German Cockroach
Pro Recommended
Identification
Light brown roaches, about 1/2 to 5/8 inch, with two dark parallel stripes behind the head. The most common indoor cockroach, favoring warm, humid areas near kitchens and bathrooms, and reproducing quickly.
Can I DIY this?
Pro RecommendedHonest advice: most people should call a pro.
This pest is notoriously hard to eliminate with store-bought treatments alone, and failed attempts usually make the problem worse. DIY can knock down light activity, but for anything established we recommend a professional.
Find a trusted pest proRecommended products
MGK Vendetta Plus Cockroach Gel Bait, 4 x 30g tubesGel bait — the backbone of German roach workGentrol Point Source IGR Discs, 20 packIGR point sourceRockwell CimeXa Insecticide Dust, 2 x 4 ozDust voids & behind appliancesSome links may be affiliate links. Buggsy may earn a commission at no extra cost to you. Always follow the product label.
- Identify the species and find where they're hiding — behind appliances, under sinks, and in wall voids near water.
- Deep clean the kitchen and bathroom, store food in sealed containers, and fix any leaks — roaches won't stay somewhere with nothing to eat or drink.
- Seal cracks and gaps with caulk to cut off harborage and force roaches into the open.
- Place gel bait in corners, under appliances, and along baseboards — don't spray insecticide near the bait, or you'll repel roaches from it before it works.
- Add an insect growth regulator (IGR) to stop nymphs from maturing and reproducing.
- Use glue boards to track how much activity remains.
- Reapply bait every 2-3 weeks. Full elimination can take anywhere from three weeks to a few months depending on how established the infestation is.
Wear long pants, a long-sleeved shirt, closed-toe shoes with socks, chemical-resistant gloves, and goggles. Add a respirator if the label calls for it or ventilation is poor.