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Gray, GA on Aug 12, 2011

I have discovered water bugs (soft shell roaches) in my kitchen. How do you get rid of them?

I have tried bug spray. I have heard they are really hard to get rid of them. I must have brought them in on grocery bags or something I bought from other places. Help. I hate bugs.

9 Comments

JL Spring & Associates Richmond, VA

Hi Jacque, I have had very good luck with these products. The Amdro line has something for everything crawlin' that aint invited! The good folks at Bayer have several sprays and treatments as well! Hope this proves helpful...JL
(You're right. UGGG! Bugs...especially spiders!)

on Aug 12, 2011 · Like 0
Kimberly Lacy Snellville, GA

I use Borax. We have a many of water bug here in Georgia.

on Aug 13, 2011 · Like 1
James A Roswell, GA

CombatÂ® roach baits gives good results. It will specify on the box , "For Large Roaches".

on Aug 13, 2011 · Like 0
Jackie T Albany, GA

We use Boric acid (don't know if it's the same as Borax) Very effective.
on Aug 18, 2011 · Like 0
Walter Reeves Decatur, GA

Baits are much better than sprays because you get the whole population, not just the few you see running on the counter.

on Aug 19, 2011 · Like 0
James A Roswell, GA

Billy the Exterminator always vacuums up the dead ones with a HEPA filter vacuum. This ensures new ones do not hatch and decreases the spread of disease.

on Aug 19, 2011 · Like 0
Woodbridge Environmental ... Colonia, NJ

These critters can be difficult to control once established. Roach development is such that just killing the ones you see is not enough to stop them right off.
Dusts and sprays are considered more effective for cockroach infestations than baits because they not only cover a larger area, but there is no need to lure the cockroach to the poison itself. Many roach poisons, dusts, and sprays are what we call desiccants. A desiccant doesn't need to be ...»
ingested to take effect. Desiccants basically scratch the exoskeleton of the cockroach (that hard surface that keeps moisture and the cockroach guts inside), allowing moisture to seep out slowly--eventually killing the roach who comes into contact with it. If the dust or spray you're using contains a secondary ingredient like a neurotoxin it will kill the roach more quickly. Such sprays and dusts to be considered are Raid's line of roach and ant sprays. Boric acid, or borax, is also considered a desiccant.
You need to seal all openings around pipes, floors and the like. If they have a place to hide easily they will keep coming back. Also be sure to seal all food products in plastic bags or containers to prevent them from getting to it.
Vacuum vacuum vacuum, A good cleaning is important. Be sure to get into every nook and cranny you can. Not only in the kitchen but all rooms that surround it. These insects love warm areas, so be sure to pull out the fridge and check around the TV and computer.

on Aug 19, 2011 · Like 1
SawHorse.net Atlanta, GA

Kill them, Clean them up, Then seal every opening you can find. Boric acid works well.
We like to use spray foam in the crawlspace and that limits their movement to the outside through the floor. You just have to deal with the ones in the wall at that point.

on Aug 19, 2011 · Like 1
Dan's of Central Florida,... Clermont, FL

Baits, roach traps, seal all openings, and if you see it, kill it and dispose of the body. We get lots of all kinds of roaches down here in Florida. Personally, I hate the fliers.

on Aug 19, 2011 · Like 0