Let’s face it, cockroaches are the worst. They hide in crevices around your home, then sneak around in the dark, feasting on your food, garbage, and oil splatters. And where there’s one roach, there are likely many, many more.
Thankfully, there are lots of ways to treat roach infestations. While there are some relatively inexpensive DIY methods that can be effective on a small scale, they tend to be messy and time-consuming and aren’t typically sufficient for severe infestations. If you see signs of heavy cockroach activity, it’s best to have a pest control technician inspect your home, diagnose the problem, and perform extermination.
The cost of professional extermination depends on the area that needs to be treated and on the specific method used, which can vary based on the species of roach and the severity of the infestation. On average, most roach treatments cost between $250 and $375, but if you need to fumigate, prepare to spend at least $1,000. With that in mind, we’ve laid out a range of cost estimates and an explanation of what factors into your final bill. Eradicating cockroaches might not be cheap, but it’s always necessary.
How Much Is an Exterminator for Roaches?
According to the CEO of Goodbee Plumbing, Allison Harrison—who frequently partners with extermination companies in her role—cockroach treatment prices “can depend on several factors, including the severity of the infestation, the size of the property, the type of treatment required, and the location of the property.” Due to all of these variants, price estimates cover a pretty broad range, with prices generally getting higher as the infestation becomes more severe and widespread.
Tim Sherrer, the owner of Expest Exterminating, provided a range of estimates for exterminating German cockroaches, the most common species of roach that homeowners encounter:
| Low estimate | $95–$125 |
| Average estimate | $250–$375 |
| High estimate | $450–$1,500 |
Cost of Roach Treatments
There are different types of roach treatments available, and it will be up to the exterminator you’re working with to decide which to use. They’ll likely make their decision based on the severity of your infestation. Minor to moderate roach issues tend to be treated with sprays, gel baits, glue traps, and roach dust. Generally speaking, for these treatments, the more rooms you need to apply the treatment in, the more the extermination will cost.
Fumigation is reserved for the most severe infestations and requires you to vacate your home while it’s being conducted, as a poisonous gas is released throughout the premises. As such, this is the most expensive type of treatment. According to Harrison, this is what you can expect to pay for various roach treatments:
| Treatment Type | Average Price per Treatment |
| Spray | $40–$100 |
| Gel bait | $100–$600 |
| Glue traps | $100–$600 |
| Roach dust | $100–$600 |
| Fumigation | $1,000–$3,000 |
Best Roach Exterminators Near You
| Key Specs | Terminix | Orkin | Arrow Exterminators |
| No. of Locations | 300+ | 400+ | 171 |
| Free Consultation? | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Types of Treatments | Baits, glue traps, sprays, fumigation via contractors | Baits, dusts, growth regulators, sprays, fumigation | Baits, sprays, fumigation |
| Service Guarantee | Will either eliminate pests or provide free additional treatments | 30-day, money-back guarantee, plus will either eliminate pests or provide free additional treatments | 100% satisfaction guarantee (details unclear) |
Terminix
Terminix is one of the biggest names in pest control, with over 300 locations nationwide and nearly a century of experience. It offers both quarterly and one-time roach extermination plans. When a technician comes to your home for an initial visit, they’ll determine exactly which species of cockroach has infested your home, as well as the severity of the problem. Then they’ll share recommended treatment methods. Terminix will tailor its treatment to your situation and may use baits or sprays to eliminate the infestation. The company doesn’t perform fumigation itself; instead, it will subcontract that service out to a third party if your situation requires it.
Terminix also offers a Nix Pest Guarantee, which means that if the initial treatment fails to eradicate your roaches, the company will return for a re-treatment, free of charge. Keep in mind that there’s a bit of fine print you should read before booking a cockroach elimination plan with Terminix. For example, its One-Time Pest Control plan only provides re-treatment if pests return within 30 days of the first treatment; after that, you’re not guaranteed free re-treatments.
Orkin
Orkin has more than 400 locations and over 120 years of experience in the pest control business. The company has a 30-day, money-back guarantee and offers annual pest protection plans. When it comes to roaches, Orkin will send a technician to thoroughly inspect your home, develop a customized treatment plan, and tell you how to prepare for the cockroach treatment.
After Orkin treats your home, a technician will seal up any holes or cracks that could be a source of further infestation, install monitors to keep track of pests, and, if necessary, re-treat your home for free. In terms of treatment methods, Orkin highlights its baits, which entice roaches with poisoned food, and its insecticide sprays and dusts, which either kill or repel the roaches.
Arrow Exterminators
Arrow Exterminators has locations in 12 states, mostly throughout the South. The company promises to eliminate any and all cockroaches while also preventing future infestation, a promise it backs with a 100 percent satisfaction guarantee. Arrow’s STEPS Total Protection System aims to provide environmentally friendly pest control solutions by targeting the exact cause of the infestation and treating it in a way that is the least environmentally damaging (think: avoiding the runoff of toxins into the water table).
The company is also GreenPro-certified, meaning its practices ensure minimal human, animal, and plant exposure to pesticides. Be sure to check the company’s website to find out whether Arrow offers services in your area, as it doesn’t serve as many places as Orkin or Terminix.
Signs of a Roach Infestation
Cockroaches are nocturnal, but that doesn’t mean you can’t find evidence of an infestation during the daytime. If you think you might have an infestation, there are a few signs to watch out for. If you notice any of these in your kitchen, bathroom, or basement (areas where roaches tend to hang out), consider contacting a pest control service to schedule an inspection.
- Droppings: You’ll usually see large amounts of droppings when you have an infestation. Smaller roaches leave droppings that look like coffee grounds or black pepper, while larger roaches leave small, dark, cylindrical droppings with ridges along their length.
- Odor: Some species give off a musty odor.
- Skins: Roaches shed their skin five to eight times as they mature into adulthood, so where there’s an infestation, there will likely be shed skins.
- Smear marks: Roaches leave brownish smears behind in areas that have moisture.
- Eggs: Roaches lay eggs encased in a hard sac called an ootheca that can contain as many as 30 future roaches. Oothecae look like inflated beans that are reddish, brownish, or blackish in color.
DIY Roach Treatments
If your infestation is small or you simply want to try getting rid of the roaches on your own before calling in a pest control company, there are some treatments that you can try at home. While these are all claimed as DIY roach treatments, there’s not a lot of evidence proving that they work, so take them with a grain of salt, and if you’re buying or using a product, be sure to research it thoroughly so that you’re aware of any potential dangers it may present, especially to children and pets.
- Diatomaceous earth: This natural insecticide kills roaches by dehydrating them and is generally safe for kids and pets. The downside is that you’ll have to clean up dead roaches.
- Baking soda: Mix baking soda with some diced onions and leave it out for roaches to find. When they eat it, the baking soda will cause them to burst. Be careful if you have pets, as onions are considered toxic for both cats and dogs.
- Boric acid: Pour a small amount of boric acid onto a plate with some peanut butter. The food will attract the roaches, and the acid will stick to them and kill them.
- Lemons: Roaches appear to dislike the scent of lemon, so mix up a bit of lemon with water and mop your floors with it. This may help repel roaches, but it won’t kill them. You can also try using lemongrass essential oil.
FAQ
Where do roaches like to hide?
Cockroaches are experts at hiding and avoiding humans, mostly coming out at night to feast when things are calm. Generally speaking, they like any dark, sheltered locations, but there are some specific places where they tend to congregate.
First, search the kitchen, especially behind refrigerators, microwaves, and ovens. Roaches also like to lurk inside cabinets because they’re dark and contain food. Another possible hiding spot is your laptop. It might sound strange, but some roaches are small enough to squeeze inside a computer, where they enjoy the machine’s warmth. Furniture—and couches in particular—also tends to provide roach hideouts, especially for laying eggs.
How do you know if roaches are in your walls?
To check if you might have an infestation in your walls, keep an eye out for the five primary signs of roaches: eggs, smear marks, shed skins, droppings, and a musty odor. Droppings tend to accumulate pretty quickly and can be relatively easy to spot. Roach eggs look like capsules and can contain as many as 30 offspring, so any sign of eggs should result in immediate action.
(Video) Top 5 Best Cockroach Killers Review | Buying Guide in 2023Cockroaches shed their skin repeatedly as they mature, so you may see shed skins about. They also leave behind brown smear marks when they come in contact with moisture, so look for these distinct markings. Finally, where there are roaches, there’s usually an unpleasant, musty odor.
When should you call a roach exterminator?
The longer an infestation exists, the more likely it is to spread and get worse, so it’s best to call an exterminator as soon as you see evidence of a possible infestation. Pest control companies often provide free inspections, so you won’t lose out on any of your hard-earned money if it turns out you don’t have a roach problem. While there are some DIY methods for taking out roaches, there’s not much evidence that they work, and severe infestations should always be handled by professionals.
What time of year is the worst for roaches?
Cockroaches thrive in warm and humid weather, so roach infestations are more likely in spring and summer. Cold weather usually causes them to hibernate and sometimes even die off, although some may retreat indoors to escape the cold air. Areas that are warm pretty much year-round—Southern California and Florida, for example—tend to also have roach problems year-round.
Do roaches bite?
Cockroaches can bite but usually don’t. They mostly avoid humans whenever possible. They’ll likely only bite when an infestation is particularly severe and there are insufficient food sources.
Do any smells keep roaches away?
Although cockroaches thrive on your crumbs and garbage, there are some edible items and odors they tend to avoid. Corn mint oil has been found to repel roaches and can be purchased online. If you’re a fan of felines, you can try using some of your cat’s catnip to keep roaches away, since it has a similarly minty scent.
Roaches also dislike garlic, lavender, citronella, thyme, and basil. You can also try mopping your floors with a mix of water and citrus juice. Keep in mind that these scents may repel roaches, but they won’t kill them or end a serious infestation.
Article Sources
The Spruce uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. Read our editorial process to learn more about how we fact-check and keep our content accurate, reliable, and trustworthy.
Western Exterminator Company. "Signs of a cockroach infestation." https://www.westernexterminator.com/cockroaches/infestation/
Northwest Exterminating. "Is There A Cockroach Season?" https://www.callnorthwest.com/2020/10/is-there-a-cockroach-season/
Pest Pointers. "8 Scents That Roaches Hate (And How To Use Them)."https://pestpointers.com/8-scents-that-roaches-hate-and-how-to-use-them/
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FAQs
Roach Exterminator Cost Guide 2023? ›
Average Roach Exterminator Cost
The average cost for a roach exterminator is $113 to $411. * A single treatment typically costs $196. However, homeowners can pay more than $1,000 to treat a severe infestation. You might be able to save money by enrolling in a pest treatment plan.
Average Roach Exterminator Cost
The average cost for a roach exterminator is $113 to $411. * A single treatment typically costs $196. However, homeowners can pay more than $1,000 to treat a severe infestation. You might be able to save money by enrolling in a pest treatment plan.
Pest company offers to pay $2,000 to let 100 cockroaches loose in your house to test new control technique. An American pest control company called "The Pest Informer" is offering Americans $2,000 to release 100 cockroaches into their home and study what happens.
How many roaches before calling exterminator? ›Roaches in Ones and Twos
Once you see two roaches, regardless of whether they are American or German, then you have an infestation. You should quickly call someone to come over and begin taking roach control measures.
The best way to get rid of roaches fast is to sanitize your home, eliminate hiding spots and stagnant water, store food in airtight containers, and use glue strips, bait, boric acid, or liquid concentrates.
Do roaches come back after extermination? ›The short answer is, yes, roaches can come back after extermination even after professional treatment. Eradicating the roaches is only one part of an effective pest control plan.
Does homeowners insurance cover cockroaches? ›Pest Infestations and Home Insurance
Homeowners insurance typically doesn't help with damage caused by vermin. Why? Insurers view pest control as a maintenance task for your home and a concern that can be avoided. This is especially true if the damage occurred gradually over time.
Sanitation is one of the biggest keys in fighting a cockroach infestation or even avoiding one from happening altogether. We mentioned how they like to keep near sources of food. So it's important to keep these areas tidy. Cockroaches usually are found in bathrooms and kitchens, mainly under sinks and appliances.
Does insurance cover cockroaches? ›Like bed bugs, renters insurance typically won't cover rodent infestations or damage from termites or cockroaches. If you think that you have mice, rats, or other pests in your residence, act as quickly as possible to mitigate costly damage and potential health risks.
Is spraying enough to get rid of roaches? ›While sprays can be effective in treating the visible members of a roach infestation, they are not recommended. According to the Pesticide Research Institute's fact page on cockroaches, use of a spray or fogger almost always results in inhalation of the pesticide.
How many roaches is considered infested? ›
If your home has 5 or fewer cockroaches, it can be identified as a light infestation. If it is between 10 to 25 roaches, it can be a moderate one. But if it exceeds 25, it can now be classified as a heavy infestation. You should know that the few roaches you see at home are not the only ones you have to deal with.
What percentage of homes have roaches? ›Cockroaches are believed to be in 63 percent of homes in the United States. With so many infestations, there has to be another explanation. Here are a few ways that cockroaches can get into your home.
What keeps roaches away permanently? ›The best way to keep cockroaches away permanently is to make the home less inviting. Make sure to keep the home clean, clean up food messes, take out trash at the end of the day, seal any cracks or gaps around windows, doors and the foundation, and fix any issue that might lead to high moisture content within the home.
What kills roaches ASAP? ›- Baking Soda: You probably already have this roach-killing ingredient in your pantry. ...
- Bleach: Bleach kills everything! ...
- Borax: Borax is a classic roach killer. ...
- Boric Acid: Another powder solution is boric acid, dehydrating the exoskeleton until they die.
German roaches are one of the most common household pests and also one of the most difficult to get rid of. It is important to understand how to identify these cockroaches live and what they are attracted to in order to understand how to get rid of them.
How long does it take to permanently get rid of roaches? ›It can take anywhere from 3 weeks to 6 months to completely eliminate roaches.
What smell will keep cockroaches away? ›You may love the smell of fresh citrus, but cockroaches hate the scent. That means you can use citrus scented cleaners in your kitchen and bathroom to chase any lingering roaches away. You can also keep a few citrus peels around your home in strategic places.
Why am I only seeing baby roaches? ›The presence of baby cockroaches usually indicates there is a nest nearby. Once a nest is established in or near your home, the odds are likely that you either have a full blown infestation already or one is in the process of starting.
How many treatments does it take to get rid of roaches? ›A typical roach infestation requires one to three treatments, including a combination of insecticidal spray, glue traps and gel bait. The most severe infestations could require fumigation.
How do you know if roaches are in your walls? ›In areas with high moisture, cockroaches will produce dark, irregular shaped smear marks as they crawl along walls or even when they rest. You may see these marks on horizontal surfaces and at wall-floor junctions where cockroaches are most active.
Can living in a roach infested house make you sick? ›
Cockroaches are well known to carry a variety of diseases, including Salmonella, E. coli, and Staphylococcus. They can also transmit these diseases through their feces, saliva, or contact with your skin. Cockroaches are most likely to spread disease when infesting food preparation areas in homes or restaurants.
Is living with roaches a health hazard? ›The saliva that cockroaches continually secrete contains hundreds of allergens that can cause rashes, sneezing, and itchy, watery eyes. Cockroach infestations can also aggravate existing allergy symptoms. If you or anyone else in your household suffers from asthma, a cockroach infestation can be especially dangerous.
Is a roach infestation a health hazard? ›Cockroaches in the home environment are a health hazard not only because of the risks posed by cockroach antigens to asthma sufferers, but also because they can carry disease-causing germs and because some of the methods traditionally used to eliminate them cause additional health hazards.
Do roaches hate clean houses? ›Clean Everything
Wipe down counters, seal all garbage receptacles, and make sure to clean after every meal. Clean sinks, stovetops, and any other food prep areas. A clean home is a roach-free home.
If the new place has cockroaches, do not move in your electronics or other household items until the new place has been properly and effectively serviced for cockroach control.
Should I call an exterminator after seeing one roach? ›As soon as you see one cockroach—one—schedule a time for a trusted pest control service to come take a look. At the very least, they'll tell you there are no signs of an infestation, then take measures to prevent one from ever happening.
Does Terminix cover roaches? ›Hiring a Terminix specialist to treat a roach infestation gives you peace of mind, offers a proven and effective approach to getting rid of cockroaches and provides an ongoing solution to cockroach control.
How many times should you get your house sprayed for roaches? ›For apartments and homes, we recommend regular pest control treatments on a quarterly basis, or even bi-monthly, in order to effectively prevent common pests or when you move into a new home or apartment. For more serious infestations, monthly treatments over the course of 3 to 6 months are advisable.
Why am I seeing more roaches after spraying? ›Are you seeing more roaches after you spent money on professional pest services? Don't fret – that means it's working! You'll likely notice more roaches than usual immediately after beginning treatment, but that's because they're trying to escape the chemicals killing them.
Where is the best place to spray for roaches? ›Spray cracks and crevices where the roaches are running, behind and under ovens, stoves, refrigerator, between the refrigerator and nearby appliance, behind microwaves, toasters, ovens, coffee makers, dishwashers.
Why are roaches so bad this year? ›
Key Takeaways. Due to climate change and global warming, pest populations are increasing, and people in and around Northern California (and around the globe) are seeing more bugs and pests during the summer months.
Why you should not step on cockroaches? ›The different body parts, waste, and saliva of cockroaches are allergens for certain individuals. Even dead cockroaches can still cause some allergic reactions. Therefore, it is not advisable to step on a cockroach, as its crushed body parts can trigger some allergies.
Is 5 roaches an infestation? ›Unfortunately, there is no magic number of cockroaches that can indicate whether or not you have an infestation. All these nasty little pests need is food, water, places to hide and warmth, which makes your home an attractive place. Roaches can find refuge just as easily in a clean home as an unclean one.
What is the number one cause of roaches? ›Food & Grime
The dirtier your home, the more likely you are to have a roach infestation. Crumbs, spills, and food that has been left out are a great way to end up with a roach infestation quickly. The key to keeping roaches out is to keep your home, but most importantly your kitchen, as spotless as possible.
But it is, of course, the southern-most areas of Florida where the largest-sized and most populous cockroach communities can be found, at least when it comes to population density.
What states have the most roaches? ›- Roaches, as creepy as they are, are some of the most incredible insects on the planet. Existing for over 200 years, cockroaches come in many different shapes and sizes. ...
- San Francisco, CA. ...
- Kansas City, MO. ...
- Washington, DC.
- Riverside, CA.
- Memphis, TN. ...
- Dallas, TX.
- Los Angeles, CA.
Cockroach pest control treatments often take time to effect, and they don't always outright kill roaches – some roaches will survive, but are likely to find the quickest way out of your property. You may even see roaches during the daytime if it hasn't been a norm for your particular infestation.
How do I permanently get rid of roaches in my house? ›The best way to keep cockroaches away permanently is to make the home less inviting. Make sure to keep the home clean, clean up food messes, take out trash at the end of the day, seal any cracks or gaps around windows, doors and the foundation, and fix any issue that might lead to high moisture content within the home.
How effective is spraying for roaches? ›While sprays can be effective in treating the visible members of a roach infestation, they are not recommended. According to the Pesticide Research Institute's fact page on cockroaches, use of a spray or fogger almost always results in inhalation of the pesticide.
When should I get pest control for roaches? ›- Cockroaches Lying on Their Backs. ...
- You've Caught a Whiff of a Musty Odor. ...
- You Found Cockroaches in Hotspots. ...
- Fecal Matter. ...
- Flakes. ...
- Hire the Best Pest Control for Roaches in Your Area.
How long does it take to clear a roach infestation? ›
Depending on the level of cockroach infestation in your home, it can take anywhere from three weeks to six months to eliminate cockroaches. Unfortunately, a roach infestation will not go away overnight. You can monitor the progress of your cockroach treatment with glue board monitors.
Will roaches leave a house on their own? ›Cockroaches won't go away on their own. Not only will roaches hide in your walls or other hard-to-reach spots, but they reproduce quickly – which means it's almost impossible for homeowners to stop a growing infestation on their own.
Do roaches invade clean homes? ›Finding roaches is not a sign that your house is dirty. Even if you clean regularly and maintain a tidy home, cockroaches can usually find food and water without much trouble. This allows them to thrive in many environments.
What gets rid of roaches the fastest? ›Baking soda is one of the fastest, easiest ways to get rid of roaches – and it's probably something you already have in your pantry. To make a DIY roach bait, dice a handful of onions and sprinkle them with baking soda. Place this appetizer in a shallow dish anywhere you've noticed roach activity.
What kills roaches most effectively? ›Boric acid: Used correctly, boric acid is one of the most effective roach killers. It's odorless, has low toxicity to pets, and since it isn't repellent to roaches, they will not seek to avoid it, crawling through it repeatedly until it kills them.
How do professionals get rid of roaches? ›Exterminators seek to identify the entry point, nest location and feeding areas of roaches in order to eliminate them, primarily with poison bait. A typical roach infestation requires one to three treatments, including a combination of insecticidal spray, glue traps and gel bait.
Can I spray for roaches everyday? ›Answer: When treating roaches it all depends on how bad the problem is as to how many times you have to treat. Once the problem is under control and you do not see any more roaches, it is recommended to spray something once every 30 to 60 days inside and outside your home to help keep the problem from coming back.
What is considered a bad roach infestation? ›If your home has 5 or fewer cockroaches, it can be identified as a light infestation. If it is between 10 to 25 roaches, it can be a moderate one. But if it exceeds 25, it can now be classified as a heavy infestation.