Cockroaches: get rid of them safely

No food, no water, no hiding: they leave.

The answer in 2 lines. Cockroaches need water, food and hiding places. Take those away and you already cut their numbers a lot: seal food, fix leaks, take out trash daily, and caulk cracks. Enclosed bait stations and gel baits placed in cracks are safer than sprays and foggers. Cockroach droppings can trigger asthma and allergies. If you rent, tell your landlord. If the problem continues, a licensed pro using integrated pest management can treat safely.

The first 3 steps

Store all food in sealed containers and leave nothing out overnight, including pet food.
Cut off water: dry the sink, fix dripping faucets and leaks, don't leave standing water.
Seal cracks and gaps around pipes with caulk or other sealant.

Stop: danger

Never use products meant for outdoor or farm use indoors, or anything without a clear label.
Never mix pest products together.
Don't spray on counters, dishes or near children and pets; foggers are not recommended.
Never pour a pest product into a food or drink bottle. Exposure or swallowing: call Poison Control at 1-800-222-1222; if the person is unconscious or can't breathe, call 911.

Safer ways to treat

Enclosed bait stations and gel baits in cracks, behind appliances and under sinks: cockroaches carry the bait back to hiding spots. Keep them out of reach of kids and pets.
Sticky traps help you see where they come from and whether it's working.
Boric acid dust, used sparingly in cracks and voids, is another option; follow the label closely.
Always read and follow the label: it's the law for pesticides.

Why act fast, and renters' rights

Cockroach droppings and body parts are a known asthma and allergy trigger, especially for children.
In an apartment building, cockroaches travel between units: treatment works better building-wide.
In many cities a landlord must keep a rental free of infestation. New York City renters can call 311 if the landlord doesn't act.

What not to do

Spraying everywhere as soon as you see one: it can scatter them and leave residue.
Leaving cardboard boxes and paper bags piled up: favorite hiding spots.

Good to know

Integrated pest management (IPM) means prevention first, and the least toxic treatment second. Many public health departments recommend it.

In Miami, Rosa sees cockroaches in her kitchen every night. She puts food in sealed containers, fixes a drip under the sink, caulks the gap around the pipes and places enclosed baits behind the fridge. Three weeks later, her sticky traps catch almost nothing.

A made-up story, for illustration.

Bobby

Sources, verification, confidence

Verified on October 18, 2026, for the United States. Confidence: high for prevention, label rules and Poison Control; medium on how well each method works, which depends on the infestation. This guide describes common cases, not a diagnosis or legal advice.