In any home, no matter where in the world, cockroaches are considered the most dreaded and unwelcome guests of them all. They are famous for their ugly presence and capacity to survive in the most adverse conditions. To make things worse, they can pose serious dangers to health by spreading diseases and causing allergic reactions.
You will be glad to know that you can control cockroaches yourself without calling expensive professional help. This guide provides easy-to-follow steps to identify, prevent, and remove cockroaches from your home. In doing so, you will create a safe, healthy and enjoyable living environment.
Quick Answer: How to Get Rid of Cockroaches
- Confirm activity with 2–4 sticky traps (they’re for monitoring, not a full solution).
- Remove food/water: clean crumbs/grease, seal food, empty bins, fix drips.
- Deep-clean hotspots (under/behind fridge, cooker, sinks) and reduce clutter.
- Proof + repair: seal gaps/harbourage (broken tiles, pipe gaps, skirting junctions).
- Target treatment: place bait stations along their travel routes as your main control method, and keep sticky traps down to monitor progress. Only treat cracks/edges as per the label (ventilate; keep kids/pets away).
Health & safety note (especially with kids, pets, asthma/allergies)
Cockroach debris can trigger allergic reactions and asthma symptoms in some people. If anyone has worsening breathing symptoms, get medical advice. When using any spray/powder, follow the label, ventilate well, and keep children/pets away until it’s safe.
What Are Cockroaches?
Cockroaches are insects belonging to the order Blattodea. They are infamous for being capable of enduring some of the most difficult conditions. Cockroaches are typically brown or black and have flat, oval-shaped bodies with very long whip-like antennae. Cockroaches are known for being incredibly fast and are capable of hiding in small, dark places.
There are over 4,000 species in the world, but only a few are a few of these are found in the UK. Two of the most notable types of cockroaches are the German cockroach (Blattella germanica) and the Oriental cockroach (Blatta orientalis). The German cockroach is light yellow / brown with "go faster" stripes and is 10mm-15mm long. The Oriental cockroach is shiny black or brown and is larger, at 20mm-25mm.
Cockroach Behaviour
Cockroaches are nocturnal insects and prefer to stay hidden in dark, damp places throughout the day. They are opportunistic scavengers. This means that they feed on a wide variety of organic matter, including food scraps, decaying materials, and even paper or glue. They are typically considered omnivores as they eat both meat and non-meat.
Cockroaches are highly adaptable. They can survive in almost any environment, but they thrive best in warm, humid areas close to food and water sources.
Cockroach Lifecycle
All cockroaches start off in the egg stage, which involves the female depositing an ootheca, essentially a case of eggs, in a safe, dark place. Following gestation, the nymphs hatch and grow through stages into adults. The process takes multiple months and involves cockroaches casting off their skin 5-6 times to allow them to grow further.
German cockroaches
German cockroach eggs come in an ootheca containing around 30 eggs. Adult German cockroaches can produce around 5-7 oothecae during their lives, which is equivalent to 150-210 eggs. The eggs have a gestation period of around 1 month. Once hatched, the nymphs take around 6-12 weeks to become fully grown adults. Once they reach adulthood, they can live for up to 6 months.
German cockroaches are great climbers, preferring to live in areas with higher temperatures, such as boiler rooms or machinery motors.
Oriental cockroaches
Oriental cockroach eggs come in an ootheca containing around 15 eggs. Adult Oriental cockroaches can produce around 8 oothecae during their lives, which is equivalent to 120 eggs. The eggs have a gestation period of around 2 months, which can prolong treatments. Once hatched, the nymphs take around 12 months in optimal conditions to become fully grown adults. Once they reach adulthood, they can live for between 1 and 6 months.
Oriental cockroaches are nocturnal and can withstand cooler temperatures. They are commonly found emerging from sewers, drains and other void areas in building structures.
Identifying Cockroach Infestations
You must be able to recognise the presence of a cockroach infestation as early as possible for effective control. Here are some of the key tell-tale signs to look out for:
Physical Sightings
Perhaps the most obvious identification method is through spotting them in real life. Cockroaches are most often seen scurrying across floors or walls at night with a somewhat jagged movement. During the day, they tend to hide in dark, secluded areas such as cracks, crevices, and behind appliances.
Droppings
Cockroach droppings resemble small, black or brown specks and are often found in areas where they are active. Cockroach droppings can easily be mistaken for dirt or coffee grounds, so it's important to inspect them closely.
Egg Casings
Cockroaches lay their eggs in capsule-like cases called oothecae. These are often left hidden in cracks or behind furniture. These casings are typically brown and can contain multiple eggs, leading to a rapid increase in population if not addressed.
Unpleasant Odour
If you experience a strong, musty odour, it may be another sign that you have a cockroach infestation. This unpleasant smell comes from the pheromones they release. This can be particularly noticeable in areas with a high concentration of cockroaches.
Preventing Cockroaches
Prevention is always the best strategy for managing cockroach populations in your home. Here are several effective methods that we recommend:
Eliminate Food Sources
Cockroaches are attracted by food and water, so make sure to keep your home clean and free of food debris at all times. Store food in sealed containers, clean up spills immediately, and regularly dispose of rubbish in sealed bins.
Seal Entry Points
Regularly inspect your home for cracks and gaps, especially around doors, windows and walls. Once identified, seal them to prevent cockroaches and other pests from entering. We recommend using weather stripping and caulk to seal any potential entry points.
Reduce Moisture
Cockroaches are drawn to moisture, so fix any leaky pipes, dripping taps, or other sources of water or dampness in your home. Ensure that kitchens and bathrooms are well-ventilated and dry.
Natural DIY Cockroach Control
Natural methods are often preferable for managing cockroach infestations before chemical solutions are considered. Natural methods work best as part of a wider plan (hygiene + proofing + monitoring). On their own, they may not clear an established infestation—especially German cockroaches. Here are several non-chemical methods we recommend to help control cockroaches:
Diatomaceous Earth
Diatomaceous earth is a fine powder made from fossilised algae. It is safe for humans and pets but lethal to cockroaches. When cockroaches come into contact with diatomaceous earth, the powder damages their exoskeletons. This causes them to dehydrate and die. Apply it in thin layers in areas where you think cockroaches may be active.
Boric Acid
Boric acid is a naturally occurring compound that is especially toxic to cockroaches. Sprinkle the boric acid in areas where cockroaches are likely to be present, such as under appliances and along baseboards. Be sure to keep it away from pets and children.
Natural Repellents
Essential oils such as peppermint, eucalyptus, and lavender are believed to repel cockroaches. One way of doing this is to mix a few drops of essential oil with water in a spray bottle. You can then apply it around entry points and common cockroach locations.
Ultrasonic repellers (can help as a supporting measure)
Ultrasonic cockroach repellers can be useful as an extra layer in a wider cockroach plan — especially when you combine them with deep cleaning, drying up water sources, sealing gaps and targeted baiting. For best results, place them in open areas (not behind sofas or under cupboards), keep them switched on continuously, and use them alongside monitoring traps so you can see whether activity is dropping.
Chemical Solutions for Cockroaches
If cleaning/proofing and monitoring haven’t reduced activity after 1–2 weeks, you can consider targeted DIY products. Focus on baits and crack/crevice application at known travel routes (under sinks, behind appliances, wall/floor junctions). Avoid blanket spraying—always follow the label, ventilate well, and keep children/pets away until safe.
Sticky Traps
Cockroach traps use a strong, non-toxic adhesive to attract cockroaches and trap them as they cross the trap. They are great for monitoring infestation levels and catching individual cockroaches; however, do not target the source of an infestation. Cockroach traps are generally safe around people, kids and pets.
Monitor where you are catching cockroaches and concentrate cleaning/proofing and bait station placement there. If trap counts aren’t clearly falling after a few weeks, expand checks to adjacent rooms (cockroaches often spread through wall voids and service gaps).
Insecticide Sprays and Powders
Insecticide sprays can help kill cockroaches on contact, especially for visible activity. For best results, treat likely harbourages and travel routes (where the label allows), such as cracks and crevices, along skirting boards, around pipe entry points, under sinks, behind appliances, and around cupboard edges.
For light activity, some customers prefer to start with a pesticide-free insect control spray labelled for cockroaches. These are usually best for spot treatment and quick knockdown of visible roaches, but they may not be enough on their own for established infestations.
For longer-lasting control, residual insecticide sprays (where labelled for cockroaches) can be applied to suitable hiding places and routes. Once dry, they leave an active deposit on treated surfaces that continues working for a period of time, helping control cockroaches that move through treated areas later.
Residual powders/dusts can also be useful in dry cracks, crevices and voids (where labelled), particularly in areas that are hard to reach with a spray. Apply powders lightly and precisely — avoid overapplying.
Insect Growth Regulator (IGR) products (where labelled for cockroaches) can be a useful part of a wider treatment plan for recurring infestations. IGRs do not usually provide quick knockdown of adult cockroaches. Instead, they target immature stages and help disrupt the breeding cycle over time, which can reduce re-infestation when combined with other controls.
For best results, combine insecticides with good sanitation, decluttering, moisture control, and cockroach baits/gels or traps where appropriate.
Always follow the manufacturer’s instructions exactly, and keep products away from children, pets, and food preparation areas.
Bait Stations
Cockroach bait stations are an effective way to control cockroach populations. The baits are specially designed to attract cockroaches, which then eat the bait and return to their hiding spots, where they eventually die. The bait also has the potential to kill other hidden cockroaches through secondary transmission. Place bait stations in areas where cockroaches are most active, such as under sinks and behind appliances, but out of reach of children and pets.
Cleaning and Repairing After Cockroach Infestations
Don't forget to apply good hygiene when you finish tackling a cockroach infestation. Thoroughly clean and repair all areas where cockroaches are known to be. We recommend following these steps:
Clean Surfaces
Wipe down all surfaces with a disinfectant. You must remove any remaining cockroach droppings, eggs, or pheromones. This is because these could attract more cockroaches.
Repair Damaged Areas
Fix any cracks, crevices, or gaps in walls, floors, and cabinets to eliminate potential hiding spots for cockroaches.
When to Use Professional Pest Control Services for Cockroaches
If your cockroach infestation doesn't reduce or go away despite your best efforts, it may be time to call in the professionals. Pest control services can offer more potent solutions and customised advice. This will ensure your infestation is handled quickly and effectively.
If you rent, check whether your landlord/housing provider should arrange treatment—especially if the infestation affects safety or health. If you need local help, your council may offer pest control services.
Cockroach FAQs
What are the first signs of cockroaches in a house?
Common early signs include small dark droppings (pepper-like specks), a musty smell in warm cupboards, shed skins, and sightings at night when you turn on a light (kitchens and bathrooms are most common).
Why do I keep getting cockroaches in my kitchen?
Cockroaches thrive where there’s food, warmth and water. The most common causes are crumbs/grease build-up (especially under appliances), unsealed food, overflowing bins, and drips/condensation under sinks or behind fridges and dishwashers. If those conditions remain, they’ll keep returning even after treatment.
Do cockroaches bite?
It’s uncommon, but cockroaches can bite in rare cases. The bigger concern is contamination: they can spread germs from dirty areas onto surfaces and can worsen allergies/asthma for some people.
Are cockroaches dangerous to children or pets?
They can be a hygiene and allergy issue, especially for children, and they can trigger symptoms in people with asthma/allergies. If you use any insecticide, always follow the label, ventilate well, and keep children/pets away until it’s safe.
German cockroach vs Oriental cockroach — which is more likely in UK homes?
In UK homes and flats, German cockroaches are more commonly linked with indoor infestations because they prefer warm kitchens/bathrooms and reproduce quickly. Oriental cockroaches are more often associated with cooler, damper areas (like basements and drains). Correct ID matters because German roaches usually need a more structured treatment plan.
How long does it take to get rid of cockroaches?
It depends on the species and how established the infestation is. With a solid DIY plan (deep cleaning, proofing, monitoring + targeted baiting), you’ll usually see trap counts start to drop within 1–3 weeks, but full control can take several weeks because eggs hatch in cycles. If you’re not seeing improvement after 2–3 weeks, you’ll likely need professional help.
Do cockroach traps work?
Sticky traps are great for monitoring (finding hotspots and confirming if numbers are falling), but they rarely solve an infestation on their own. Use them to guide cleaning and bait placement, and to check progress weekly.
When should I call a professional for cockroaches?
Get help if you see cockroaches in daylight (often means high numbers), if activity spreads to multiple rooms/flats, if you keep finding them after 2–3 weeks of thorough cleaning/proofing and targeted treatment, or if anyone vulnerable lives in the home (babies, severe asthma/allergies).
Final Thoughts
By implementing the strategies outlined in this guide, you can manage and prevent cockroach infestations in your home.
Remember, early identification and prompt action are key. Regular cleaning, reducing clutter, and using natural methods can all reduce the risk of a cockroach infestation. If these methods do not yield results, consider using chemical solutions or seeking professional help. Taking control of your home will help maintain a safe, cockroach-free environment.
We go to great lengths to ensure that all our DIY cockroach control products are effective, fast & easy-to-use. Explore our range of products to take control of your pest problems with confidence.
