Roaches are one of the most common pest problems in American homes. They are also one of the most difficult pests to get rid of. There are many different species of roaches, but all have one thing in common: they prefer to live in dark, moist places, and they are experts at seeking out humans.
Why? Because we humans often and unwittingly provide the perfect environment for roaches to thrive. Our homes are excellent sources of food, shelter, and water.
As we’ve already mentioned, roaches can be notoriously difficult to get rid of. Removal can be even more complicated if you have roaches in your walls.
Are you wondering how to get rid of roaches in walls? Then you’ve come to the right place.
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Let’s Talk About Roaches
Roaches are not only difficult to get rid of, but they can also be dangerous to your health.
Cockroaches are hard-bodied insects that live in colonies in warm, dark places like sewers and basements. They are one of the most common pests in the United States, as we mentioned above.
Cockroaches belong to the order Blattodea. There are over 4,000 species of cockroaches in the world. The most common cockroach is the German cockroach (Blattella germanica), which is also known as the sewer roach. Other common species include the American cockroach (Periplaneta americana), Australian cockroach (P. australasiae), brown-banded cockroach (Supella longipalpa), and oriental cockroach (Blatta orientalis).
If you’re here looking into how to get rid of roaches in walls, it’s important to take a moment to discuss the different types of roaches you might be dealing with. Correctly identifying your roach problem is key to ensuring you are treating it effectively and efficiently.
The American Cockroach
The American cockroach is the largest of the species and the most common pest in the United States. It’s about one inch long, is reddish-brown with a pale yellow band behind its head, and has wings that are shorter than its body. It is also known as the water bug or Palmetto bug, because of its preference for living in moist areas like kitchens and bathrooms.
The American cockroach is also one of the most common roach species found in homes and businesses throughout the United States.
Female American cockroaches produce an egg case about once every two weeks that contains about 30 eggs each. The female carries this egg case for about two weeks before dropping it to the ground and leaving it there to hatch on its own. The American cockroach can live up to one year if conditions are ideal.
The Brown Banded Cockroach
The brown banded cockroach is about half an inch long and has two dark stripes on its wings. It can be found outdoors near trees, under rocks and logs, or inside buildings. It prefers to live outdoors in warm weather but will come indoors to seek shelter from cold temperatures. This species of cockroach can be identified by the two dark bands on its wing covers, which are visible when it flies away from danger.
The brown banded cockroach prefers damp locations such as sewers and septic tanks where it can hide during daylight hours on moist substrates such as wood chips or mulch in landscaping areas around homes.
The German Cockroach
The German Cockroach was introduced into New York City in 1894 and has since spread throughout much of North America, including Canada, Mexico, and South America. It prefers warm climates and can be found in apartments or other buildings with favorable conditions such as steam heat and food sources such as garbage or pet food. This cockroach has become resistant to many insecticides due to its high reproductive rate and ability to survive long periods without food or water.
The Oriental Cockroach
The Oriental cockroach is another invasive species of cockroach that arrived in the United States in the 1920s. It’s now found in southern states, including Florida and Texas. This cockroach has a tan body with two dark longitudinal lines on its back.
The Oriental cockroach can live for up to two years and has a relatively long life cycle. The female lays her eggs on a safe surface such as cardboard or paper and then hides them away so that they aren’t exposed to light or predators. After about two weeks, the eggs hatch into nymphs that look like smaller versions of adults but have no wings yet. The nymphs are white at first but turn darker over time.
The Smoky Brown Cockroach
The smoky brown cockroach is a medium to large species of cockroach, reaching around 4 cm (1.5 in) in length. It is usually a dark brown or black color with two pale yellow spots on the pronotum (the shield-like area behind the head). The abdomen has two parallel white stripes along each side, and there are also two short white stripes on the wings.
The smoky brown cockroach is a common household pest that has made its way across the ocean from Africa.
Are Roaches Dangerous To People And Pets?
Roaches can often worsen chronic illnesses like allergies or asthma.
The fact that roaches are so prevalent is not surprising given how well they adapt to their environment. Roaches can live for weeks without food and months without water. They also have an amazing ability to withstand extreme heat or cold, which makes them ideal for surviving our fluctuating climate.
While all of this is amazing, it doesn’t distract from the fact that roaches are seen as gross, dirty, and disgusting pests. More importantly, a roach infestation in your home or walls can also be dangerous. In fact, roaches can spread a number of diseases, and they are some of the most common culprits for spreading food-borne illnesses.
One common way roaches can make you sick is through their droppings. Roach droppings contain bacteria and other germs that can make you ill if you come into contact with them. These droppings have also been shown to worsen chronic illnesses in people suffering from asthma or those struggling with compromised immune systems.
Roaches also carry various diseases, including salmonella, which can cause food poisoning; typhoid fever; dysentery; and cholera.
The diseases that roaches spread are often transmitted by eating food that’s been contaminated by their feces or urine. Roaches sometimes defecate on food items before they’re sold in stores, which can lead to contamination even if you don’t buy the item from a place where roaches have been found. However, people are most likely to be exposed to these diseases when they encounter roaches in their homes or offices.
In addition, roaches produce allergens that can cause an allergic reaction in some people who aren’t allergic to them but breathe in their droppings or shed skins.
Lastly, there’s evidence that roach infestations can contribute to mental health problems such as depression and anxiety. This makes perfect sense if you’re dealing with roaches and are wondering how to get rid of roaches in walls.
But why do you have roaches in your walls at all? Keep reading to find out.
Why Do I Have Roaches In The Walls?
Roaches are common pests that invade homes for a number of reasons.
Roaches are naturally attracted to moisture, so if there is excess moisture in your homes like leaky pipes or faucets, this could attract them. However, roaches are also attracted to food sources and will eat almost anything humans eat. They also seek out shelter from predators, and our basements, crawlspaces, and kitchen cabinets can make the perfect hideout for these pests.
If roaches have entered your home, you could very easily wind up with roaches not only running around your basement, bathroom, or kitchen but also in your walls.
The most common way for roaches to get into your walls is through cracks in the foundation or siding, or through vents or ducts. They can also enter through open doors or windows and if there are holes in your walls from previous infestations or other issues like plumbing leaks or plumbing problems that cause water damage.
The following are some common signs that it’s time for you to look into how to get rid of roaches in walls:
Roach Droppings
Roach droppings are 2mm to 4mm long brown or black pellets that are shaped like coffee grounds. If you see these droppings on your floor or walls, then it is usually an indication that there is a roach infestation in your home.
Egg Capsules
Egg capsules are flat, brown discs that contain eggs. They are about 1 mm in size and look like small pieces of paper glued together. These egg capsules can be found under appliances such as refrigerators and stoves where food crumbs accumulate.
Roaches lay their eggs inside these capsules so that when they hatch, there is food for them to eat nearby. Roach eggs hatch after 3 weeks but it takes up to 60 days for them to become adults if conditions are favorable for growth and development.
Smear Marks
If you notice smear marks on your bathroom walls or even on your kitchen cabinets, then this is another sign that there is an infestation occurring somewhere in your home. Roaches leave behind smeared fecal matter on surfaces as they walk around.
Shed Skin
The shed skins of roaches look like pieces of paper or tissue paper, but they are actually the exoskeletons of the roaches themselves. Once these shed skins accumulate on your walls or cabinets, then it becomes an easy way for you to identify whether or not there are any roaches living in those areas of your home.
Roach Damage
One of the first signs that you have a roach infestation is seeing signs of cockroach damage in your home. This includes things like holes chewed through walls and other sources of food such as cardboard boxes and paper bags.
A Strange Odor
If you notice a strange odor coming from your walls at any point along with other signs of a roach infestation in your home, then this could be another sign that it’s time to look into how to get rid of roaches in walls. Roaches tend to leave behind an unpleasant smell when they die or decompose.
Strange Sounds From Walls
Roaches are nocturnal pests who are most active at night when we’re all asleep — which means they’ll be making noise as they scurry around our walls looking for food and water sources. You might also hear scurrying, hissing, or even chirping from inside your walls at night if you have a roach infestation. Yikes!
How To Get Rid Of Roaches In Walls – Methods, Tips, And Tricks
Identification of roaches in walls is important especially if you have children or pets at home. Once you identify the types of roaches in your walls, the first thing you should do is make your home less appealing to them. This may involve repairing any holes or cracks that could let them enter your house easily.
You can also use traps to catch roaches, though this won’t help reduce a serious infestation. Instead, traps can be used to help monitor other forms of pest control to ensure you are indeed killing roaches and more are not returning.
There are several methods you can use for how to get rid of roaches in walls, including several housekeeping methods like getting rid of excess moisture, cleaning up the surrounding area, removing excess food sources, and beginning implementing one or all of the below methods for how to get rid of roaches in walls:
- Insecticides or Pesticides
- Natural Sprays or Remedies
- Roach Repellents
- Roach Traps
- Home Remedies
- Professional Pest Control
All of the above methods for how to get rid of roaches in walls can be effective, but many may work best when used in conjunction with other methods.
While roaches in walls can be difficult to get rid of, it could be possible to do so on your own without the use of professional pest control experts. However, if you feel that roaches are out of control and that figuring out how to get rid of roaches in walls is out of your hands, then it may be wise to call in the pros.
But before you opt to go that route, let’s take a look at some of the best products we recommend for how to get rid of roaches in walls.
Best Products For How To Get Rid Of Roaches In Walls
There are plenty of products you can use for how to get rid of roaches in walls.
If you want to get rid of roaches, there are several different products that you can use. The best product for how to get rid of roaches in walls will depend on what kind of roach you have and where they are hiding out.
There are many different kinds of products that you can use to try to get rid of roaches. Some people prefer using natural products for how to get rid of roaches in walls while others prefer using insecticides and pesticides.
Insecticides and pesticides are chemicals that kill insects by poisoning them, while natural products usually contain ingredients such as essential oils or herbs that repel insects without killing them directly. Both types have their own advantages and disadvantages, so it’s important to consider both options carefully before deciding which one is right for you.
When choosing a product for how to get rid of roaches in walls, there are several factors that need to be considered.
When choosing a product for how to get rid of roaches in walls, there are several factors that need to be considered. First, consider the severity of your infestation. For very serious infestations, more intensive methods like insecticides and pesticides may be needed.
You should also consider your home environment and whether or not there are children or pets in the home that could be put at risk when using certain products. Last, make sure you consider the quality of the products.
For the most part, both insecticides and natural products for how to get rid of roaches in walls can be effective when used as directed, especially when they come from quality sources and brands. If you’re not sure where to begin looking for the best products to use for how to get rid of roaches in walls, we have you covered with some of our favorites below.
Safer Brand Diatomaceous Earth Crawling Insect Killer
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Safer Brand Diatomaceous Earth Crawling Insect Killer is a safe, odorless, and non-staining powder that works to kill crawling insects like roaches on contact. This product can be used to rid your home of not only roaches but also ants, fleas, and other pests.
This product is made from a naturally occurring sedimentary rock that contains fossilized remains of diatoms (a type of hard-shelled algae). The powder also contains borax, which acts as a carrier for the DE. Borax is a natural mineral compound made up of sodium, boron, and oxygen that has been used for centuries as an insecticide.
Hot Shot Liquid Roach Bait
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Hot Shot Liquid Roach Bait contains indoxacarb, which is a highly effective ingredient used in many different insecticides today because it has no known resistance from insects. Indoxacarb blocks the activity of glutamic acid-activated protein channels on nerve cells in insects’ nervous system, which leads to paralysis and death.
This ingredient efficiently kills cockroaches within 24 hours after consumption by direct contact with the bait or ingestion through contaminated food sources found near baits.
TERRO Ready-to-Use Indoor Roach Bait
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TERRO Ready-to-Use Indoor Roach Bait is another product we recommend for those looking at how to get rid of roaches in walls. This product comes with a small tray that fits underneath your sink or behind your refrigerator; it attracts the roaches and entices them to eat the bait, then kills them.
Because roaches live in colonies, the roach that eats the bait often brings it back to the colony, effectively killing other roaches living inside your walls as well.
Other Products You Can Use To Prevent Roaches In Walls
Along with using methods for the removal of roaches, it’s also important to use repellents.
Preventing roaches is just as important as using the proper methods for how to get rid of roaches on walls. You can prevent roaches by simply cleaning up your home and ensuring you make your home as undesirable to these pests as possible.
Of course, it’s also a good idea to use some of the best roach repellent products available, such as ultrasonic pest repellent, scent repellents, and insecticides with insect growth regulators to reduce the chances of future infestations.
Below is a list of some of the best roach repellent products available for not only how to get rid of roaches in walls, but also to keep them from coming back.
Bocianelli Ultrasonic Pest Repeller
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One safe and effective way to keep roaches and other pests from finding your home attractive is to use an ultrasonic pest repeller like the Bocianelli Ultrasonic Pest Repeller listed above.
This repeller works by emitting high-frequency sound waves that are not audible to humans but are highly irritating to pests like roaches, ants, spiders, and even larger pests like rodents. As they hear these sounds, they get irritated and move away from the specific area.
You can use ultrasonic pest repellents in conjunction with methods for how to get rid of roaches in walls, and then you can continue to use these products to help prevent infestations from recurring.
Wondercide Ant And Roach Aerosol Spray
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Wondercide Ant And Roach Aerosol Spray is a revolutionary product that can be used in many different ways to control pests. This spray is made from all organic and natural materials, so it’s safe for you and your family. It’s also easy to use and effective against many types of pests, including ants, roaches, bed bugs, fleas, ticks, and more.
To use this spray, apply it directly to cracks and crevices where pests like to hide or where you have noticed roach activity. You can also spray this aerosol around entry points like windows and doors to prevent pests from getting inside your home.
AODA Roach Repellent Peppermint Pouches
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The AODA Roach Repellent Peppermint Pouches work by emitting a strong scent that repels roaches and many other pests including roaches, ants, and spiders.
The product is safe for use in homes with children and pets and even provides a long-lasting, pleasant scent to closets, cabinets, and other storage areas roaches might target.
For best results, use these patches in conjunction with other forms of pest repellents listed or other home remedies, and follow the instructions to replace the pouches after the specified amount of time.
DIY Methods For How To Get Rid Of Roaches In Walls
Baking soda mixed with sugar makes an effective and safe roach killer.
If you’re in a pinch and looking for how to get rid of roaches in walls without having to visit your local pest control store or wait for your online order to ship to your home, you’re in luck. There are several home remedies and methods you can use for how to get rid of roaches in walls at home.
These DIY methods are simple and easy to follow, so anyone can do them at home. The best thing about these methods is that they don’t require any special equipment or tools, which makes them great for people who don’t want to spend a lot of money on getting rid of roaches in their homes.
Try Using Instant Potatoes
Instant potatoes expand when they are wet, but roaches don’t know that. If you’re looking for an inexpensive and effective way to kill roaches, try placing a bowl of instant potatoes around areas you have noticed roach activity. Be sure to also place a small bowl of water nearby as well.
Roaches will feast on the instant potatoes, and when they take a drink the instant potatoes will expand inside of them, killing them instantly.
Kill Roaches Using Baking Soda and Sugar
Baking soda has the same effect as instant potatoes. You can entice the roaches to eat the baking soda mix by adding a bit of sugar to it. Leave the powdery substance out in areas you have noticed roach activity along with a bowl of water. For best results, use this method in conjunction with other methods of roach removal.
Kill Roaches Using A Mix of Bleach or Ammonia Spray
Roaches are repelled by strong smells like bleach and ammonia. If sprayed directly on roaches’ bodies, this spray will dehydrate them. Spray bleach or ammonia around your home and in areas you suspect roaches have been.
If you are using bleach, then be careful to avoid spraying it directly on fabrics, walls, or other areas that could wind up bleached or stained.
Use Essential Oils To Repel Roaches:
- Peppermint Oil
- Citrus Oil
- Tea Tree Oil
- Oregano Oil
- Cypress Oil
- Eucalyptus Oil
- Cedar Oil
- Lavender Oil
- Catnip Oil
- Citronella Oil
- Rosemary Oil
To make an essential oil spray for how to get rid of roaches in walls, you will need:
Ingredients:
- 1 Spray Bottle
- 2 Cups of Water
- 10 to 20 Drops of The Essential Oil Of Your Choice
- 1 teaspoon of Cayenne Pepper
- 1 Teaspoon of Lemon Juice
- 2 Teaspoons of Baking Soda
- 1 Bowl
Instructions:
- Mix 1 teaspoon of cayenne pepper, 1 teaspoon of lemon juice, and 2 teaspoons of baking soda in a bowl. Add 5 drops of tea tree oil, 2 drops of clove oil, and 8 drops of peppermint oil to the mixture.
- Pour the mixture into a spray bottle and shake well before use.
- Spray on areas where roaches are likely to hide, such as behind kitchen cabinets or along baseboards and window sills.
Expert Tips For How To Get Rid Of Roaches In Walls
Getting rid of roaches for good takes consistency and patience.
Discovering you have roaches in your walls can be horrifying, but luckily there are plenty of methods, tips, tricks, and tactics you can use for how to get rid of roaches in walls successfully.
Once you have gotten rid of roaches in walls, it’s important to take precautionary steps to prevent them from returning.
Below are some tips from experts on how to keep roaches from coming back around a second time.
- Remove Excess Moisture Around Your Property and In Your Home
- Avoid Leaving Dirty Dishes In The Sink Overnight
- Store Garbage Properly
- Store Pet Food Or Bird Seed Properly
- Store Pantry Food In Airtight Containers
- Clean Grease And Grumbs From Countertops and Stovetops
- Vacuum and Sweep Often
- Keep Up With Routine Home Maintenance And Seal Cracks And Crevices
- Use A Form Of Pest Control Year-Round To Keep Roaches At Bay
We hope this has been a helpful guide on how to get rid of roaches in walls. Remember, while roaches can be difficult to get rid of, it is possible to do on your own if you are dedicated, patient, and consistent.
Of course, if the roaches in your home are causing you or your family members to become ill, or if you are feeling especially stressed, anxious, or depressed due to a roach infestation, then it may be wise to contact a professional.
Best of luck and thanks for reading!
Jack founded our blog after two decades of working in the pest control industry. His vast experience dealing with a wide array of pests allows him to diagnose issues quickly and get to the heart of pest problems quickly and effectively. He has serviced more than 2,000 homes over his career and there is hardly any pest situation that he has not seen before.