4 Best Cockroach Traps for 2024

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Borax Powder

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“We actually recommend boric acid to deal with these and many other pests,” says Dan Bailey, president of WikiLawn. “Boric acid powder can be placed outside or inside, wherever roaches traffic. Because roaches are surprisingly clean, when they get it on their legs they will clean it off and ingest the powder which will kill them no more than 24 hours later.”

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Victor Roach Trap

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“I really recommend the Victor Roach Trap because it uses a pheromone tablet to attract the cockroaches,” says Wesley Wheeler, owner and veteran exterminator at Bug Lord Pest Control.

“For a little over $1 per trap, they are really affordable too. Each trap consists of a small cardboard box with a sticky floor, which has a shelf life of three years as long as you keep it in the package.”

Also, check out this lavender water TikTok hack to get rid of cockroaches.

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Hot Shot Ultra

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“This sticky cockroach trap features a unique liquid trapping substance that works as a highly attractive bait and poisons cockroaches that taste it,” Martin says.

“Even if a careful insect manages to feed without sticking to the surface, it will die anyway within a few hours. The trick is that the bait includes both food and water, which are essential elements of a cockroach diet. Roaches are smart enough to choose a spot where food and water are available at the same time.”

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Roach Motel

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“This extremely effective insect trap contains a special lure that attracts insects and making them stuck until they die,” says Ryan Smith, a pest control expert and owner of Ant and Garden Organic Pest Control. “What I love about Roach Motel is that I won’t have to worry about seeing dead roaches anywhere my home.”

What to Look for When Buying a Cockroach Trap 

Type of Trap 

There are multiple types of cockroach traps you can choose from when shopping:

• Glue traps use a sticky surface to catch cockroaches as they walk across. They are effective for monitoring and catching small infestations.
• Bait stations lure insects in with food laced with insecticide. The roaches take the bait back to their nests and spread the poison to help reduce the population.
• Electronic traps kill cockroaches on contact. They are reusable, chemical-free and can be used indoors.
• Natural traps use non-toxic ingredients like boric acid, diatomaceous earth or essential oils. They are safe for households with pets and children but may take longer to show results

Effectiveness 

The effectiveness of a cockroach trap depends on its lure quality and coverage area. High-quality baits attract more cockroaches and increase the likelihood of them carrying the bait back to their nests.

This is the same idea for all trap types: the better they attract pests, the more effective they are. Regarding coverage area, place traps in high-traffic areas where cockroaches are most active. Strategically placing them around an area yields more successful pest control.

Safety 

Safety is always a key concern when shopping for potentially harmful chemicals. Fortunately, there are plenty of non-toxic cockroach traps, like borax powder, ideal for homes with pets and children. 

For added peace of mind, look for traps that mention pet and child-proofing. These products often have secure bait compartments or a closed design that prevents accidental contact with the toxic bait. 

Ease of Use 

Most cockroach traps are easy to set up right out of the box; just place them in a location. Some electronic traps require you to put them together or swap batteries. Maintenance can involve regularly checking and replacing traps as needed. 

Remember that certain traps actually trap the roach, so you’ll have to look at them when disposing of a full sticky trap. If that’s not for you, consider one of the bait options where cockroaches scurry off to their nests to die. 

Longevity 

A cockroach trap’s duration of effectiveness varies by type. 

• Glue traps are effective until they’re full of roaches or become less sticky. 
• Bait stations work for a few months before they need to be refilled or replaced. 
• Electronic traps last much longer, sometimes for years, with an occasional battery replacement. 
• Natural traps require the most frequent upkeep to refill the active ingredient to maintain effectiveness. 

Location of Use 

Cockroach traps come with different suitability for indoor and outdoor use. 

• Indoor traps are designed to be placed where roaches are most active, such as under sinks, behind appliances or in dark corners.
• Outdoor traps need to be weather-resistant and may be used around entry points or exterior walls. 

Placement flexibility is good for indoor and outdoor traps. To get the most out of your traps, choose traps designed for cockroach-specific environments.

Why You Should Trust Us  

Alex Shoemaker is an avid DIYer and tackles countless projects around his home, so he has plenty of experience dealing with pests like cockroaches. His work has appeared in Reader’s Digest, Taste of Home and MSN.

Paul Rankin, Content Updates Editor at Family Handyman, updated and contributed research to this article. Paul is a former commerce editor at Bob Vila and has written shopping guides since 2021. Over the years, Rankin has interviewed numerous pest control experts.

How We Found the Best Cockroach Traps 

When curating our list of top picks for cockroach traps, we researched the best glue traps, bait stations, electronic traps and natural traps for longevity, effectiveness and ease of use. Our picks come highly recommended by customers who have used the products themselves. 

FAQ

What is the most effective roach trap?

Boric acid is a great all-round roach killer. It’s odorless and is less harmful to use around pets. 

How do you get rid of roaches fast?

Many people swear by baking soda as a speedy cockroach solution. When roaches eat baking soda, their bodies explode, killing them quickly. Sprinkle baking soda on food and leave it overnight near an area where roaches are present.

What is the best thing to keep roaches away?

Aside from using repellents to persuade cockroaches to leave, the best way to deter roaches is to keep your home clean and tidy. Don’t leave food lying around, clean up messes and take out the trash regularly. 

Also, explore these best roach killers for apartments.