How Long Do Cockroach Baits Take to Work?

Cockroach baits are one of the most effective ways to eliminate cockroaches in the home. These products work by applying a gel bait to the area where roaches are most active. Gel baits are less effective in places where cockroaches can’t easily locate them. Moreover, they can dry out over time, so it is necessary to replace them regularly. As long as the gel bait is properly applied to the area, it should eliminate roaches within one to three days. However, it is important to note that using the same bait continuously may cause roaches to avoid the bait.

When choosing a roach bait, it’s important to consider how large your infestation is and the size of the roach population. If you have a relatively small infestation, one to two tubes may be sufficient. If you have a large infestation, it may take up to four weeks of bait application before you see noticeable results.

The baits are available in a variety of sizes and application rates. Some are syringe-like or ready-to-use plastic stations. Others require you to use a large plastic syringe. Popular consumer brands include Combat, Raid, Ortho, and Hotshot. Professional versions include Alpine, Maxforce, Advance, and Avert. Cockroach baits contain ingredients like fipronil, dinotefuron, and abamectin.