The German cockroach is one of the thousands of cockroach species in the world, and it can be a real nuisance. But is there an efficient solution against them? They carry bacteria and parasites, so it’s essential to take quick action. Whether you have encountered them in your home or workplace, finding the best German roach killer to get rid of them is a great idea.
But you would be surprised to learn that not all German roach killers are created alike. In fact, some of them are not suitable to use on all surfaces, whereas others are more effective than the rest. We researched some of the most popular German roach killers on the market today and made a comprehensive list so you can easily choose the best one for your needs.
We looked at important features such as the form the roach killer comes in, active ingredients, net weight, what types of roaches the killer is efficient against, and where it’s safe to use. Let’s have a look at them!
More features: four plungers, safe for use in even the most sensitive of application sites
There are multiple ways to kill cockroaches, and one of the most efficient of them is with gel bait. The Syngenta Advion Cockroach Gel Bait is one of the best formulas for killing German cockroaches out there, and this is why we decided to feature it as our editor’s choice. Its active ingredient is .6% indoxacarb, which is guaranteed to deal with the pests quickly and efficiently.
When you purchase the Syngenta Advion Cockroach Gel Bait, you receive four tubes of a gel bait, and you can easily adjust the dose because each tube comes with its own plunger. The plungers are very easy to control, and the recommended dosage is three dabs per 10 linear feet. If the infestation is severe, you can increase the amount.
Each of the syringes has 1 ounce of product, and they have a long shelf life, which means that you can store them safely to use in the future as needed. This German cockroach killer is a good choice for residential, commercial, and industrial applications.
What we liked: The strong formula of the Syngenta Advion Cockroach Gel Bait makes it highly efficient, and the dosage is extremely accurate for the best results.
What could be better: The formula is specifically designed for German cockroaches and might not work as well on other roaches.
More features: fast-acting formula (kills insects within 72 hours), easy application, long-lasting, EPA registered, contains added lure
The fast-acting formula of the HARRIS Boric Acid Roach and Silverfish Killer makes it one of the best products on the market if you want to get rid of pests quickly and efficiently. It is a very good choice for killing cockroaches in difficult to reach places, such as behind kitchen cabinets. For example, the puffer bottle with contained straw can reach into crevices and cracks.
The HARRIS Boric Acid Roach and Silverfish Killer is EPA approved for use in all 50 states and comes in a long-lasting container that must be kept dry. The formula contains 99% boric acid and 1% Harris lure. It takes approximately 72 hours for adult cockroaches to die after getting in contact with this solution. The food-grade lure in the formula does a good job of attracting cockroaches.
What we liked: When applied in a dry area, HARRIS Boric Acid Roach and Silverfish Killer remains effective for years. We also liked that it’s effective at killing other types of insects, and that is odorless.
What could be better: The HARRIS Boric Acid Roach and Silverfish Killer doesn’t work well when applied to wet surfaces.
More features: versatile product, dual-action formula, long-lasting
One of the most concentrated German roach killers currently available on the market, the Syngenta Demon Max Insecticide, is a long-lasting dual-action formula product that is effective on no less than 30 types of insect pests, including multiple species of roaches and termites.
You can use the Syngenta Demon Max Insecticide in, out, and around buildings and structures, and is one of the most reliable choices for residential use due to its components. The product comes in liquid form, and even though it’s not odorless, the smell is a rather faint one. Because it comes in 1-pint bottles, the Syngenta Demon Max Insecticide is a cost-effective solution for large-scale applications.
What we liked: One of the best things about the Syngenta Demon Max Insecticide is that it doesn’t have an expiration date, so you can store it safely and use it as needed in the future.
What could be better: The sprayer and wand applicator required to use this product are not included, and you’ll need to purchase them separately.
More features: prevents roaches from coming back for up to 12 months, formulated with food to attract roaches, child-resistant, 18 pieces
If you are looking for a German roach killer product that contains fipronil as an active ingredient, the Combat Max 12 Month Roach Killing Bait is an excellent solution. Apart from being efficient against a wide range of roaches, this product prevents them from coming back for up to 12 months. Because it is formulated with food, it does an excellent job at attracting roaches, but is also child-resistant for extra safety. Thus, the bait stations can be used safely inside the house, but we still recommend keeping them out of the reach of children, so they don’t tip them over and release the bait.
The Combat Max 12 Month Roach Killing Bait is very easy to use because you don’t need to activate the formula. Each pack comes with 18 bait stations, and the unique formulation makes it possible to eliminate entire nests because the roaches carry it back to the nest.
What we liked: The child-resistant bait station design of the Combat Max 12 Month Roach Killing Bait makes it safe for residential use.
What could be better: There is no way to monitor the status of the bait inside the stations.
More features: four syringes, formulated without food allergens, fast results, easy to apply
The Rockwell Labs Invict Gold Cockroach Gel boasts a proprietary fast-action formula without food allergens that is designed to kill cockroaches in minutes. The formula comes in four syringes and is very easy to apply, even in corners that are difficult to reach. It should take approximately 20 minutes to see results with the Rockwell Labs Invict Gold Cockroach Gel, depending on the size of the cockroaches.
Unlike many other products available on the market, the Rockwell Labs Invict Gold Cockroach Gel is a very palatable bait because it’s made with food-grade attractants. This means that it acts quickly and is a good solution if you need to see results straight away.
The Rockwell Labs Invict Gold Cockroach Gel is only suitable for German cockroaches, and it won’t work well on other types of insects. Its active ingredient is imidacloprid, and the consistency of the product is that of a gel.
What we liked: Because it has a different formula than many other products on the market, the Rockwell Labs Invict Gold Cockroach Gel is an excellent choice that ensures fast results.
What could be better: The Rockwell Labs Invict Gold Cockroach Gel is more expensive than other products on this list, and it only works on German roaches.
More features: two cans, prevents reinfestation for up to 6 months, odor and mess-free
The Bengal Gold Roach Spray is one of the best products out there for those who are looking for an all-in-one solution that works on various types of roaches, not just German ones. This product is a spray that comes in two cans, and it is very easy to apply. You don’t need to purchase any additional products to use it, and it does an excellent job in corners and crevices.
The main ingredient is permethrin, which attacks the nervous system of the insects. When applied in a dry area, the Bengal Gold Roach Spray prevents reinfestation for up to six months. The spray is safe to use indoors, but you should allow the formula to dry before re-entering the room.
What we liked: The Bengal Gold Roach Spray is very easy to use and provides quick results on a wide variety of roaches.
What could be better: Some pets may be sensitive to the Bengal Gold Roach Spray, so try not to allow them to enter the room for several hours.
More features: three cans, lemon scent, no chemical odor
A simple-to-use product, the Raid Ant & Roach Killer Lemon Scent, can kill many different pests, including ants. It has a lemon scent instead of a harsh chemical odor, which sets it apart from many other similar products on the market. It can be used on a wide range of surfaces and doesn’t damage wooden surfaces.
The Raid Ant & Roach Killer Lemon Scent remains effective for up to four weeks in the area where you have applied it. Thanks to the design of the aerosol cans, it’s easy to use this product around cracks and crevices. Some users have reported that applying the product may result in messiness occasionally, but overall, the Raid Ant & Roach Killer Lemon Scent is a quick and easy solution to getting rid of various types of pests, such as ants and spiders.
What we liked: We liked that the Raid Ant & Roach Killer Lemon Scent has no harsh chemical odor, making it suitable for residential use.
What could be better: Handling the can and applying the product in difficult to reach areas may be a little messy.
More features: keeps killing roaches for up to 18 months, easy to use, excellent for hard-to-reach areas
This foam insect killer is effective against various types of cockroaches, including German and American, and against other pests as well. The spray is suitable for indoor and outdoor use and kills on contact. It also serves as a barrier around the area where you applied it and lasts up to a year.
The one-touch spray Comfort Wand makes application very easy and eliminates hand fatigue. Because it has a non-staining and odor-free formula, the Ortho Home Defense Insect Killer is suitable for areas such as bathrooms and kitchens.
What we liked: Many of the users who tested the Ortho Home Defense Insect Killer mentioned that it didn’t leave behind any residue and that it didn’t stain surfaces they applied it on, including wood. The foam is highly efficient because it kills on contact but serves as a repellant as well.
What could be better: Unfortunately, it is not effective if applied outside in wet weather.
More features: non-repellent, long-term control, treats up to 1200 square feet
The ZOECON Gentrol Aerosol is a good choice for users who want a solution to disrupt the breeding cycles of German roaches but is also effective against beetles and moths. This formula is suitable for use in both residential and commercial buildings and is easy to apply thanks to the aerosol formula.
The spray is likely to leave a residue if you spray it from less than 12 feet. An extension tube is included, so you can easily reach inside cracks and crevices. A single aerosol spray treats up to 1200 square feet, and the ZOECON Gentrol Aerosol works great as an insect growth regulator, but don’t expect it to act instantly when using it as a roach killer.
What we liked: The ZOECON Gentrol Aerosol works great for spot and contiguous treatments alike.
What could be better: You shouldn’t expect the ZOECON Gentrol Aerosol to kill roaches as quickly as some of the other products reviewed above.
More features: 12 pieces in the pack plus 3 sterilizers. child-resistant, lasts up to 3 months
If you’re looking for an efficient product that kills small roaches, the Raid Double Control Small Roach Baits are a good choice. This product kills roaches and destroys their nests, as roaches that feed on the bait transfer the poison to others as well. You can expect to see reduced activity and population within days, and the baits keep working for up to three months.
The Raid Double Control Small Roach Baits are child-resistant, being suitable for residential use, and each pack comes with 12 pieces. For best results, it’s a good idea to use all 12 baits at once and replace them every three months in order to prevent the roaches from returning.
What we liked: The Raid Double Control Small Roach Baits doesn’t smell and kills cockroaches effectively in just a couple of days while also keeping them from returning.
What could be better: The Raid Double Control Small Roach Baits don’t have tape in the box, so you can’t mount it under cabinets or other surfaces.
If your house or workplace has been assailed by German cockroaches (or any roaches, for that matter), you may be in search of a high-quality solution. Finding the best German roach killer is not always easy because you need to take into account multiple factors. We put together a buying guide that will help you make the right decision and get rid of those unwanted visitors once and for all.
To find the best German roach killer, you need to first take into account some basic factors, including the place where you need to use it, the active ingredients, and efficiency against insects. You should also decide what form of roach killer you need and set a budget for it. Continue reading, and you will find other crucial features that are worth checking.
German roach killers come in many forms, ranging from gels and sprays to foam and baits. Choosing the right one for your needs depends on the number of cockroaches you need to deal with, as well as the place where they are to be found. If the cockroaches are in a difficult to reach the corner of the kitchen, you may want a spray type of killer so you can reach all corners and crevices easily.
Another option is syringes, like in the case of our editor’s choice, the Syngenta Advion Cockroach Gel Bait. This type of application makes it super easy to reach all corners and apply the solution safely and quickly. Bait is a good option if you are dealing with multiple nests, and you want to be able to prevent the roaches from coming back, too.
The German cockroach killer’s active ingredients vary from one product to another, and not all of them have the same degree of efficiency. Examples include the Bengal Gold Roach Spray that contains a mix of permethrin (2%) and pyriproxyfen (0.05%) to kill various types of roaches and the Syngenta Advion Cockroach Gel Bait that contains indoxacarb (0.6%), a powerful killer that only works for German cockroaches.
It’s important to read the list of active ingredients to determine whether the German cockroach killer you choose contains any allergens that may harm any member of your family or your pets.
Multiple options are available if you’re looking for a long-term solution, and you want to get the best bang for your buck, too. The Ortho Home Defense Insect Killer, for example, comes in a 16 oz spray and keeps killing roaches for up to 18 months.
If you’re looking for a type of German cockroach killer that you can reuse safely in the future, the Syngenta Advion Cockroach Gel Bait has a long shelf life, which means that you can store it and use as needed. In the case of bait, you can opt for products that come with up to 12 pieces, like the Combat Max 12 Month Roach Killing Bait, for example.
Some of the products we reviewed are only efficient for German cockroaches, like the Syngenta Advion Cockroach Gel Bait. But, some work well on other types of cockroaches and other insects such as termites and ants.
You also need to consider whether you need to get rid of adult or baby roaches, as not all pesticides work well on both types of insects. As such, it’s important to know exactly what type of roaches you’re looking to eliminate before buying a roach killer. Some products, such as the ZOECON Gentrol Aerosol, for example, are highly versatile, and they can be used to eliminate all types of insects, including bedbugs and fruit flies.
Most of the cockroach killers we included in this guide are safe to use both indoors and outdoors, but still, it’s important to know exactly where you want to use them so you can choose the right product.
If the roaches come from outside, the gel formula is ideal because you can fill the cracks to prevent them from getting in. If you’re not sure from where the pests are coming, opt for a product that can be used safely indoors and outdoors so you can apply it everywhere.
One of the most important decision factors when purchasing a cockroach killer is the amount of time it takes to work and how long the effects will last after application. Most of the products we reviewed start acting right away, but it may take a couple of days to stop seeing cockroaches. Some of them, like the Ortho Home Defense, for example, continue to act for up to 18 months, so you don’t have to apply it again in the same area.
If you have children or pets in the house, it’s essential to check whether the German cockroach killer you choose is child and pet friendly. Most products are harmless when used as directed but can have adverse consequences when ingested, so it’s essential to use and store them with care.
Bait stations are generally safe to use in households with kids, but they should still be kept out of the reach of children, so they don’t tip them over and release the bait accidentally. In case a child or pet ingests a roach killer, see a doctor immediately.
No one likes the smell of roach killer, and the good news is that there are options available for those who are interested in an odor-free product. The HARRIS Boric Acid Roach and Silverfish Killer, for example, is an odorless powder, while the Raid Ant & Roach Killer Lemon Scent has a pleasant scent instead of a harsh chemical odor.
Many of the products included in this list leave no chemical odor, but it’s always a good idea to read the label carefully and also read reviews from other users to decide whether you can live with the smell.
The price of German cockroach killers varies from a couple of dollars for instant-kill sprays to $30 or more for a system with syringes, plungers, and concentrated solutions like our editor’s choice, the Syngenta Advion Cockroach Gel Bait.
You can also find products in the median range, with bait stations like the Combat Max 12 Month Roach Killing Bait sporting price tags between $20 and $30.
The price of the products is influenced by the concentration of the formula, the reputation of the manufacturer, and the long-lasting effect they may have.
After reviewing dozens of products, we decided that the Syngenta Advion Cockroach Gel Bait is the most effective product and featured it as our editor’s choice. This pesticide has a highly efficient formula made with indoxacarb, and the dosage is extremely accurate for the best results.
If you’re looking for a product that offers good value for money, the HARRIS Boric Acid Roach and Silverfish Killer is an excellent choice. This is a powder that does a good job of killing cockroaches in places that are difficult to reach, such as behind kitchen cabinets, for example.
Finally, the Syngenta Demon Max Insecticide is the best German cockroach killer with a high-concentration formula. It attracts cockroaches effectively and is effective in just 72 hours.
