How to Get Rid of Cockroaches in Kitchen Cabinets

Finding cockroaches in the kitchen can be a nightmare—especially when they’ve made it into your cabinets and pantry. Unfortunately, seeing just one or two roaches means that there are likely more nearby. It’s a problem that needs to be addressed quickly. Roaches are not only unsightly but can carry diseases and be a particular risk for pets in the home.

Wondering how to get rid of cockroaches in kitchen cabinets? There are a few DIY ways to get rid of the persistent bugs when it comes to home remedies for roaches. But if you want to figure out how to get rid of cockroaches in kitchen cabinets, it may be wise to consult a pest control professional first. They can point you in the right direction and provide solutions for how to get rid of cockroaches in kitchen cabinets naturally or with stronger chemicals. But while you’re waiting for pest control to arrive, this guide can provide some helpful steps in the interim.

Time required: 1 to 2 hours
Difficulty: Beginner
Estimated cost: $20 to $50

Before You Begin…

Wondering, “How do I get rid of cockroaches?” Although it may be tempting to lay a ton of gel bait to get rid of roaches immediately, it’s crucial to determine the extent of your problem before you address the issue. Have you seen a cockroach or two in the same area and are worried about more emerging? Or do you see the insects consistently and suspect you have an infestation on your hands? The difference in your answers could lead you down two different paths: DIY or hire an expert. Thinking this part through first can help save you time and money in the long run.

Tips for Getting Rid of Cockroaches in Kitchen Cabinets

• Clean out your cabinets to eliminate food sources and find any cracks or crevices.
• Determine whether you want to use gel baits, diatomaceous earth, boric acid, or a pest control professional to eliminate the roaches.

Safety Considerations

• If you use solutions or treatments with strong chemicals, it’s wise to wear gloves and a face mask.
• When using boric acid, it’s a good idea to open up windows beforehand to improve ventilation once the solution is in your cabinets.
• Use caution with gel baits if you have pets or small children. These products can be toxic if accidentally ingested.

STEP 1: Empty and clean the kitchen cabinets.

Whether you notice cockroaches in the cabinet underneath your kitchen sink or in your pantry where you keep food, the best way to start the elimination process is to empty your cupboards and clean the insides thoroughly. It’s helpful to open all doors and drawers entirely to see any debris or moisture that may be attracting these pesky creatures. If cockroaches have made it into any food containers, it’s best to throw those products out. If you have a vacuum with a brush attachment, you can use it to get rid of small crumbs and dust before wiping down the cabinets.

Once all debris has been vacuumed, you can use a household cleaning spray or a mixture of hot water and dish soap to clean the inside and outside of each cabinet. Use a cleaning cloth or paper towels with the cleaning spray, or soak a cloth in a mixture of 10 parts water to 1 part dish soap. If you use the soap-and-water method, use a dry, clean cloth to dry the cabinets once you’re done wiping everything down.

STEP 2: Fill any hiding spots with caulk.

Roach control can be particularly challenging since the insects can squeeze through the smallest cracks. When tackling how to get rid of small cockroaches in kitchen cabinets, you can use caulk to fill in any gaps in the kitchen or the cabinets.

Select a caulk that’s appropriate for the area you’ll be filling gaps in. For example, if you’re filling any gaps under the sink, you’ll want to use a water-resistant caulk. A caulk gun will make getting thin, even lines easy. Once you’ve applied the caulk, you can use a scraper tool or a credit card to smooth out any bumps and ensure it fills the crack.

If you’re sealing under the sink, expanding foam spray can also be a helpful product for minimizing any gaps around plumbing.

STEP 3: Eliminate any sources of water.

Water keeps cockroaches alive, so it’s not uncommon for them to find that vital resource through small spills or leaks in your home. Leaky pipes and faucets are common culprits, so check under your sink to determine if that area is attracting cockroaches in the kitchen at night. If you have pets and keep water bowls in your kitchen, try to elevate the bowls or opt for a pet fountain to eliminate splashes and spills.

STEP 4: Apply gel baits.

To capture roaches, you can apply gel bait to cabinets or other areas where the pests have been spotted. Gel baits are more effective than sprays or liquids. They’re also safer because the solution stays contained, unlike liquids that can spread outside the area you apply them in. The bait can be placed under the sink, along the bottom of cabinets, and in other hot spots where you’ve spotted cockroaches. Once cockroaches come into contact with the gel, they will spread it to other roaches, and the gel poison will steadily eliminate them.

If you’re unsure about the most effective spots to place gel, leave this step to a professional. They’ll know the best sites in your kitchen to place the gel so that cockroaches will be gone for good.

STEP 5: Use diatomaceous earth or boric acid as a second line of defense.

If you’re looking for a nontoxic way to kill cockroaches, diatomaceous earth is a good home remedy for cockroaches. This powder is made from naturally occurring soft sedimentary rock, and you can find it at your local hardware store. Sprinkle it wherever you’ve spotted the roaches in the past. It works by drying out the insects’ exoskeletons, which kills them. While this powder isn’t toxic if ingested, it can cause some respiratory discomfort if the powder becomes airborne. Try to keep pets and children out of the room and wear a mask when applying it.

Boric acid is a commonly used insecticide that poisons cockroaches when they ingest it. It comes in powder form and can be used in crevices, cabinets, or surfaces that cockroaches tend to walk over. Once the solution is on their bodies, they’ll ingest it and eventually die. This powder can be harmful if it spreads to dishes, utensils, or any open containers of food, so use it judiciously. And since boric acid can irritate the skin, it’s a good idea to wear gloves and a face mask while applying it.

STEP 6: Contact a pest control professional.

The best way to eliminate a kitchen roach infestation for good is to hire one of the best pest control services. This type of expert will have years of experience to lean on to both identify hiding spots and use the latest solutions to get rid of cockroaches. This way, you don’t have to waste time or money on unsuccessful techniques. You can try home remedies for cockroaches, but it may be worth it to consult a professional who can tailor the treatment to your specific problem. Most pest control professionals offer guaranteed results, too, so if they treat your home and the roaches return, the pros can come back to resolve the issue.

STEP 7: Keep the kitchen clean.

Once the cockroaches have been handled, it’s imperative to keep your kitchen spick and span to avoid their return. Ensure all food containers in the cabinets are sealed, debris is kept to a minimum, and leaky plumbing is fixed immediately. Preventive measures can go a long way in keeping your kitchen free from all types of crawling pests, especially roaches.

The previous steps can help you identify where the cockroaches in your kitchen are hiding, how to keep them at bay, and ensure they don’t return. If you feel uneasy trying to eliminate pests yourself, or if your past attempts have been unsuccessful, utilizing the help of a professional will be your best bet. They can put a plan together to keep your kitchen roach-free using top-notch equipment, tools, and treatments so that you don’t have to live in fear of another cockroach encounter.