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How to Kill a Roach Colony

You can tell if you have a roach infestation in your home because you will notice the physical presence of these insects accompanied by a strong, unpleasant smell. This odor indicates that roaches have established a colony somewhere in your walls or plumbing. Adult roaches range from .5 to 1.5 inches long. These pests will live in any location where they can access food and water, and are most commonly found in bathrooms, dining rooms and kitchens.

Things You'll Need

Insect-proof food storage containers
Foam-caulking gun
Insecticide

Instructions

- 1
  Store all non-refrigerated food in insect-proof containers. These containers seal tightly and prevent odors from escaping and attracting roaches.
- 2
  Clean all spills promptly and do not leave food or crumbs exposed. A roach colony that cannot find food cannot survive.
- 3
  Do not let dirty dishes remain in your sink. If a roach colony lives in your garbage disposal or pipes, they will be weak, hungry and more susceptible to insecticide if they cannot access food in a dirty sink.
- 4
  Clean the inside of your microwave thoroughly to remove crumbs and spills. Cockroaches have been known to nest in the electronics inside of microwaves if given motivation to do so by the presence of food spills.
- 5
  Fill all cracks in the walls and foundation of your home with a foam-caulking gun. Seal cracks along counters and around water, gas and drain pipes.
- 6
  Spray roaches that you encounter in the open with insecticide. This will help you reduce the colony's numbers. Spray insecticide all around the area where you encounter roaches, avoiding places where you store food. Ensuring that your home is clean and well sealed will allow you to kill a roach colony with insecticide, since roaches will be hungry, weakened and unable to escape.

Animals & Science