Will Bed Bug Spray Kill Roaches? Quick Tips

by Derrick | Last Updated: December 19, 2020

Few things are trickier to get rid of than cockroaches. These unpleasant pests get into everything and everywhere, multiply quickly, and know just how to survive anywhere, but even as pesky and persistent as their block sucking cousins, bed bugs are, sprays are still effective against them. So, can bed bug sprays kill roaches?

Depending on the product’s ingredients, bed bug spray may be able to kill roaches. However, they are specially formulated to kill bed bugs, fleas, and other small pests. Most brands have roach-control sprays designed for that purpose if you want to fight a roach infestation with pesticides.  

This article will consider a few bed bug spray products and determine if they can help a roach infestation. You’ll also learn how to use a bed bug spray against cockroaches and the best approaches to get rid of them permanently.

Will Raid Bed Bug Spray Kill Roaches?

Raid is a popular brand of insecticides. This brand has dedicated years to the study of different and better means of exterminating household pests. The Raid brand has different types of spray for different kinds of insects.

The Raid Bed Bug Spray is a combination of powerful and scientifically formulated chemicals that attack the CNS (central nervous system) of bed bugs, ticks, fleas, and other insects. All insects that this spray would affect are in a similar taxon, of which the cockroach finds itself.

The chemicals pyrethrins and piperonyl butoxide are one of the major ingredients of the Raid Bed Bug Spray. According to Raid, this chemical comes at a quantity of 0.25% in its bed bug sprays, clearly proving the idea that a Raid bed bug spray will affect roaches.

Raid Bed Bug Spray contains 1.01% of piperonyl butoxide. In combination with pyrethrin, this chemical can kill cockroaches and other insects when sprayed directly at them.

However, it may not be effective to kill a roach’s eggs. The egg’s shell (ootheca) protects the eggs inside and prevents the chemicals from getting in.

In summary, Raid Bed Bug Spray can kill roaches when sprayed directly at them. However, to fight and eliminate a large cockroach infestation, this product is not your best option. Consider other products from the Raid brand, such as the Raid Ant & Roach Killer.

Will Hot Shot Bed Bug Spray Kill Roaches?

Hot Shot is another popular brand of insecticide and pesticides. The brand has a specific line of products formulated specially to kill roaches. Hot Shot Bed Bug Spray is mainly designed to fight bed bugs and flea infestations. Apart from pyrethrin, it also contains imiprothrin and lambda-cyhalothrin to kill these pests on contact.

Because of the presence of pyrethrins, Hot Shot Bed Bug Spray may help in killing roaches. However, it must be sprayed directly on the roaches for it to work, and once it has dried on the applied surface, it loses its killing power.

Another active ingredient in this product is permethrin, an approved ingredient under the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) for insecticides in the United States. These two chemicals have proven to have a strong effect on a wide range of pests, including cockroaches. 

So, based on this evidence, Hot Shot Bed Bug Spray, even though it is formulated for bed bugs, may be able to kill cockroaches. However, just like Raid bed bug spray, Hot Shot bed bug spray is not recommended if you’re dealing with a large roach infestation. It will also not affect ootheca-protected roach eggs.

Hot Shot has a line of products specially designed for fighting roaches. These products include the Hot Shot Ant & Roach Killer and the Hot Shot Ant, Roach & Spider Killer.

How to Use Bed Bug Spray on Cockroaches

Bed bug spray comes in various types and formulations. The most widely used way is as an aerosol spray, which allows you to spray on the visible pests. The aerosol spray could also be sprayed throughout the house, creating a mist or cloud of fume.

The most and only effective way to kill roaches with bed bug spray is to spray it directly on them. Without any contact with the roach or roaches in question, the bed bug spray will not work.

To make bed bug spray more effective for roaches, use it in combination with a roach bait. A roach bait trap allows you to lure these pests and trap them in the glue. With the roaches trapped, you can apply the spray on them directly. If you can’t use a roach bait, seal up the room. Spray the product directly into cracks and crevices where roaches may hide.

You may need to apply the spray one or two more times to rid your home of more cockroaches. Be sure to protect any kitchen utensils, cups, spoons, and other related items when using the spray. Also, all left-overs and exposed foods should be covered properly. 

When using bed bug sprays or any other insecticides, keep your children and pets out of the area. If your pet ingests or comes in contact with it, see a vet immediately. 

Other Ways to Get Rid of Roaches

As mentioned earlier, bed bug sprays are not the most effective when dealing with a roach infestation. Even the specially formulated roach-control sprays are not the best way to deal with roaches as these pests can develop resistance to the products. 

With that in mind, here are some methods you can also use to fight roaches:

• Boric Acid: Boric acid is an easy-to-prepare yet effective way to eliminate cockroaches. If you want to go this route, mix three teaspoons of boric acid, three teaspoons of flour, and three teaspoons of sugar and add water to make a dough. Boric acid is also available commercially as a formulated roach killer. Place the mixture behind the stove, under your refrigerator, and other areas where you suspect high roach traffic.

• Roach Bait: Roach bait are chemicals that disguise as food. Roaches ingest and carry these baits to their nests, causing death to a large part of their population. Roaches also eat dead roaches, which translates to more deaths in their colony. Roach bait is poisonous to pets and children, so ensure you keep it out of their reach.

• Roach Traps: Roach traps are made of sticky substances that trap any roach that comes in contact with them. With this method, it may take up to 2 weeks before you see results. Also, it is not effective for large roach infestations.

• Liquid Concentrates: You can get these products from the store. To apply it, you’ll need to dilute it and spray it into cracks, crevices, and other roach hiding spots. You can also use liquid concentrates on mopping the floor and clean counters and drawers.

• Professional Exterminator: If you’re dealing with a massive roach infestation, you may need to hire a professional exterminator to eliminate these pests.

How to Prevent Roaches From Getting Into Your Home

After ridding your home of roaches, it’s best to prevent them from breaking into your home again to avoid another infestation. Here are some tips to keep in mind:

• Seal up cracks and crevices and other roach entry points.
• Always keep your home clean. Wipe or vacuum any food crumbs on the floor or countertop and properly preserve any leftovers.
• Take out the trash regularly. Use a garbage bin with a tight-fitting lid.
• Clean your cabinets and appliances regularly.
• Break down and recycle old papers and empty boxes.

Final Words

Depending on the ingredients of the product, bed bug spray may be used to fight cockroaches. However, you have to spray them directly for it to be effective. Also, bed bug spray or roach-control pesticide is best used with a roach trap, which attracts roaches and traps them.

To eliminate a large population of cockroaches, use roach bait instead. Boric acid and liquid concentrates are also effective when fighting roaches. If the infestation is too big and you can’t deal with it, look for a professional exterminator.