Have you ever met a person who likes cockroaches? Unfortunately, my kitchen recently had an infestation, and I had to find the best way to get rid of these pests.
Some people say that cockroaches are immortal. Well, I don't know if I believe that, but in my experience, they're tough to trap and kill. I guess it all started when I left for a little weekend getaway but forgot to take the trash out before leaving.
As you can imagine, I came home to a massive cockroach infestation, which was annoying, to say the least. I tried trapping them, but it was too time-consuming, and honestly, the pests run faster than I can. That's when I started looking for the best cockroach sprays to help me deal with this hassle.
If you're facing a similar issue, don't worry. Let me tell you about my top five recommendations of cockroach sprays and how these worked out for me.
So, without further ado, let's get straight to the deets!
Best Cockroach Spray Reviews
1. Bengal Gold Roach Spray
Since the cockroach infestation occurred in my kitchen, I needed to find an odorless cockroach spray that wouldn't leave an awful stench. I decided to try the Bengal Gold Roach Spray after going through the glowing customer reviews and ratings online.
Product Highlights
I am always cautious about the products I use in the kitchen, so I had to be sure that this spray wouldn't cause harmful fumes. Each can has 11 oz. of product, and since I got four cans, I had 44 oz.
I began by spraying the heavily infested areas - around the trash can, under the cabinets and sinks, and in the corners of the room. Within seconds, the pests started scurrying out of their hiding place and flipped on their backs.
To be honest, I didn't enjoy watching them writhe in pain for an hour before finally dying - I'm not that sadistic! However, the job was done. This spray helped me get rid of most of the infestation in my kitchen. Although the solution itself was odorless, as advertised, it did have fumes, which is best avoided, especially if you have allergies or sensitivities.
What I like about it
For starters, I was excited that the spray actually worked. It didn't kill the cockroaches right away, but the fumes caused them to come out of their hiding spots. The solution is in the form of a dry fog - spray it, and it dissipates within a few seconds. Once dry, it is entirely nontoxic, which is excellent.
Moreover, the nozzle features a thin straw that fits into holes and crevices. This helps me spray in their hiding spots easily, driving them out in a jiffy.
What not to like about it
The only thing I did not love about this product is the fact that it is slow-working. Sure, it gets the cockroaches out of their hiding spots and dazes them for a while, but it takes some time before they're dead. It's not the most enjoyable experience, honestly.
Pros and Cons of Bengal Gold Roach Spray
Pros
Cons
- Flush and kill insects: Safely and effectively flushes, kills, and prevents the reproduction of roaches, ants, centipedes, crickets, silverfish, spiders, and other insects; Use in cracks, crevices, and hard-to-reach areas around your home
- Keep pests gone: Provides long-lasting protection with insect growth regulator Nylar, which prevents reinfestation for up to 6 months by sterilizing adult cockroaches and eliminating insect populations
- No mess, no odor: Leaving no odors, messes, or stains, the premium dry propellent reaches behind walls to flush out the infestation without the messy solvents and emulsifiers found in other indoor bug sprays
2. Stryker 54 Contact Aerosol
I began my search for a cockroach spray that would kill them on contact - no more waiting and watching them die. That's when I came across this cockroach spray from Control Solutions Inc. The solution has been formulated for use in “green” and sensitive areas, making it perfect for my kitchen.
Product Highlights
If you are looking for a quick and effective cockroach infestation solution, this formula with its synergized pyrethrin is perfect. It provides a quick, easy, and reliable solution to flush cockroaches out of their hiding spots and kill them.
I sprayed this formula in the spots I had missed out (when using the previous recommendation). This one, fortunately, worked faster. The cockroaches didn't know what hit them - one spray and they came pouring out of their spots and went belly up within seconds.
After this, came the bigger job of cleaning them up and getting rid of the bodies. One must have a strong stomach for this!
What I like about it
The active ingredients are potent for cockroaches - but thankfully, not for humans or their pets. It is mostly odorless, with slight fumes and some fog. I'd recommend getting the kids and pets out of the way before spraying this solution around the house, just to be safe.
An included injector allows me to spray it deep into cracks and crevices. Once I am done, I can push the injector back to its vertical position, making it apt for storage.
What not to like about it
Don't get me wrong - this formula works great. However, I noticed that every once in a while, the spray would cause the cockroaches to dig deeper into a crevice and go into hiding, rather than forcing them to come out. I'd have to wait a day or two before respraying the same spot to get them.
Also, unlike other cockroach sprays, this one doesn't have a long-lasting effect. It needs to be sprayed after every 2 to 3 days, which can be slightly bothersome, but by no means is it a deal-breaker.
Pros and Cons of Stryker 54 Contact Aerosol
Pros
Cons
- 15 oz can
- Can be used for space treatment, on mattresses, indoors, outdoors, and in food handling establishments
- Active ingredients: 0.5% natural pyrethrin, 4% piperonyl Butoxide (PbO)
3. Tempo SC Ultra
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I noticed that my dogs would get awfully curious about the new smells around the kitchen and sniff in the exact spots I had sprayed earlier. This could be a health hazard, so I decided to research a little more and find a solution that would be safe to use around my pets. That's when I found Tempo SC Ultra.
Product Highlights
The Tempo SC Ultra cockroach spray is slightly different from my previous recommendations. For starters, this formula comes in a concentrate that needs to be mixed and then sprayed in the right spots. The small bottle of concentrated solution makes 2 gallons of spray!
I began by filling a small spray bottle with this solution and mixing it well. I sprayed it around my kitchen and living room area since the cockroaches had started to come out and find other suitable spots.
Fortunately, this solution is odorless and nontoxic, so I wasn't worried about my dogs sniffing it. It took a little time, but when I came back inside after taking the dogs out for a walk, I found several dead cockroaches lying around. It's safe to say that the formula worked, and I will be using it again.
What I like about it
The biggest highlight about this cockroach spray is that it is safe to use around pets. This is extremely important and relevant to my needs, as I wouldn't want my dogs to face any health hazards because of a cockroach spray.
Moreover, the solution was relatively easy to prepare. That said, it is essential to carefully read the label to gauge how much solution must be mixed.
What not to like about it
Overall, this concentrated formula is potent but it must be stored well, out of reach from children and pets. Although I don't have young children in my home, I had to be careful about keeping the solution after I was done so my pets wouldn't get to it.
Furthermore, it isn't possible to make the entire 2-gallon solution and store it for use later, as it will get spoiled.
Pros and Cons of Tempo SC Ultra
Pros
Cons
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4. Ortho Home Defense MAX Insect Killer Spray
It's not always feasible to mix a potent, concentrated solution on your own. If you aren't entirely comfortable with my previous recommendation but are looking for something as potent and fast-working, I recommend the Ortho Home Defense MAX Insect Killer Spray.
Product Highlights
As advertised, this cockroach spray is “max” - both in terms of efficiency and speed. An attached sprayer and nozzle come along with this jug of solution, which enables ease of use. I didn't have to mix the solution or transfer it to another spray bottle.
Moving on, the solution is relatively potent. I sprayed it once about five months ago, and I haven't had to respray it, which works out well. However, I did notice one or two stray cockroaches, but spraying them with this solution took care of that problem in no time.
I was slightly skeptical about using a bug spray around my new teak cabinet. Imagine my relief when I noticed that the solution doesn't leave residues, streaks, or marks. Moreover, it is completely odorless, which is another bonus. Applying it is a breeze too - with a one-touch function, I don't need to hold down a sprayer or pump a lever.
What I like about it
The 1.33-gallon bottle is made to last; I need to reapply the spray just once in six months, so there is no wastage or excessive use. Furthermore, I like the odorless, non-staining formula. Not to mention, the spray nozzle attachment just makes the job so much easier.
I also want to mention the one-touch continuous spray mechanism. It is a boon for older people like me who find it painful to press down or pump for extended periods. This takes all the hard work out of it!
What not to like about it
Since this is a refill, it works best with the Comfort Wand. Although this makes it easier to spray the solution, I still need to lug around the jug every once in a while to take it to different spots of my home. If the wand was longer, it might not have been an issue.
Pros and Cons of Ortho Home Defense MAX Insect Killer Spray
Pros
Cons
5. HARRIS Roach and Ant Killer
For those experiencing only a minor cockroach problem rather than an infestation, looking for a budget cockroach spray may be a better deal. In that case, I would recommend the HARRIS Roach and Ant Killer as an ideal budget cockroach spray. Although its price is low, the product is extremely potent.
Product Highlights
A significant highlight of this cockroach spray is the fact that it is EPA-registered. This made me feel much safer using a potent bug spray in my kitchen, especially with my dogs always around.
The aerosol spray can be applied directly on the cockroach or around their hiding spots. Most of the time, the fumes cause them to scatter out of their hiding place and go belly up within a few minutes.
However, sometimes the cockroaches don't come out of their spots and are killed inside cracks and holes, which need to be fetched out using a stick or broom.
Moving on, this powerful aerosol lasts for about ten months after spraying, which reduces the need to respray regularly. In case there are stray cockroaches, I can spray them directly with it, causing them to die within minutes.
What I like about it
The fact that this spray is EPA-registered instantly makes it reliable and trustworthy, at least in my books. It comes in an easy to use spray can that can be sprayed directly on the cockroaches or around their hiding spots.
Another greatest advantage would be how easy it is to use. Let's not forget, it is extremely affordable, making it ideal for homes that have light cockroach infestations. That being said, it is potent enough to use for heavy infestation as well.
What not to like about it
In my opinion, the biggest drawback of this cockroach spray would be that it isn't odorless. Although the odor isn't powerful and all-consuming, I would prefer to use an odorless one.
Furthermore, it takes about 30 minutes for the solution to start working. The formula works only when it's completely dry, which can take a maximum of 30 minutes.
Pros and Cons of HARRIS Roach and Ant Killer
Pros
Cons
- Powerful Spray - Aerosol effectively sprays deep into cracks and crevices where roaches are hiding
- Long Residual - Continues to kill roaches for up to 10 months after application on non-porous surfaces
- EPA Registered - Registered for indoor residential use with the Environmental Protection Agency (No. 1021-1856-3)
Buyers Guide
Hopefully, my reviews helped you learn about my experience of using various cockroach sprays. Instead of blinding following advertisements and reviews, I decided to test these products before recommending them to you. Fortunately, my cockroach infestation issue was quickly resolved.
However, I learned a couple of important things during this time, which I would like to share with you. Here are a few factors you should consider before purchasing a cockroach spray for your home.
1. Find Odorless Options
I remember a time when every cockroach spray in the market had heavy fumes and intolerable odor. Fortunately, the new formulas are made to be mostly odorless, allowing users to spray them in their kitchens, bathrooms, and even bedrooms.
I would recommend finding an odorless solution. Not only are they safer to use around family and pets, but they are also nontoxic. Also, odorless cockroach sprays won't leave a musty smell on your furniture and food items, which, let's face it, is a major deal-breaker.
2. Concentrated VS Diluted Solutions
I have tested some concentrated as well as diluted cockroach sprays, and, in my opinion, I prefer the diluted ones. The reason behind this is very simple - although the instructions clearly state how the solution should be mixed, it is natural to overuse or under-use the concentrated formula.
Moreover, you need to find a spray bottle to store the solution. You might also need to buy a spray nozzle attachment that will allow you to spray in nooks, crannies, and cracks of your home.
If this sounds like too much work, you might be better off buying an aerosol spray or diluted solution. They are convenient, easy to use, and cost-effective.
3. How Long Do They Take To Work
While some cockroach sprays kill on contact, others may take a couple of minutes to work. The kind of solution you want to use is entirely a personal preference. If you can afford to spray the solution in your home and leave the room for about half an hour, then using a slow-working solution may not be an issue.
However, if you have children or pets in your home, using a contact killing spray might be a better option. In the case of slow-working sprays, you may have to hunt a bit to find the dead cockroaches around the room. This may be annoying to some, especially if dead cockroaches turn up randomly around your home.
4. Respraying Frequency
Another factor you might want to look for in a cockroach spray is how often it needs to be resprayed. Some products are designed to be used once in 10 months, annually, or more frequently. Other solutions may last only for a couple of days before you need to respray them.
Depending on your use case, you might want to find a long-lasting solution. This is especially important if you are dealing with a major infestation and need a product to keep cockroaches away. However, in the case of minor cockroach infestation issues, opting for a spray that lasts only for a few days or months may not be an issue.
5. Budget
Again, I want to begin by mentioning that every individual's budget might vary. Depending on your budget, you might want to look for the ideal cockroach spray that will help you deal with this issue. Fortunately, you will find a variety of products available in the market for various users.
It might be advisable to opt for a slightly more expensive product that is reliable and fast-working compared to cheaper, low-quality formulas. More often than not, these formulas don't work well, nor do they last for very long. They require constant respraying, which is not ideal.
That being said, you will also find affordable cockroach sprays that aren't above and beyond your budget.
Best Cockroach Spray FAQs
This varies from product to product, so it is best to read the label carefully before purchasing one. Most nontoxic cockroach sprays will mention these details on their packaging. These sprays do not contain chemical fumes and odors, which can harm humans and animals, making them the safer option to use at home.
Ideally, you should apply cockroach spray once every couple of months. In case you have a major cockroach infestation, you might need to apply it more frequently.
No matter how “green” a cockroach spray is advertised to be, it isn't safe enough to spray on your skin. If you accidentally get some on your skin, it is best to rinse the area with soap and water thoroughly. However, if you get some in your mouth or eyes, you must visit a doctor immediately.
Our Final Recommendation
Cockroach infestations can be a major headache to deal with. Fortunately, the right cockroach spray can make the job easier.
Make sure you always read the labels carefully and go through a couple of customer reviews before purchasing a product. Moreover, I recommend covering your nose and mouth while spraying to avoid any accidental ingestion. This is especially important if you have allergies or respiratory issues.
For those looking for a quick and easy solution, I’d recommend the Stryker 54 Contact Aerosol. And the best budget option would be the HARRIS Roach and Ant Killer, if you don’t mind waiting for a while for it to work.
Hope this helps! Until next time.