10 Best Roach Killers at Home Depot in 2023 – Reviews & Top Picks

Home Depot stocks nearly everything you need for home DIY—including DIY pest control. Bugs are typically considered to be something you just have to deal with in your home (occasionally, at least). However, many overlook just how destructive bugs can be. On top of ruining insulation and walls, bugs also carry diseases, and this includes roaches.

Therefore, while you likely won’t want to live with bugs, to begin with, getting rid of the roaches is vital for your home’s well-being too. No one wants to get sick from the bugs in their home. This is dangerous for adults and children alike.

Luckily, you can pick up many roach killers at Home Depot. We’ll review 10 of the best options they carry, as they currently have about 100 different products on their website.

A Quick Comparison of Our Winners (2023)

The 10 Best Overall Roach Killers at Home Depot

1. Harris Roach Killer – Best Overall

You can safely kill roaches for up to 12 months with Harris Roach Killer. It begins working right away and continues to work for 12 months. It is specifically designed to kill German cockroaches, so you should double-check the species in your home first. While it may affect other species, it works best on German cockroaches.

Despite being designed for a single type of bug, this spray also works on ants, spiders, water bugs, ants, fleas, ticks, and crickets. In fact, it is so powerful that it will destroy most types of bugs out there. (Of course, this can be both a blessing and a curse.)

A sprayer is included for easy application. This spray is also safe enough to be used indoors and outdoors. It is odorless to humans and does not stain, so you can use it practically anywhere.

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2. Combat Source Kill Max – Best Value

Combat Source Kill Max may not seem like a lot, but it is one of the best roach killing options Home Depot carries. A very small amount of this gel is all you need, which is why it comes in a small syringe. It attracts roaches by containing both food and water. Due to this attraction, the roaches eat it.

However, this gel also contains fipronil, which is a fast-acting, roach-killing ingredient. This ingredient starts working as soon as the roach eats or touches the gel. Roaches may also carry it back to the nest, where it will destroy all the roaches present there.

You place this gel throughout your home in small amounts. Placement is extremely important for this gel’s effectiveness. If you place it in the wrong spot, it may not work. The cockroaches need to have direct contact with the gel for it to work. Therefore, you need to place it in cracks and crevices that cockroaches regularly walk through.

This gel is quite inexpensive—nearly half the price of other cockroach-killing options out there. Therefore, it is easily the best roach killer at Home Depot for the money.

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3. Hot Shot Liquid Roach Bait – Premium Choice

You can use Hot Shot Liquid Roach Bait as a fixed station to successfully kill roaches. This works well if you expect roaches to be entering from one area or if they always seem to be in the same area. This bait is liquid, which means that roaches typically mistake it for water. Roaches can only live a week without water, which makes this bait more effective.

The liquid in this bait is extremely fast-acting and kills roaches quickly. It works on insects of all sizes and also kills eggs that the roaches carry.

These bait stations last for 3 months, maximum. However, if the station empties beforehand, you will need to replace it sooner.

Because of how this station works, you’ll likely need multiple stations for your home. Luckily, these stations aren’t expensive, but they can add up over time. Simply place these stations on a flat surface in any area where roaches are spotted.

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4. Raid Ready-to-Use Ant and Roach Killer Outdoor

The Raid Ready-to-Use Ant and Roach Killer Outdoor are specifically designed to kill both roaches and ants on contact. It leaves a residue on the surface that may continue killing insects for up to a month after application. However, the spray can wear off considerably before that point, as well. To use, simply apply this spray to the surface where you regularly find these bugs.

While this spray is designed specifically for ants and roaches, it can be used for a variety of other insects, too. For instance, it also works against scorpions, house spiders, and silverfish.

We like that this spray doesn’t leave a chemical odor or discolor anything. After spraying it, you likely will not realize that it is there.

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5. Roach Away Powder Boric Acid

Unlike most options on this list, Roach Away Powder Boric Acid includes boric acid, which is toxic to cockroaches. Using the applicator tip, you place this paste wherever you expect roaches to be. Whenever the cockroaches eat it or walk over it, the acid starts to work.

While it is specifically designed for cockroaches, you may also use it for water bugs and silverfish. It will kill just about any insect that walks over it. This chemical control is basically only boric acid, so it only works on insects that are sensitive to this acid.

Like most, it is odorless and doesn’t stain. For this reason, you can use it anywhere and likely won’t be able to notice that you’ve applied it.

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6. Harris Famous Roach Tablets

Harris is an excellent brand that typically does a good job of killing roaches. The Harris Famous Roach Tablets are decently effective against roaches and other types of pests. For instance, they also kill water bugs and silverfish. With 40% boric acid, they kill quickly and efficiently. However, each tablet also includes additional ingredients to lure insects.

Placing the tablets down is easy and effective. It only takes a couple of seconds to place a tablet down, making it a very fast and easy solution. Each tablet is completely odorless without a chemical-like smell and they will also not stain most surfaces.

The main problem with this solution is that it isn’t long-lasting. As soon as the tablets are gone, they need to be replaced. Also, they need to be used in a hidden, out-of-the-way area, as you don’t want human activity to knock the tablets around. (Plus, they also look like candy, which can be a problem for homes with children.)

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7. PIC Roach Control Gel Syringe

Compared to other options, PIC Roach Control Gel Syringe is a traditional way to deal with roaches and other bugs. It can eliminate ant, roach, and other insect infestations quickly and efficiently. It comes in a syringe, allowing you to easily and efficiently apply the liquid to cracks, crevices, and other hiding places. You should apply the gel in any area where roaches are common, including in areas with moisture.

This gel is effective for about 60 days. You will likely need to reapply the gel every 2–3 months, as the gel tends to wear off after that. This is less longevity than most other gels out there, which is one reason this pest control formula is lower on the list.

You can use this gel inside and outside your home. It also works in food areas as long as cross-contamination is not probable. This gel is not people- or pet-safe. Therefore, you’ll have to be cautious about who comes into contact with it.

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8. Hot Shot MaxAttrax Roach Killing Powder

Like most pest control options on this list, the Hot Shot MaxAttrax Roach Killing Powder kills a range of different insects, including cockroaches, ants, and silverfish. While it is primarily designed to kill roaches, this killing powder efficiently kills other insects, as well.

The applicator makes this formula very easy to use. You simply apply the powder anywhere that cockroaches and other insects may crawl. Primarily, you want to focus the powder on places that roaches frequent, such as behind appliances, in closets, and the bathroom. Where you apply the powder has a direct effect on how well it works.

The powder is visible and whenever you notice the powder has moved or been removed, you will need to reapply. The formula is completely odorless, though, so it won’t upset a human’s sense of smell.

This formula also comes with a money-back guarantee if you aren’t happy with the product.

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9. Hot Shot Roach, Ant, & Spider Killer

The Hot Shot Roach, Ant, & Spider Killer is wildly effective at killing a small number of insects. It is also quite inexpensive, which is one reason it is so popular. It works for up to 3 months after you spray it in an area. This formula has a floral scent, which is purely there to make it smell good to people. Many did report that this artificial scent is a bit overpowering, but it does fade pretty quickly.

Use this spray both indoors and outdoors to destroy pests wherever they appear. When used indoors, we recommend only treating places where bugs have been seen. You don’t want to spray your whole house down with this formula, after all. It does not leave an oily residue.

While this formula does work on most insects listed, it does not work on harvester ants or some other common pests. Therefore, we recommend looking elsewhere if you have a problem with these bugs as well.

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10. Ecovenger Roach Killer and Repellent

We wanted to love Ecovenger Roach Killer and Repellent since it is a completely natural formula. It is not an insecticide, which means that it is completely safe for people and pets alike. Instead, it contains botanical ingredients that kill roaches and deter them from entering an area. Its unique ingredients only target insects, which is why it is completely safe for people and pets.

This formula does seem to kill insects right after it has been sprayed. However, it does not work well as a deterrent. Therefore, you have to spray it often or spray it directly on any roaches you see (which is likely to only be a fraction of the roaches that are there).

We love that there is no reason to leave the area when using this formula. You also don’t have to be as careful with children and pets as other formulas. However, this formula simply doesn’t work as well as some other options out there.

Buyer’s Guide: How to Pick the Best Roach Killers at Home Depot

It can be challenging to select a quality roach killer. On the shelf, many of them look the same, making it hard to know which one to choose. Luckily, it only takes a bit of background knowledge to understand how these insecticides work, which can help you choose which option will work best in your home.

Based on that, let’s take a look at some basic information to help you choose which insecticide to use. Sometimes, multiple insecticides are the best option, as they each perform separate functions. After reading this information, you’ll be equipped to deal with just about any infestation.

Types of Roach Killers

Roach Bait

These bait stations are a very common method of killing roaches. The tablets inside the bait box attract the roaches to the bait. Then, the poisoning is slightly delayed so that the roaches don’t die while inside the bait station. Cockroaches usually also excrete the poison in their waste. Therefore, they can poison other cockroaches if they make it back to the nest.

With that said, these stations don’t work well outdoors, as they can be washed away. Furthermore, you will want to keep these bait stations away from children and pets. Often, there is quite a bit of poison inside, which can be a problem if your child decides to play with the station.

Right after using the station, you may notice an increase in roaches. These stations attract roaches, so any that are just outside your home may come to visit. However, this diminishes over time.

Roach Sprays

Roach sprays are another very effective option. Usually, these sprays are used to kill roaches that are directly in front of you. They’re fast-acting and designed to kill what you can see. Some others provide some preventative protection, though this usually isn’t much.

Usually, these sprays only work if the roach has direct contact with the spray, so they usually don’t do much to help with the infestation, but they can be useful to have on hand if you see any roaches.

Roach Powders

Roach powders typically contain boric acid, which is a light poison that can kill roaches when they come into contact with it. It does not work when wet and is not safe around pets or children. In fact, it is one of the more dangerous options out there.

Use this powder to create a barrier where roaches enter, assuming you don’t have kids or pets to worry about. It works well alongside garages and patios. You can also dust cracks in the floorboards or walls, where roaches may enter.

What is the Most Effective Option?

Out of all the options we’ve discussed, the most effective tends to be bait stations, assuming your goal is to kill a whole nest. These work over time and may need to be replaced a few times before you notice a decrease in roaches. However, they will kill all the roaches in your area without much work done on your part.

However, roaches can build up a tolerance to these bait stations so you may want to pair them with another option. Growth regulators are a great pair, as they prevent roaches from laying eggs. Still, you may want a spray or barrier powder to prevent roaches further.

With that said, you’ll also need to make some changes to your environment for these options to be successful. Usually, roaches come around because of readily accessible food and water. Therefore, you need to find their water and food source and destroy it. This may mean fixing leaking pipes or putting down mats on the floor to catch stray splashes (especially if you have children).

Should I Use Insecticides?

Honestly, it is best to avoid using insecticides where possible, especially those you come into direct contact with. Any insecticides you do spray need to be sprayed in an area that you, your pets, and your children do not frequent. For instance, spraying or using a powder behind your stove likely isn’t going to cause problems. However, using it across your front door will.

Insecticides can cause all sorts of issues for children and adults. Children are particularly susceptible to environmental chemicals, so they tend to have the worse problems. For instance, some can develop asthma and allergies to poisons. (With that said, cockroaches can cause similar problems, so it is a lose-lose situation.)

For those who already have allergies, spray insecticides can cause flare-ups as some of the poison inevitably will end up in the air. Use protective gear while applying them, especially if you are susceptible.

People can and have been poisoned by insecticides. Usually, these poisonings are the result of coming into direct contact with professional-grade insecticides. Children are most common, as they tend to stick things in their mouths and have smaller body weight.

Roach bait is typically the least likely insecticide to cause problems since you do not come into direct contact with the poison. However, cockroaches can excrete the poison through their feces, so it may not be suitable for extreme infestations.

Conclusion

There are tons of insecticides at Home Depot that all claim to kill roaches quickly and efficiently. However, not all of them live up to their claims.

We found that Harris Roach Killer is by far the best option. It works for up to 12-months both indoors and outdoors. Plus, it also handles a range of different insects. In most cases, you’ll want this in your arsenal against cockroaches.

For those on a budget, we recommend Combat Source Kill Max, especially if you know the roaches’ entry point. This gel quickly kills all roaches that come into contact with it. It works great as a barrier against more roaches entering your home.

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Featured Image Credit: RHJPhtotoandilustration, Shutterstock