might work to kill off roaches. Boric acid mixed with baits will kill a roach that eats the bait. If other roaches eat that roach, they will ingest the poison, too. Boric acid comes in powder form, and spreading the powder around could lead to cockroaches getting it on their legs. When a roach cleans itself, it ingests the boric acid. Boric acid is a poison, though. So, it presents risks to humans and animals.


Consider Preventive Steps


Preventive steps may keep a roach problem from developing. Keeping the home and the surrounding yard clean might help, as the American cockroach looks for a safe place to live and a source of food. Moisture attracts them, too. So, preventing dampness may prevent roaches.


American cockroaches are found all over the world, and "the world" includes people's homes. Taking immediate steps to kill them might be the right plan for a homeowner to put into motion.