Killing roaches is not as easy as one might think. Roaches live in colonies and it's hard to kill them one by one. The most effective method that gives a quick and efficient result is the cockroach-killing product! But how do I choose the one that gives optimum results? Let's find out.
Cockroaches do not spread viral infections, but they are a source of bacteria and can cause some serious health issues. As they love to wander on unwashed dishes, they can also cause food poisoning. Therefore, it's extremely difficult to get rid of them!
What Are the Types of Cockroach Killers?
Roch killers come in different products and variants and they differ in how they work. Each variant has its own unique features that you can’t expect from others. Sprays can go deep in hidden places, while roach motels have an edge to be safe for children and pets.
Powders
Roach killing powders are a fast and effective way to get rid of cockroaches. The powder can be used at any place even at hard-to-reach points. You can pour the powder in between the nest of roaches and they are finished in a few minutes.
Sprays
Sprays are easy to use and a quick solution for your kitchen safety. Sprays usually attack the nervous system of the roaches and kill them in less than a day. Also, they are handy products as compared to other roach killers and can reach inaccessible places too.
Roach Motels
Roach motels are enclosed boxes that attract roaches into them with no option of going back. These motels offer a safety factor for children as they are not poisonous.
Some other motels attract roaches into the motel having a poisonous substance that kills them right away. It's an effective option but not safe for pets and children.
Roach Gel
Gels emit some strong appealing smell that roaches can't resist. The best part of the gel is that they do not kill the roaches right away, it starts its action when roaches return to their habitats. When they are killed in their habitats, they become food for others, this creates a spontaneous process and the other roaches get finished too.
Foggers
Foggers – also known as bug bombs – are can-shaped roach killers, containing a poisonous gas. Upon activating, the foggers leave a harmful gas that gets into inaccessible places, covering the whole room. Foggers use pyrethroids, which slowly fail the roach's nervous system and slowly kill them.
Before you use foggers, make sure the edibles, dishes, and other utensils are covered. Also, leave the room for at least 4 hours to make the air go back to normal.
Factors Should You Consider Before Buying a Cockroach Killer
Effectiveness On Pests
When choosing a cockroach killer always pay attention to what pesticides it is using and on what insects they are effective. Different killing products work differently and have their specific targeted insects.
The glue sheets can catch every size of an insect, including rats, lizards, ants, and roaches. Roaches have some sort of good immunity, so the roach killers use high-potency pesticides that can even affect your pets and children.
Safety Factors for Pets and Children
Safety matters first! Make sure your family and pets are in a safe area before starting the operation. The gels and baits are attractive to kids and pets due to their bright colors. So make sure you keep an eye on your kids.
Some children-safe options are available but they are not that effective. You can use those roach killers if the problem is not that severe.
Length Of Efficacy
Length of efficacy means how long the roach killer will produce the desired results. Most of the roach killers produce results for 1-month at a minimum- the period can be as long as 2 years.
Type Of Bait
There are two types of baits commonly used to attract and kill roaches. Fipronil is used for some baits and some killing products use hydramethylnon.
Fipronil uses poison and works fast! Roaches can't take a single step after consuming it. It uses sugar to attract and fipronil to kill them on the spot.
On the other hand, hydramethylnon uses a slower process of killing! They attract and lure the insects to eat. When they finish, they get back to their habitat, slowly lose their nervous system, and it's over. The process doesn’t stop here, the killed roaches now become the food of other roaches, and kill them too! The spontaneous process kills the whole community in your home.
What Do Professionals Use To Kill Roaches?
The high-level insecticide used by professionals to eradicate roaches is Indoxacarb. This substance is also found in gels. Due to its high potency and effectiveness, it is recommended over all other insecticides.
What Kills Roaches And Their Eggs?
You can use boric acid to kill roaches and their eggs naturally. Just a shower of boric acid is enough to get rid of roaches for a lifetime.
Sugar and Baking Soda as a Cockroach Killer
Sugar attracts the roaches and baking soda kills them right away. Place the sugar and baking soda near the roach's nest. Now, you just have to worry about cleaning the dead roaches.
Best Cockroach Killer FAQs
Why Is It Important to Use Cockroach Killers to Get Rid of Cockroaches?
Cockroaches can be a source of allergy or can trigger an asthma patient. As they carry bacteria on them, there is a chance of making you sick. If the cockroaches wander on the dishes, there is a risk of food poisoning involved. Furthermore, if not dealt with timely, cockroaches can multiply very quickly. So, it is very important to get rid of them as soon as possible.
Can I Use Cockroach Killers With Pets in the House?
Yes, cockroach killers can be used with pets in the house, but do keep an eye on your pets. Especially when using cockroach motels, make sure the pets don’t have access, as they may hurt themselves or if ingested, may get sick.
What If My Child Consumes the Cockroach Killer, What Should I Do?
If your child has ingested any type of cockroach killer, call emergency or poisons info helpline right away because cockroach killers and ant baits are one of the highest causes of poisoning in children from the ages of 1 to 5. Then, rinse their mouth with lots of water and wait for help to arrive.