Does Bed Bug Spray Kill Cockroaches?

Bed bug sprays are designed to kill bed bugs based on their biology and hiding habits. A common question is whether these sprays will work against other pests, such as cockroaches. Although some of the ingredients in bed bug sprays can kill cockroaches, they aren’t designed to target roaches and aren’t as effective as products formulated for roach control.

Differences in Pest Biology

The structures of the exoskeleton, metabolic and nervous systems of cockroaches all differ from those found in bed bugs. This also means the sprays that work for bed bugs might not go deep or be effective for cockroaches. Cockroach-specific insecticides incorporate active ingredients such as boric acid, fipronil, or hydramethylnon, which by their nature, have a better knock-down effect on their unique biology.

Limited Effectiveness

Bed bug spray for cockroaches Comercial bed bug sprays can kill a handful of cockroaches on contact, but they have little to no lasting impact. The spread of cockroaches is fast and they dwell in unimaginable places; therefore if you are just hoping that only bed bug spray will solve your problem, you might be disappointed.

Safer and More Effective Alternatives

What to Look for in a Roach Killer When it comes to roach control, focus on products that are made for roaches such as baits, gels or insecticide sprays with cockroach-specific active ingredients. Taken together, these and sanitation measures, such as cleaning up food crumbs, sealing cracks and eliminating standing water, are far more likely to eliminate existing infestations.

Conclusion

Although bed bug sprays can kill cockroaches on contact, they certainly are not an effective infestation treatment. For long-lasting effect, purchase products that target roaches and include some preventative actions to keep bugs away.