Would bombing my storage unit for roaches be effective?

Danielle Segev
by Danielle Segev

I want to clean up and organize my storage unit, but I am almost sure there are cockroaches in there and they petrify me. Would bombing the unit before the clean-up be an effective solution?


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  15 answers
  • Cheryl A Cheryl A on Jan 25, 2023

    They get in the boxes and bags so that would not help- clean everything out first then bomb it and organize it

  • Johnavallance82 Johnavallance82 on Jan 25, 2023

    Do it! then you will be able to tackle the problem without concern!

  • Janice Janice on Jan 25, 2023

    Hi Danielle, you could "bomb" the garage area but I agree with Cheryl that it may not work completely as roaches can possibly survive if they are located inside boxes, plastic bags, bins. And, if the garage is a storage unit adjacent to other units, it's possible you'll have continuing invasion. So, no matter what you do ahead of cleaning and organizing, there's a possibly you'll encounter live roaches.


    • Danielle Segev Danielle Segev on Jan 25, 2023

      Thank you, I did not think about the fact that being adjacent to other units would continue the issue. Appreciate the information.

  • William William on Jan 25, 2023

    You can try but it may not kill them all. Roaches hide in very small crevices. They love to hide in the corrugations of cardboard. They find ways to get into plastic bags.

  • According to what I've read, bug bombs are often ineffective against roaches. Also, if this is a rented storage unit, you may need permission to do it.

    • Deborah Deborah on Feb 13, 2023

      Roaches love to live and eat cardboard, so get plastic totes with lids for storage

  • Kathy Gunter Law Kathy Gunter Law on Jan 25, 2023

    It should get rid of the majority if you use one that is strong enough. Also, get some diatomaceous earth. It comes in large bag. Put some in a condiment dispenser (I got 2 in a pack at Dollar Tree, like you put barbecue sauce in) and squirt it around. It will "smother" them when they come in contact with it. Just in case any survive.

  • Annie Annie on Jan 26, 2023

    I think it may be somewhat helpful, but as others have said the roaches could be hiding and safe from the roach bomb. It can't hurt to try though!

  • THis is a super comprehensive guide to getting rid of them. It will also help you identify if you have them before you go down that road. Honestly, I'd try to avoid the bomb if you can. https://www.hometalk.com/diy/outdoor/pest-repeller/how-to-get-rid-of-roaches-44425317

  • You'd definitely want to take everything out of the unit first to do this so you don't end up with the chemical all over your items. Indeed, they could be in other units so getting them all might be difficult. After you do it, toss down some diatomaceous earth everywhere which is all natural and pet safe.

  • Redcatcec Redcatcec on Feb 02, 2023

    What I would do is lay out parchment paper with a thin layer of half and half boric acid (dollar tree) and sugar. The sugar draws them and the boric acid kills them. No bomb needed.

  • Mogie Mogie on Feb 03, 2023

    We had to hire a professional service and they informed us that can roaches build up a tolerance to chemcials used in bug bombs.

    They also live in card board and even like newspaper.

    Everything must be sealed so they can't get in. Plastic bins with tight fitting lids are necessary for a bug proof fit. And metal garage cans with tight fitting lids are even better.

    If this is a storeage unit the owner of the property should be familiar with what works best in your area.

  • Bombs have been found to be mostly useless against cockroaches, however they are generally more effective against other insects. Make sure it is permitted in your leasing agreement before you decide to bug bomb your storage facility.

  • Marty Ayers Marty Ayers on Feb 16, 2023

    First... clean everything out of the unit. Discard anything made of cardboard or paper (for games, etc. spray with a good roach spray, inside and out)

    Wash or dry clean all fabrics and clothing making sure it is completely dried before storing in a plastic container.

    Spray or treat any other items in your storage, to destroy any eggs or larva.

    Replace the cardboard with clear plastic totes (ones that are the same size and shape will stack better and save space) so you can see the contents

    Sprinkle a layer of Boric acid or Borax (laundry aisle) on the floor of the storage area and reapply as necessary or about every 90 days

  • R R on Feb 19, 2023

    I say do it, then go in and evaluate to see what survived. Bed bugs and spiders etc better at least partially dealt with before you get in there, at least for myself, I don’t want to feel eeked out while moving stuff so bomb away!!!

  • Myr78512458 Myr78512458 on Feb 20, 2023

    I have a lot of cardboard boxes and blue tubs. When I pack things away, I add boric acid in the boxes. You need to change the boxes every year. But- if you have an electric outlet, the best thing is those plug in's for mice and rats. Do not block the beam.