
When cockroaches appear, the most common response is to purchase the best cockroach killer money can buy. At least that's my reaction.
We all know that catchy Spanish song "La Cucaracha" about a cockroach that cannot walk. And sure, that song may be a fun singalong for children. However, when cockroaches appear in your home, all you want to do is get your Schwarzenegger on and terminate them.
And for that reason, it's essential to learn everything you can about the best cockroach killer before it's too late. There are many things to take into account, from the type of killer you want to use, to the safety of each.
Types of Cockroach Killers
If cockroaches invade your home, you want to eliminate them as quickly as possible. So what do you do? The first step is familiarizing yourself with the different types of pesticide available on the market these days.

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Liquid cockroach killers
The most common form of cockroach killers come in liquid form. Liquid pesticides create an actual barrier around your entire home. For that reason, the whole perimeter of your home must receive full coverage. Additionally, all windows, doorways, and other portals of entry must receive full coverage.
Liquid pesticides are some of the best cockroach killer options, but they can be cumbersome and require the use of high-pressure sprayers. Typically, liquid pesticides last for a few weeks.
Most importantly, you must keep your children and pets away from liquid pesticides while they are still wet. They must be completely dry before your loved ones can return to the home. For that reason, this option is not the best cockroach killer for homes with either children or pets.
Powder cockroach killers
Power cockroach killers are less common than liquid cockroach killers. However, they have plenty of benefits. For example, they are easy to apply and do not require special equipment such as sprayers.
Additionally, they last for up to six months, making them far more efficient than liquid insecticides. Best of all, these products are safer for use than liquid insecticides around your children or pets.
On the negative side, for maximum efficiency, you will need to apply silica gel additives to help the powder stick to doorways, windows, and other portals of entry. And this takes additional time and energy to accomplish.
Powders are the best cockroach killer if your goal is creating a barrier around the entire home.
Glue traps for killing cockroaches
Glue traps are a popular option when it comes to getting rid of cockroaches for several reasons. For example, some of them last for up to a year. Also, they are generally safe around children and pets.
On the negative side, glue traps do not create a barrier for the entire home. Also, it is best if you know where they are entering the house so you can place traps in those locations. Typically, that means looking for cracks in the foundation and around windows and doorways.
Additionally, glue traps work best when used in combination with liquid or powder insecticides. For that reason, glue traps alone are not the best cockroach killer option.
How to Choose the Best Cockroach Killer
Selecting the best cockroach killer depends on a variety of factors. Firstly, that means looking at product safety. This is particularly important if you have pets or small children.
Next, you should consider coverage followed by persistence, meaning how long the product lasts. For example, some traps last for up to a year. On the other hand, some liquids only last for a few days to a few weeks.
Lastly, you should examine the ease of use. For instance, glue traps typically require only two steps: opening the box and determining where to place them. On the flip side, Some liquids requiring dilution depending on the intended use.
Additionally, they might require the purchase of a spray bottle or larger pressure sprayer systems.

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Is it safe?
Safety is the most critical factor to consider when selecting the best cockroach killer. This is particularly true if you have pets or small children at home.
For that reason, you must read and understand all the instructions on the product label. In addition to application warnings, some product labels include required personal safety equipment for safe usage.
Similarly, it is essential to familiarize yourself with the signal words used on insecticide product labels.
- Danger: a small taste, up to a teaspoon, taken orally can kill an average-size adult.
- Warning: a teaspoon up to a liquid ounce taken orally could kill an average-size adult.
- Caution: an ounce or more taken orally could kill an average-size adult.
Most importantly, as noted above, always keep your children away from liquid insecticides until they are thoroughly dried. Likewise, store insecticides in a safe location not accessible to children or animals.
Lastly, if you purchase only the amount of pesticide needed during the current season, that eliminates the need for storage.
What about the coverage area?
Generally speaking, concentrated liquid products are the best cockroach killer if your goal is to create an effective barrier around the entire home. You should also consider whether the area of coverage slopes downward towards a garden or playground.
How long does it last?
Not all pesticides are equal. Some offer long-term protection, while others offer a shorter period of control.
For example, liquid pesticides are effective up to several weeks. On the other hand, powder insecticides can last for up to six months. Likewise, some glue traps can last for up to a year. It's up to you to decide which product is best for your situation.
Is it user-friendly?
Glue traps are the easiest type of insecticide to use. Basically, all you do is open a box and place the trap around windows, doorways, and any other portals of entry at your home.Similarly, powder insecticides are lightweight and do not require special equipment.
On the flip side, liquid insecticides are heavy, challenging to lug around, and typically require additional equipment such as high-speed sprayers. Additionally, remember that liquid insecticides are not the best cockroach killer if you have children or pests.
Ultimately, determining the best cockroach killer for your situation is up to you.
How We Reviewed the Best Cockroach Killer Selection
We selected this year’s best cockroach killer selections by researching top-selling brands. Also, we considered the reputation of each brand, price, and consumer ratings.
Next, we researched the best cockroach killers using high consumer and industry authority websites such as Business Insider, the National Pesticide Information Center, and the Mother Nature Network.
Lastly, we studied a portion of a white paper published by the World Health Organization regarding the safety and efficacy of liquid insecticides.
10 Best Cockroach Killer Selections
Plenty of products claim to be the best cockroach killers. But which ones are good? And, which ones are all talk? Never fear, Preparedness Mama has your back with this year's best cockroach killer choices.
Taurus SC
No products found.
Taurus SC, with 9.1 percent Fipronil ranks as the best cockroach killer when it comes to customer satisfaction. This insecticide provides effective cockroach control along with a variety of other insect pests to include: ants, beetles, centipedes, crickets, millipedes, pillbugs, spiders, termites, and more.
Additionally, Taurus SC is a non-repellent insecticide that is undetectable to target pests. For that reason, target pests can touch, ingest, and spread the poison throughout the entire colony.
The product safety data sheet bears the signal word "CAUTION," the lowest level warning. Likewise, the label includes the following warnings:
- Keep out of reach of children.
- Taurus SC CANNOT be used on pets for any reason.
- For OUTDOOR USE ONLY. The only exception is for indoor spot treatments inside wall voids for termites.
- DO NOT exceed the specified number of applications per calendar year.
Personal protective equipment (PPE) requirements include:
- Tight sealing safety goggles
- Long-sleeved shirt and long pants
- Anti-static shoes and socks
- Waterproof gloves
You can find Taurus SC on Amazon where it enjoys an average customer rating of 4.8 stars out of 5.0 stars. Also, this cockroach killer is an Amazon’s Choice and Amazon prime selection.
Customers loved this product, writing that it is effective against a variety of insects to include ants, cockroaches, yellow-jackets, and more. Additionally, one customer wrote that Taurus SC was "the best overall insect killers available."
On the negative side, several customers complained that Taurus SC was not effective in killing ants.
Bengal Gold Roach Spray
No products found.
Bengal Gold with 2 percent permethrin and 0.05 percent pyriproxyfen one of the best cockroach killer sprays. This insecticide specifically targets cockroaches but is also effective on a variety of other insect pests to include: ants, crickets, sowbugs, centipedes, silverfish, and spiders.
Significantly, Bengal Gold Roach Spray uses an Insect Growth Regulator (IGR). The IGR breaks cockroaches life-cycle by sterilizing male cockroaches, making them unable to reproduce.
The product safety data sheet bears the signal word "WARNING," the middle-level warning. Likewise, the label includes the following warnings:
- Keep out of reach of children.
- This pesticide is extremely toxic to aquatic organisms, including fish and invertebrates.
- Do not apply directly to or near water.
- Flammable aerosol. Contains gas under pressure; may explode if heated
Personal protective equipment (PPE) requirements include:
- Long-sleeved shirt and long pants
- Shoes and socks
- Waterproof gloves
- Also, when working in a non-ventilated space, a dust/mist filtering respirator is required to include a NIOSH approved respirator with any N.R.P, or HE filter or a NIOSH approval number prefix TC-84A
You can find Bengal Gold Roach Spray on Amazon where it enjoys an average customer rating of 4.6 stars out of 5.0 stars. Also, this cockroach killer is an Amazon’s Choice and Amazon prime selection.
Customers praised Bengal Gold's effectiveness with one customer writing that "the only bugs I ever see are already dead." On the negative side, a few customers complained that they had to respray a few areas a couple of times.
Dr. Killigan's Six Feet Under Non-Toxic Insect Spray
- Kill Bugs Both on Contact & Residually: Six Feet Under is a plant-based, non-toxic, dual-action insect killer spray...
- Highly Effective & Fast-Acting Formula: Protect your household from the destructive behavior of 50+ insect species with...
- 100% NonToxic Ingredients: Composed of essential oils and other all-natural ingredients, this bug control spray is safe...
Dr. Killigan's is one of the best cockroach killer sprays if you want a kid-safe pet-friendly solution to insect pests. This insect spray contains only two active ingredients, clove oil, and cottonseed oil. For that reason, it is entirely safe for use in homes and around food.
Not only is Dr. Killigan's safe to use around pets, but it can also be sprayed directly on your beloved pets for natural flea and tick control.
Additionally, Dr. Killligans is effective on a variety of other insect pests to include: ants, cockroaches, flies, mosquitoes, moths, roaches, earwigs, silverfish, and more.
You can find Dr. Killigan's Six Feet UnderNon-Toxic Insect Spray on Amazon where it enjoys an average customer rating of 4.6 stars out of 5.0 stars. Also, this cockroach killer is an Amazon’s Choice and Amazon prime selection.
This insecticide received only nominal reviews online so far. However, almost all of them are positive. Customers loved Dr. Killigan's non-toxic properties with one customer writing, "it's SAFE, and it WORKS."
On the negative side, a couple of customers complained about packaging, and one customer didn't like the narrow container's narrow field of spray.
MDX Concepts Organic Home Pest Control Spray
No products found.
MDX Concepts is one of the best cockroach killer sprays if you want a kid-safe pet-friendly solution to insect pests. This insect spray is certified USDA Organic and includes only four ingredients: organic vinegar, peppermint oil, rosemary oil, and spearmint oil.
For that reason, MDX Concepts Control Spray is safe to use around your children and pets. Additionally, MDX Concepts targets all kinds of insects to include cockroaches.
For example, peppermint scent is a natural repellent to ants, cockroaches, flies, and spiders. Also, rosemary and spearmint oils are effective against mosquitoes and other garden pests. Lastly, vinegar is a natural repellent as well.
Best of all, this four-ingredient blend doesn't leave behind any toxic residue that can leach into our air, earth, and water.You can find MDX Concepts Organic Home Pest Spray on Amazon where it enjoys an average customer rating of 4.5 stars out of 5.0 stars. Also, this cockroach killer is an Amazon Prime selection.
Customers love MDX Concepts with over 1,400 hundred reviews awarding it 5.0 stars. Additionally, several customers wrote that "it really works!" On the negative side, a few customers complained about the price. Also, some customers complained that although MDX kills ants, it does not deter them from coming back.
Demon Max Insecticide
- Note: The "REL" before the month and year stands for the "release" or production date. This product does not have an...
Demon Max with 25.3 percent cypermethrin is one of the best cockroach killer selections for people seeking long-lasting residual control.
This insecticide targets over 30 types of insect pests to include ants, beetles, centipedes, cockroaches, crickets, fleas, millipedes, mosquitoes, moths, spiders, ticks, wasps, and others.
The product safety data sheet bears the signal word "DANGER," the highest level warning. Likewise, the label includes the following warnings:
- Store the material in a well-ventilated, secure area out of reach of children and domestic animals.
- Do not store food, beverages, or tobacco products in the storage area.
- Prevent eating, drinking, tobacco use, and cosmetic application in areas where there is a potential for exposure to the material.
- Wash thoroughly with soap and water after handling.
- Combustible liquid
Personal protective equipment (PPE) requirements include:
- Long-sleeved shirt and long pants
- Socks and chemical resistant footwear
- Waterproof gloves
- A respirator is not normally required when handling this substance.
You can find Demon Max Insecticide on Amazon where it enjoys an average customer rating of 4.5 stars out of 5.0 stars. Also, this cockroach killer is an Amazon’s Choice and Amazon prime selection.
Customers praised Demon Max's effectiveness with several people writing that it "kills insects" on contact. On the negative side, a few customers complained about the smell. Additionally, several customers express concern regarding the warning level.
For example, one customer wrote that the "safety warnings are pretty scary if anyone bothers to read them."
Bayer Suspend SC Insecticide
No products found.
Bayer Suspend SC with 4.75 percent cypermethrin is one of the best cockroach killer selections for people seeking long-lasting residual control.
This insecticide targets over 50 types of insect pests to include ants, bedbugs, centipedes, fleas, hornets, millipedes, mosquitoes, pantry pests, silverfish, wasps, and others.
Additionally, Bayer Suspend SC can be used outdoors and indoors to include food-handling areas. This insecticide features odorless application with no visible residue. Also, its residual control lasts up to three months.
The product safety data sheet bears the signal word "CAUTION," the lowest-level warning. Likewise, the label includes the following warnings:
- Keep out of reach of children.
- Keep away from food, drink, and animal feeding stuffs.
- This pesticide is extremely toxic to aquatic organisms, including fish and invertebrates.
- Do not apply directly to or near water.
Personal protective equipment (PPE) requirements include:
- Long-sleeved shirt and long pants
- Shoes and socks
- Waterproof gloves
- Tightly fitting safety goggles
- When respirators are required, select NIOSH approved equipment based on actual or potential airborne concentrations and in accordance with the appropriate regulatory standards and/or industry recommendations.
The product safety data sheet bears the signal word "CAUTION," the lowest-level warning. Likewise, the label
You can find Bayer Suspend SC Insecticide on Amazon where it enjoys an average customer rating of 4.3 stars out of 5.0 stars. Also, this cockroach killer is an Amazon’s Choice and Amazon prime selection.
Customers praised Bayer Suspend's effectiveness at combating roach infestations. One customer wrote his efforts to kill cockroaches ended in a "freaking massacre." On the negative side, several customers complained that it does not kill insects on contact. However, most of them conceded that it worked just fine after a couple of days.
Raid Ant & Roach Killer 26
- Kills on contact
- Residual kill of ants and roaches works for up to four weeks
- Leaves behind no lingering chemical odor
Raid Ant & Roach Killer 26 with 0.1 percent cypermethrin and 0.06 percent imiprothrin is one of the best cockroach killer selections for people seeking long-lasting residual control. This insecticide has a fresh outdoor scent and leaves no lingering chemical smell.
Additionally, Raid directs you to cover and remove any exposed food items and food handling equipment before use.
The product safety data sheet bears the signal word "WARNING," the middle-level warning. Likewise, the label includes the following warnings:
- KEEP OUT OF REACH OF CHILDREN AND PETS
- Avoid contact with skin, eyes, and clothing.
- Do not enter places where used or stored until adequately ventilated.
- Indoor residential use only.
Personal protective equipment (PPE) requirements include:
- No special requirements.
- Do not spray in enclosed areas.
- Handle in accordance with good industrial hygiene and safety practice.
- Wash thoroughly after handling.
You can find Raid Ant & Roach Killer on Amazon where it enjoys an average customer rating of 4.3 stars out of 5.0 stars. Also, this cockroach killer is an Amazon’s Choice and Amazon prime selection.
Customers praised Raid's ability to combat roach infestations with one person writing it is his "go-to product" when it comes to killing cockroaches. On the negative side, a couple of customers complained that the sprayers streamed instead of fogging. For that reason, it created a big mess.
Compare-N-Save Concentrate Indoor and Outdoor Insect Control
- For use indoors and outdoors
- Can be tank mixed with other pesticides, including insect growth regulators
- Controls indoor pests including fleas, cockroaches and ants
Compare-N-Save with 7.9 percent bifenthrin is one of the best cockroach killer selections for people seeking long-lasting residual control. This insecticide provides effective cockroach control along with a variety of other insect pests to include: ants, centipedes, mites, mosquitoes, spiders, ticks, and more.
Additionally, when used indoors, all food processing surfaces should be covered during treatment or thoroughly washed. Similarly, exposed food should be covered or removed.
The product safety data sheet bears the signal word "WARNING," the middle-level warning. Likewise, the label includes the following warnings:
- Keep out of reach of children.
- This pesticide is extremely toxic to aquatic organisms, including fish and invertebrates.
Personal protective equipment (PPE) requirements include:
- Long-sleeved shirt and long pants
- Shoes and socks
- Waterproof gloves
- Use eye protection to avoid eye contact.
- Where airborne exposure is likely, use NIOSH approved respiratory protection equipment appropriate to the material and/or its components.
- Full facepiece equipment is recommended and, if used, replaces the need for face shield and/or chemical goggles.
You can find Compare-N-Save Concentrate on Amazon where it enjoys an average customer rating of 4.2 stars out of 5.0 stars. Also, this cockroach killer is an Amazon’s Choice and Amazon prime selection.
Customers praised Compare-N-Save's clear instructions and ease of use. Also, several customers wrote that they would "highly recommend" this product. On the negative side, several customers complained that they had to apply this insecticide at a higher than recommended concentration level to work.
Wondercide Natural Indoor Pest Control Spray for Home and Kitchen
- KILLS & REPELS. A preventative and a treatment, this plant-powered insect spray kills and repels indoor pests and keeps...
- PROTECT YOUR HOME. This versatile bug control spray is also an indoor flea treatment and flea killer for your home. It...
- SAFE AROUND PETS & FAMILY WHEN USED AS DIRECTED. This spray is safe for daily use around dogs, cats, and family...
Wondercide Natural Indoor Pest Control Spray is one of the best cockroach killer sprays if you want a kid-safe pet-friendly solution to insect pests.
This natural insecticide contains only four active ingredients. They include 4.2 percent cedarwood oil, 2.2 percent sodium lauryl sulfate, 1.5 percent lemongrass oil, and 0,1 percent sesame oil.
Additionally, those ingredients are naturally derived and contain no artificial colors or fragrances. Best of all, the ingredients are made in the USA from human food-grade ingredients. Consequently, this product is safe around children and pets.
You can find Wondercide Natural Indoor Pest Control Spray on Amazon where it enjoys an average customer rating of 4.0 stars out of 5.0 stars. Also, this cockroach killer is an Amazon’s Choice and Amazon prime selection.
Amazon customers liked Wondercide Pest Control, writing that it kills insects on contact. On the negative side, a few customers questioned the inclusion of sodium lauryl sulfate (SLS) as an ingredient. One customer wrote that he used this product years ago and it was more effective back then before they added the SLS.
Ortho Home Defense Insect Killer for Cracks and Crevices
- Ortho Home Defense Insect Killer for Cracks & Crevices is a spray foam that spreads deep into hard-to-reach places where...
- KILLS HOME-INVADING PESTS: Kills those pesky ants, cockroaches, fleas, centipedes, crickets, boxelder bugs, fleas, ticks...
- LONG-LASTING: It keeps on killing German and American cockroaches and Argentine ants for up to 18 months and keeps...
Ortho Home Defense Insect Killer for Cracks and Crevices with 0.03 percent deltamethrin is one of the best cockroach killer selections for people seeking long-lasting residual control. This insecticide provides effective cockroach control along with a variety of other insect pests to include ants, box elder bugs, centipedes, crickets and fleas.
Additionally, Ortho Home Defense features foaming action that spreads deep into hard to reach places. Likewise, this foaming action keeps killing carpenter ants for up to 30 days and cockroaches for up to 18 months on non-porous surfaces.
The product safety data sheet bears the signal word "WARNING," the middle-level warning. Likewise, the label includes the following warnings:
- Keep out of reach of children.
- Avoid contact with skin and clothing.
- Wash thoroughly with soap and water after handling and before eating, drinking, chewing gum, or using tobacco.
Personal protective equipment (PPE) requirements include:
- No special protective clothing is required.
- Appropriate footwear and any additional skin protection measures should be selected based on the task being performed and the risks involved and should be approved by a specialist before handling this product.
- Chemical-resistant, impervious gloves complying with an approved standard should be worn at all times when handling chemical products if a risk assessment indicates this is necessary.
- Protective eyewear is not required but may be used in situations where contact is expected.
You can find Ortho Home Defense on Amazon where it enjoys an average customer rating of 4.0 stars out of 5.0 stars. Also, this cockroach killer is an Amazon’s Choice and Amazon prime selection.
Customers praised Ortho's ability to get into hard to reach spots with its long spraying tip. Additionally, one customer wrote that he "loved that it doesn't smell." On the negative side, a couple of customers complained that the nozzle drips after use.
The Verdict
It's hard to definitively state which brand makes the best cockroach killer spray with so many options. It all comes down to your requirements.
For example, some people have pets or small children and lean towards all-natural insecticides. Additionally, the level of an infestation can play a huge role in any decision regarding the best cockroach killer.
We would love to hear from you. Let us know your favorite cockroach spray in the comments below. Also, let us know any products you prefer that we did not include in this year's list.
Until we meet again, happy hunting.
Featured Image via Maxpixel

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