What’s the Best Roach Killer for an Apartment? We Tested 6 of the Strongest Sprays

Updated on Sep. 19, 2024

Living in a multifamily building has its challenges. Cockroaches are one of them. Here are the best roach killers for apartments.

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Cockroaches are some of the most adaptable creatures on earth, which makes controlling and eliminating an infestation a major challenge.

“These nocturnal pests can hide in a myriad of places in the home and breed very quickly,” says Jim Fredericks, Ph.D, an entomology and wildlife ecology specialist for the National Pest Management Association.

Apartment building infestations are particularly problematic because apartments share not only walls but also floors, pipes and vents, which allows roaches to spread quickly from unit to unit.

“Plus, pests are sneaky and can enter through open windows or sliding glass doors, through ventilation slats for AC units, under doors lacking door sweeps and around windows without proper weather stripping,” Fredericks says.


Raid Ant & Roach Killer 26 via merchant

Best Spray Roach Killer

Raid Ant & Roach Killer 26

Raid Ant & Roach Killer 26 eliminates cockroaches the minute they touch sprayed surfaces, for up to four weeks. Plus, the fragrance-free spray is a game changer, especially for those living in tight spaces.

Advion Roach Killer Bait Gel 4 Pack via merchant

Best Gel Roach Killer

Advion Roach Killer Bait Gel

One problem with aerosol insecticides: It can be difficult to control the spray. Not so with Advion Roach Killer Bait Gel. To target and eliminate roaches, just poke the tip into holes or cracks and press the plunger (included). The high-performing and potent bait attracts and kills tough German, American and other brown-banded cockroach species.

Safety note: This gel contains arsenic and is not suitable for use around kids and pets.

 Terro 0.53 Oz Roach Bait via merchant

Best Powder Roach Killer

Terro Roach Bait Powder

Terro Roach Bait Powder is a dry poison that comes in a bottle with an applicator. Each bottle contains up to 150 bait placements. This ready-to-use roach killer may be applied inside the apartment or outside on the patio or balcony.

The puffer applicator shoots small amounts of powdered pesticide-laced bait into cracks and crevices. Roaches are attracted to the bait, ingest it and spread it to their roach friends. Spray the bait from any angle, even upside down.

 Bengal Gold Roach Spray via merchant

Best Roach Egg Killer

Bengal Gold Roach Spray

To keep eggs from hatching into little cockroach nymphs, Bengal Gold Roach Spray is a solution you can administer yourself.

The dry aerosol agent gets into places where roaches hide, drives them out and kills them for up to an hour. Better yet, it contains a chemical growth regulator that disrupts their reproductive system, preventing females from laying eggs in the first place. It’s guaranteed to stop roach infestations for up to six months or your money back.

Black Flag Roach Motel 2 Count Roach Bait Station via merchant

Best Motel-Style Sticky Trap

Black Flag Roach Motel Traps

If you live in an apartment with pets or children, the pesticide-free Black Flag Roach Motel Traps won’t expose your family to toxic substances or odors.

Each box features an adhesive that attracts cockroaches. Once inside, their feet stick, and in three to four days they’re dead. Place the motels all around the apartment — in corners, inside cupboards, under the sink and behind appliances. When they fill up with dead bugs, toss the whole thing in the garbage.

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 Ant And Roach Killer via merchant

Best Eco-Friendly Roach Killer

EcoSmart Ant and Roach Killer