Sign-in to Account
Call Us
(844) 585-5517
aptive-registered-logo-white

Do Roach Bombs and Foggers Work?

Written by Aptive Environmental July 25, 2019

Roach bombs and roach foggers are marketed as fast solutions to cockroach problems in homes. However, these products aren’t the best solutions for most situations. When they’re not scavenging, cockroaches are skilled at hiding. This often puts them in places where foggers can’t reach. A roach bomb might kill the few that are caught vulnerable but it will leave the rest unharmed. That means these products create a mess of chemicals around your house without treating the problem where it’s most important—the source.

Cockroaches’ favorite hiding spots are in areas where it’s dark and humid. Usually, these locations are not easily accessible. Basements, attics, crawl spaces, bathrooms and wall voids all make attractive habitats for cockroaches. Roach bombs might be able to quickly cover an entire room in insecticides but they won’t reach the cracks, crevices and other tiny spaces where adult and baby cockroaches live.

It’s possible that a fogger could be effective against a few roaches if you’re lucky enough to deploy it while they’re out searching for food. But once an infestation has grown, it’s highly unlikely that these products will be effective in stopping it.

Using Roach Bombs and Foggers

When you activate a roach bomb, you, your family and your pets need to leave the house for a number of hours before it’s safe to return. Instructions vary by product, but you should expect to leave for two to four hours, at least.

In addition to being toxic in the air, these foggers can cause a mess, coating floors, counters and furniture with chemicals (which is their purpose, after all). Before you activate one, you’ll have to carefully cover any food or food-related items, children’s toys, delicate clothing and furniture.

Once it’s safe to return to your home, you’ll be faced with a lot of cleaning: wiping counters and cooking surfaces, cleaning toys and furniture and, if you have pets or young children, thoroughly cleaning anything else they could touch with their hands or mouth.

Roach foggers might work quickly, but they’re certainly not easy or convenient solutions to a cockroach problem. Against more than a few active cockroaches, they likely won’t be successful at all.

How to Prevent Cockroaches

If you’ve seen a cockroach but aren’t sure if it’s part of an infestation, you can make some small adjustments to your habits to reduce the risk of attracting more.

  1. Establish good cleaning habits to limit the crumbs, spills and other food leftovers that strongly attract cockroaches to kitchen floors and counters.

  2. Seal foods in airtight metal or glass containers.

  3. Remove standing water and fix dripping faucets in kitchens and bathrooms.

  4. Repair cracks and holes in interior and exterior walls that could provide entry points for cockroaches.

Taking simple steps toward eliminating food and water sources can help keep cockroaches away from your home.

How to Get Rid of Cockroaches

Don’t inconvenience yourself with a messy roach fogger that might not work. If you’ve seen cockroaches in or around your home, call the professionals at Aptive Environmental. Our experts will customize a pest control solution for the size and shape of your home, treating the infestation at the source. We use effective solutions to conveniently control infestations of any size. Our pest experts will ensure that your home is protected from cockroaches and other pests all year.

If you’re ready to feel comfortable in your home again, contact Aptive today for a free quote and to schedule your first appointment.

Curated articles for you, from our pest experts.

Pest Activyt Neighborhood Map

Data, Patterns, and Pest Control

As a leading pest control provider, Aptive service professionals encounter all kinds of pest activity across the country. Our ability to monitor this pest activity has provided valuable insights into understanding the prevalence of specific pest types at different...

Aug 1, 2023
Ant On Wet Leaf.

Pest Control: The Lifecycle of Pests

Pests are a nuisance to homeowners, and can cause a lot of damage to property, as well as health risks to humans and pets. To effectively control pests, it is important to understand their lifecycle and behavior. In this article, we will explore the lifecycle of...

Feb 17, 2023
Lovebug 2 1

Lovebugs: Facts, Identification, and How to Treat Them

Lovebugs: these small insects may seem harmless, but they can quickly become a nuisance in the southeastern United States. With their unique mating behavior and rapid reproduction, lovebugs can swarm in large numbers during certain times of the year. But what...

Feb 12, 2024
Drain Fly Control 1

Control Drain Flies: Proactive Tips & Identification

Drain flies, also known as sewer flies or sink flies, are small flying insects commonly found in homes and buildings. While they may resemble fruit flies or gnats, drain flies have a distinct preference for moist environments such as drains. These pesky creatures...

Feb 12, 2024
Orb Weaver Spider Control 1

Orb Weaver Spider Control: Facts, Control & Tips

Orb weaver spiders can be a real nuisance in gardens and outdoor spaces. Understanding the behavior and characteristics of these spiders is important for effective control. We'll explore proactive spider control techniques, as well as treatment methods to help you...

Feb 12, 2024
How Ants Are Getting Into Your House And How To Stop Them 1

How Ants Are Getting Into Your House And How to Stop Them

  Ants are one of the most common household interlopers, usually in kitchens and bathrooms, but it’s difficult to get rid of them if you don’t know where they’re coming from. Fortunately, there are a few easy ways to make your home less attractive to these...

Feb 7, 2024
A Guide To Rat Control And Identification 1

The Rodent Riddle: A Guide to Rat Control and Identification

In the corners of homes and urban landscapes, rats lurk as stealthy intruders, capable of causing damage and spreading disease. Recognizing the signs of a rat infestation and understanding effective control measures are crucial for maintaining a more pest protected...

Feb 5, 2024
Fire Ant Control 1

A Detailed Guide to Fire Ant Control

In the realm of pests, fire ants stand out as a formidable adversary, with their painful bites and aggressive behavior. For homeowners, understanding the nuances of fire ants is crucial for effective pest control. In this detailed guide, we'll delve into the...

Jan 31, 2024
Flying Ants 1 1

How to Treat and Control Flying Ants

Flying ants, those winged insects that often cause a frenzy when they take to the skies, are not just your average ants. While they may resemble termites at first glance, flying ants are actually reproductive ants that play a vital role in the life cycle of ant...

Jan 30, 2024
How To Treat Mice 1 1

How to Treat Mice in the Home

Mice, those elusive yet troublesome creatures, have a knack for infiltrating our living spaces and turning a minor annoyance into a full-blown infestation. Understanding their characteristics and behavior is pivotal in effectively controlling these invaders....

Jan 29, 2024
Wasp Activity 1

Wasp Control: Understanding and Managing Wasp Activity

The wasp – a winged menace that always seems to be around, threatening you and your family, and seeking to stake its claim under your eaves, in your rock walls, or in your garden or back yard. While wasps come with their own set of concerns, understanding their...

Jan 23, 2024
Spider Control 1

Protecting Against Spiders: The Where and When of Spider Activity

Whether they spark a sense of fascination or send chills down your spine, spiders are a common pest that can find their way into your home. These silent lurkers can invade your space without you even knowing, taking up residence in quiet corners or hidden spots....

Jan 16, 2024

Take back your home with pest control today.