Flying roaches, also known as palmetto bugs, can be a nuisance in homes. They are large, fast moving insects that can fly and tend to come out at night in search of food. While they don’t pose any serious health risks, having roaches in your home is never pleasant. The good news is there are several effective methods you can use to get rid of flying roaches and prevent future infestations.
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What attracts flying roaches into your home?
Flying roaches are attracted to food sources, moisture, and warmth which is why they tend to invade homes. Some of the main things that attract roaches into your house include:
- Access to food – Roaches forage for food at night and are attracted by anything edible that is left out like pet food, crumbs, grease, sugar, etc.
- Water sources – Roaches need moisture to survive so leaks, dripping faucets, pet bowls and humid areas draw them in.
- Clutter and debris – Roaches like to hide in dark, undisturbed areas like piles of newspapers, storage boxes, etc.
- Cracks and crevices – Small openings along baseboards, under appliances, in walls provide ideal hiding spots and entry points for roaches.
- Warm temperatures – Roaches prefer temperatures between 75-95°F so they migrate to warm spaces inside homes.
Identifying and eliminating these attractants is key to preventing future infestations after getting rid of your current roaches.
Effective ways to get rid of flying roaches
Here are some of the most effective methods and products to get rid of flying roaches in your home:
Insecticide sprays
Insecticide sprays containing ingredients like synthetic pyrethroids are very effective at killing roaches on contact. Look for products specifically formulated for roaches and be sure to follow label directions carefully.
Some sprays to consider include:
- Ortho Home Defense Max Roach Killer
- Raid Roach Killer
- Hot Shot Roach Killer
- Spectracide Bug Stop Home Barrier
Spray insecticide directly on roaches you see and in areas where they hide like under sinks, behind appliances and inside cabinets.
Insect growth regulators
Insect growth regulators (IGRs) don’t kill roaches immediately but prevent them from reproducing. Applying these in areas where roaches hide disrupts their life cycle so they eventually die off.
Some effective roach IGR products include:
- Advion Cockroach Gel Bait
- Maxforce FC Roach Killer Bait Gel
- Vendetta Plus Cockroach Gel Bait
Put small drops of gel bait product in cracks, crevices, under appliances and wherever roaches may hide. The bait will stick to the roaches which carry it back to their nests and kill the rest of the population.
Boric acid powder
Boric acid is a natural mineral powder that can be used to kill and control roach populations. It acts as a stomach poison when roaches ingest it. Apply a fine layer of boric acid powder along baseboards, under appliances, and in cracks and crevices. The powder sticks to the roaches’ bodies as they crawl through it allowing them to carry it back and poison others.
Diatomaceous earth
Diatomaceous earth (DE) is a natural mineral dust made from fossilized remains of diatoms. The sharp particles cut and damage the waxy protective coating on roaches causing dehydration and death. Apply a thin layer of food-grade DE along baseboards, under appliances, around entry points and other areas roaches frequent.
Traps
Roach traps can help catch and kill roaches while providing an indication of how severe your infestation is. Sticky traps are very effective at capturing roaches that crawl across them. Bait traps contain roach attractants and a toxic bait to poison roaches that enter them.
Some reliable roach trap options include:
- Black Flag Roach Motel Insect Trap
- Catchmaster 72MAX Pest Trap
- Pic Roach Killer
- Harris Bait Stations
Place traps along walls, in cabinets and anywhere roaches may crawl. Monitor traps regularly and replace bait as needed to keep killing roaches.
Vacuuming
Frequently vacuuming floors, baseboards and any other roach hiding spots can suck up roaches along with their droppings and any boric acid or diatomaceous earth you have applied. Make sure to immediately empty and dispose of the vacuum contents in a sealed bag afterward.
Seal entry points
Sealing any cracks, crevices and openings around your home’s exterior prevents roaches from entering in the first place. Use caulk and weatherstripping to seal gaps around windows, doors, pipes and wiring holes. Screen vents and install door sweeps to help keep roaches outside.
Keep your home clean
Practice good sanitation by keeping your kitchen and bathrooms clean, sweeping floors regularly, taking out the trash frequently, and not leaving out any food residue or crumbs. Clean up any spills right away and store food in sealed containers to minimize roach attractants.
Use essential oils
Some essential oils like peppermint, tea tree, and eucalyptus oil repel roaches naturally when applied along baseboards, entry points and other areas. The strong scents mask the odor trails roaches use to locate food sources.
Get professional treatment
For severe flying roach infestations, it may be necessary to hire a pest control professional. Exterminators have access to commercial-grade insecticides and can treat your entire home to eliminate roaches and prevent future invasions.
How to prevent flying roaches
Prevention is key when it comes to roach control. Here are some tips to help keep flying roaches out of your home:
- Install door sweeps under exterior doors and repair screens to seal entry points.
- Caulk and seal cracks and crevices throughout the home.
- Store food in airtight containers and avoid leaving dirty dishes out.
- Clean up spills and crumbs immediately.
- Take out garbage regularly and keep trash cans away from the house.
- Fix leaky plumbing to eliminate moisture sources.
- Keep your home dry and well-ventilated.
- Apply boric acid powder, diatomaceous earth or essential oils around entry points.
- Use roach bait stations and traps to monitor for roaches.
Conclusion
Flying roaches can be tough to get rid of but using a combination of insecticide sprays, IGRs, boric acid, traps and diligent sanitation can help eliminate roaches and keep them from returning. Focus on locating and sealing up any possible entry points into the home. Regularly cleaning and keeping your home free of clutter and food residue also helps deter roaches. Getting rid of flying roaches takes patience and persistence, but taking proactive prevention steps is key to keeping your home roach-free long-term.