How to get rid of cockroaches in your house

Learn more about how to control and treat cockroach populations in your home.

Content Updated: October 1, 2025

Key takeaways

• Different types of cockroaches require different treatment methods.
• The most common cockroach species in the US are the German cockroach, the American cockroach, the oriental cockroach, and the brown-banded cockroach.
• Cockroaches prefer warm and humid conditions, meaning they’ll likely hide and live in suitably moist and undisturbed areas, such as under appliances or behind furniture.
• There are a variety of ways that a cockroach can enter your home, including migration from neighboring units, through cracks and gaps, and via unsealed entrances.
• The best way to get rid of roaches is by getting a professional to help you handle them.

Jump to section:

• What type of roach is in my home?
• What attracts roaches to my home?
• What are some common cockroach myths?
• How can I keep cockroaches away from my home?
• Contact a licensed professional for roach removal

Not sure how to get rid of roaches? You're not alone. Cockroaches are one of the most common household pests in the world. As one of the most resilient insects on the planet, they can colonize just about anywhere. Cockroaches can also carry diseases, making it essential to get rid of them as soon as possible.

If you want to determine the best way to get rid of roaches in your home, it's important to first come up with a plan. A licensed, professional cockroach control company can help and will collaborate with you to formulate the best plan of action. If you need help with how to get rid of roaches in your house, let Terminix help! Here’s what else you should know about cockroach control. 

What type of roach is in my home?

Knowing how to get rid of roaches starts with understanding the different types of roaches that can invade your home. By learning about these pests and their habits, you can develop a more effective plan to eliminate them and prevent future infestations. Here are some of the most common types of roaches:

German cockroach

German cockroaches are tan or brown and between ½-1 inch long. They prefer humid places with easy access to food sources and water.

Oriental cockroach

Oriental cockroaches are around one inch long. They're known to be the worst smelling of cockroaches due partly to the chemicals they secrete.

American cockroach

American cockroaches are reddish brown and between 1¼-2 inches long. These giant roaches are known to carry pathogens that cause various diseases.

Brown-banded cockroach

The brown-banded cockroach gets its name from its light brown coloring and two easily identifiable brown bands around their wings and abdomen.

What attracts roaches to my home?

If you're struggling with getting rid of roaches in your house, it's important to first understand what attracts them. By identifying the factors that draw roaches to your living space, you can take the necessary steps to eliminate them. Here are some everyday things that attract roaches and how to get rid of them:

• Food and water sources: Roaches are attracted to food and water, so keep your kitchen clean and free of crumbs, spills, and standing water. Store food in airtight containers and promptly clean up any messes.
• Shelter: Roaches seek out dark, damp places to hide. This could include cracks and crevices in walls, under appliances, and behind furniture. You can declutter your home, vacuum and sweep regularly, and seal up cracks and crevices to eliminate hiding spots.
• Warmth and moisture: Roaches thrive in warm, moist environments, so keeping your home dry and well-ventilated is essential. Fix leaky pipes or faucets and use a dehumidifier to reduce moisture levels.

What are some common cockroach myths?

With how infamous cockroaches are, it’s likely you’ve heard all sorts of things about these hardy pests—but you can’t always believe every urban legend you come across. Especially when it comes to the reality of where and how roaches can appear, or popular DIY treatment methods without any basis in research.

MYTH: Cockroaches only live in dirty homes

TRUTH: You may think you’re safe from a roach infestation because you keep your living space clean and tidy, but that’s not the case. All a roach needs is food, water, and shelter, and even the cleanest home will be able to provide them.

MYTH: DIY treatments are always effective

TRUTH: While DIY treatments have their time and place, you should know that methods such as applying peppermint oil or using diatomaceous earth are not as fast-acting as the treatments that professionals use. They also require frequent reapplication and do not address the root causes of infestation. Trained professionals know where to apply treatments and can address the root cause of an infestation.

MYTH: Cockroaches only come out at night

TRUTH: Though roaches are nocturnal, it’s still possible to see them during the daytime—especially if their food sources are disrupted or their hiding spots are too crowded.

MYTH: It’s okay to step on roaches to kill them

TRUTH: While squishing a cockroach is an effective way to kill them, you risk releasing a foul odor or even their eggs when you do so. Be aware and be careful the next time you see a roach skittering by!

How can I keep cockroaches away from my home?

One of the best ways to get rid of roaches is to prevent them from entering your home. Here are some steps you can take to help protect your home from these pesky pests:

1. Keep your living space clean and free of clutter.
2. Seal gaps and cracks to prevent entry.
3. Store food in sealed containers and clean up spills and crumbs immediately.
4. Fix leaky pipes and faucets to eliminate water sources.
5. Dispose of garbage regularly and keep outdoor trash cans sealed.
6. Install screens on windows and doors.
7. Hire a professional pest control company.

Contact a licensed professional for roach removal

While there is an impressive variety of DIY roach extermination methods, most are only partially effective. Cockroaches are highly resilient pests. They adapt to many natural and conventional repellants and treatments. For the most effective solution to help prevent future infestations, hire a professional cockroach control expert.

At Terminix, our technicians can identify and target specific roach species with the most appropriate treatments. This includes baits and sprays applied directly to their hiding spots, eliminating the current infestation and disrupting future breeding cycles. Our technicians have the knowledge to completely address the roach problem, saving you time, money, and frustration in the long run.