How to Get Rid of Roaches in the Kitchen: A Homeowner’s Guide to Eliminate and Prevent Infestation.
- polancoshouseclean
- Aug 7
- 4 min read
Nothing ruins a clean kitchen like the sight of a roach skittering across the counter. If you've seen even one cockroach in your kitchen, it’s time to act. Why? Because not all roaches are equal—and some reproduce fast, putting your home at serious risk of an infestation.
As a trusted cleaning service in Orange County, we at Polanco’s House Cleaning Services OC have seen firsthand how kitchens that appear tidy can still harbor pests. With insight from pest control professionals, this article will walk you through everything you need to know about getting rid of roaches in your kitchen—and keeping them out for good.
Learn how to get rid of roaches in the kitchen

how to get rid of roaches in the kitchen- First Things First: What Kind of Roach Are You Dealing With?
According to pest control experts like Orkin, the first step in fighting roaches is identifying the type. The most common kitchen invaders include:
German Cockroaches: Small, tan, and the most dangerous for infestation. They reproduce quickly, lay egg capsules (ootheca) with up to 50 roaches per case, and love kitchens.
American Cockroaches: Large, reddish-brown, and often found in dark, damp areas like basements—but they may wander into your kitchen.
Oriental Cockroaches: Also called "water bugs," they prefer cooler, wetter environments but can enter your home through drains.
Brown-Banded Cockroaches: These like warm, dry environments and often hide in high cabinets or appliances.
German cockroaches are the real threat when it comes to infestations. If you spot these in your kitchen, act fast—they multiply quickly and are hard to eliminate without proper strategy.
Where Are Roaches Coming From?
One of the most important things our pest control partners taught us is this: Roaches come from outside your home.
They sneak in through:
Cracks in windows, doors, or walls
Gaps around plumbing or under sinks
Grocery bags, boxes, or second-hand appliances
Check here the places where cockroaches could hide: https://www.pestworld.org/news-hub/pest-articles/where-do-cockroaches-hide/
Once inside, they search for food, water, and shelter—which makes your kitchen the perfect target. That’s why cleaning alone won’t always solve the problem. You need a multi-step plan.

Step-by-Step: How to Get Rid of Roaches in the Kitchen.
1. Deep Clean the Kitchen.
Cleaning removes the food and water that attracts roaches. Here’s how to start:
Empty cabinets and drawers. Wipe down shelves and get rid of any old crumbs.
Clean behind appliances. Roaches love to hide behind stoves, fridges, and dishwashers.
Fix leaks. Even a small drip under the sink can be a water source.
Seal food in airtight containers. Avoid cardboard packaging—roaches love chewing on it.
Take out the trash daily. Use a can with a tight lid.
Pro Tip: Our team at Polanco’s House Cleaning Services OC specializes in deep kitchen cleanings that help eliminate pest-attracting messes.
2. Seal Entry Points.
Inspect your kitchen and home for:
Cracks or holes in baseboards
Gaps around plumbing fixtures
Loose window screens
Use caulk or expanding foam to seal these areas and stop more roaches from getting inside.
3. Use Traps and Baits.
Use a mix of methods for best results:
Gel Baits: Available at hardware stores, gel baits attract and poison roaches. Apply behind appliances, under sinks, and along baseboards.
Sticky Traps: Great for monitoring where roaches are coming from.
Roach Motels: Trap and kill roaches in high-traffic areas.
We recommend products from trusted brands like Combat, Raid, or Hot Shot—widely reviewed on high-traffic sites like Better Homes & Gardens.
4.Try Safe Fumigation Liquids (With Caution).
There are safe fumigation-style liquids available, such as:
Insect Growth Regulators (IGRs): These prevent roaches from reproducing.
Boric Acid Spray: A natural and effective solution. Lightly dust in corners and under appliances.
Note: Use these carefully and keep pets and kids away from treated areas. For serious infestations, hire a licensed pest control contractor.
Aftercare: How to Prevent Roaches from Coming Back.
Once you’ve removed the roaches, your job isn't done. Prevention is key:
Make Kitchen Cleaning a Daily Habit:
Wipe countertops every night
Clean food spills immediately
Sweep and mop floors regularly
Run the garbage disposal daily
Use Natural Repellents:
Bay Leaves: Roaches hate the smell
Lemon or Vinegar Spray: Regularly wiping with vinegar discourages them
Schedule Regular Deep Cleans:
We recommend a monthly or bi-monthly deep clean, especially if you cook often or have pets.
When to Call in the Professionals?
If you’ve done all this and still see roaches—especially baby roaches or egg cases—it’s time to call in a professional exterminator. That’s a sign of an active nest and a growing colony.

Clean Kitchen, Peace of Mind.
Getting rid of roaches in the kitchen is a team effort: cleaning, sealing, treating, and maintaining. While you can start with DIY solutions, the best defense is a consistently clean kitchen, regular maintenance, and knowing when to bring in expert help.
If you need help keeping your kitchen spotless—or preparing for a pest control treatment—Polanco’s House Cleaning Services OC is here for you. We’ve been helping homeowners across Orange County for over a decade with professional, reliable, and thorough home cleanings. Check the information about our "Deep Cleaning Service" in the next page: https://www.polancoshousecleaningservicesoc.com/deep-cleaning-service
Remember. If you have a Roaches problem, please communicate it to us. Like with all our customers we will need first to inspect your place and be sure that our service is suitable for the situation.
If you want us to contact you, please fill up our booking form:

Here are the sites where you can find more information about how to deal with Roaches (and we use them to create our blog post article).
Support Sources:
Orking - Pest Control Company in California
Better Home & Gardens - News and information for Home care
PestWorld.Org - Website of the National Pest Management Association
Site: Pestworld.org
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