7 Best Roach Bombs And Foggers in 2023

Any way you look at them, roaches are a problem. Not only do they startle folks when they flip on the light switch at night, they’re also linked to health issues. They carry salmonella and other bacteria, and their presence has been linked to asthma. They also leave behind yellow smears, egg sacks, and an unpleasant odor.

Luckily, there are treatments that can help homeowners and apartment dwellers get rid of a cockroach infestation. One of those options is choosing one of the best roach bombs to handle the problem. This guide will highlight some of the top roach bombs and foggers on the market.

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7 Best Roach Bombs and Foggers in 2023

• Best Overall: Raid Concentrated Deep Reach Fogger
• Best Value: Raid Concentrated Deep Reach Fogger 9-pack
• Best Upgrade: ProControl Plus Total Release Fogger Bomb (12-pack)
• Best No Odor: Hot Shot Indoor Fogger with Odor Neutralizer
• Best No Mess: Hot Shot No Mess Fogger with Odor Neutralizer
• Best Coverage: Raid Max Dry Fogger
• Also Consider: Bengal Concentrated Roach and Flea Killer

The Best Roach Bombs and Foggers

The following are some of the best roach bombs on the market. Be sure to compare each product before deciding on which to purchase to handle your cockroach problem and other pests.

Best Overall: Raid Concentrated Deep Reach Fogger

Active Ingredient: Cypermethrin
Residual Effect: 2 months
Species: Small roaches, large roaches, ants, crickets, earwigs, fleas, mosquitoes, spiders, ticks, black carpet beetles, houseflies, saw-toothed grain beetles, small flying moths, waterbugs, pillbugs, rice weevils, Palmetto bugs

Raid’s Concentrated Fogger takes the top spot on our list of the best roach bombs. This pack contains three cans of fogger, and each can treats up to 625 square feet, allowing this pack to cover most small- to medium-sized homes.

Raid Concentrated Deep Reach Fogger features Cypermethrin. This powerful insecticide immediately attacks the cockroach’s central nervous systems, killing them quickly. It’s also effective at killing a wide range of common pests, including spiders, ticks, rice weevils, moths, and more. The special formula won’t leave a messy residue as it penetrates deeply into cracks and crevices, and it will continue working for up to two months. Users will have to leave the house for 4 hours before re-entering the home, which is one of the longest waiting times for these cockroach foggers.

Pros:

• Contains cypermethrin to provide instant knock-down for roaches and many other pests
• Each can covers up to 625 square feet, so this 3-pack is enough for most small- to medium-sized homes
• Deep reach fogger ensures it reaches into spaces where roaches hide

Cons:

• Does require the user to leave the home for 4 hours

Best Value: Raid Concentrated Deep Reach Fogger 9-pack

Active Ingredient: Cypermethrin
Residual Timeframe: 2 months
Species: Small roaches, large roaches, ants, crickets, earwigs, fleas, mosquitoes, spiders, ticks, black carpet beetles, houseflies, saw-toothed grain beetles, small flying moths, waterbugs, pillbugs, rice weevils, Palmetto bugs

When it comes to affordable bug bombs, look no further than a 9-pack of our favorite overall roach fogger. This kit comes with 9 cans, each of which can handle up to 625 square feet.

This kit of 9 cans contains the same cypermethrin-based formula as our overall pick. It kills roaches quickly by attacking their central nervous systems, and it has a two-month residual effect. It won’t leave a messy residue but it does require 4 hours as it kills roaches and other bugs, however.

Pros:

• Features 9 cans rather than the basic pack of 3 cans, providing plenty of coverage
• Contains cypermethrin to quickly attack the central nervous systems of roaches and other insects
• It won’t leave a wet residue or mess after total discharge

Cons:

• It does require 4 hours for killing pests like roaches and other bugs

Best Upgrade: ProControl Plus Total Release Fogger Bomb (12-pack)

Active Ingredient: Pyrethrins
Residual Timeframe: Unknown
Species: Roaches, crickets, earwigs, fleas, flies, gnats, hornets, mosquitoes, roaches, silverfish, small flying moths, spiders, ticks, wasps, and yellowjackets

Pro Control Plus Total Release is a powerful roach fogger, and it’s available in a multi-pack that certainly makes it worth the upgrade. This product contains pyrethrins, which are derived from the chrysanthemum plant. This insecticide quickly agitates, repels, and kills roaches. It also has a residual killing and repelling effect, but the duration isn’t listed.

Pro Control Plus cans cover up to 625 square feet each. It’s approved for use in areas where food prep is not a concern, so it cannot be used in kitchens or pantries. It’s effective against a wide range of bugs beyond just roaches, as well.

Pros:

• Contains pyrethrins derived from the chrysanthemum plant for quickly (and residually) killing pests
• Works against a wide range of pests, including those like wasps and yellowjackets that other foggers don’t target
• 12-pack of cans (each capable of covering 625 feet) is ideal for large homes, landlords, and other folks battling roach infestations

Cons:

• Residual effect timeframe not listed

Best No Odor: Hot Shot Indoor Fogger with Odor Neutralizer

Active Ingredient: Cypermethrin and Tetramethrin
Residual Timeframe: Unlisted
Species: Roaches, Saw Toothed Grain Beetles, Silverfish, Ants (except Fire Ants), Black Carpet Beetles, Brown Dog Ticks, Crickets, Earwigs, Firebrats, Fleas, Flies, Gnats, Houseflies, Mosquitoes, Palmetto Bugs, Pillbugs, Rice Weevils, Small Flying Moths, Spiders, and Waterbugs

Folks looking to take care of their roach problem quickly should check out Hot Shot Indoor Fogger with Odor Neutralizer. Each can of Hot Shot fogger covers up to 2,000 cubic feet, making this kit of 3 cans more than enough for small- to medium-sized homes. Unfortunately, Hot Shot doesn’t list how long it lasts.

This roach fogger formula contains both cypermethrin and tetramethrin (a potent synthetic insecticide), attacking cockroaches immediately (it works within two hours). Hot Shot fogger is effective against a wide range of household pests, including roaches, firebrats, silverfish, spiders, and pillbugs. It won’t leave a messy residue or stain, and it contains an odor-neutralizer for a fresh scent—a scent roaches hate.

Pros:

• Each can covers up to 2,000 square feet so one 3-pack can handle most large homes without a problem
• Contains both cypermethrin and tetramethrin, making it extremely effective against most pests than just roaches
• Kills roaches and other pests within two hours of application, though users should still follow this cockroach fogger manufacturer’s instructions

Cons:

• No data on how long the residual effect lasts

Best No Mess: Hot Shot No Mess Fogger with Odor Neutralizer

Active Ingredient: Cypermethrin and tetramethrin
Residual Timeframe: Unknown
Species: Roaches, carpenter ants, spiders, brown dog ticks, waterbugs, mosquitoes, gnats, houseflies, firebrats, crickets, and fleas

Homeowners and apartment dwellers that want to ensure there isn’t a mess to clean up after fogging should check out Hot Shot No Mess Fogger with Odor Neutralizer. This set of three roach foggers can cover up to 2,000 cubic feet total, and contains a dry fog formula that doesn’t stain or leave an oily residue or odor behind. It’s also safe to leave pilot lights lit, which some products might require shutting off.

This roach fogger contains cypermethrin and tetramethrin to quickly attack a roach’s central nervous system. It’s effective within the first two hours after application, making it faster than many other foggers. Unfortunately, this Hot Shot fogger doesn’t have its residual effect timeframe listed, so it’s hard to say how long it will protect.

Pros:

• Contains cypermethrin and tetramethrin to quickly attack roaches’ central nervous systems
• Dry fog formula won’t create a mess, leave an oily residue, or leave a noticeable odor behind
• One kit can cover up to 2,000 cubic feet of space

Cons:

• Residual effectiveness is not available

Best Coverage: Raid Max Dry Fogger

Active Ingredient: Etofenprox
Residual Timeframe: Unknown
Species: Roaches, ants, palmetto bugs, ants, Asian lady beetles, box elder bugs, carpet beetles, crickets, earwigs, flies, mosquitoes, silverfish, stink bugs, waterbugs, brown dog ticks

With each can in this three-pack of roach bombs delivering up to 2,560 cubic feet of coverage, Raid Max’s No Mess Dry Fogger provides more coverage (around 25%, in fact) than other products.

Raid Max Dry Fogger contains etofenprox, which is effective against roaches and a whole different set of insects as cypermethrin, tetramethrin, and others. It can kill roaches, stink bugs, box elder bugs, and more. Each can has a delayed fogging action, allowing users to exit the room safely. Otherwise, it takes 4 hours before the user can walk back into the room, which is longer than most other foggers.

Pros:

• Each can covers up to 25% more than most other roach foggers
• Effective against different insects than most other roach foggers
• Offers a delayed fogging action to allow users to clear the room before the insecticide disperses

Cons:

• Unknown residual time
• Users have to wait 4 hours before re-entering the room

Also Consider: Bengal Concentrated Roach and Flea Killer

Active Ingredient: Permethrin
Residual Timeframe: Unknown
Species: Roaches, fleas, pre-adult fleas, ticks, ants, spiders, lice, dust mites, mosquitoes, flies, gnats, silverfish, crickets, clothes moths, granary weevils, scorpions, centipedes, waterbugs, whiteflies, wasps, hornets, and bees

Bengal’s Concentrated Roach and Flea Killer has what it takes to decimate roach populations. This roach bomb kit comes with 3 concentrated fogger cans, each of which can handle up to 2,000 cubic feet. The formula can penetrate deeply to drive insects out of where they hide and kill them.

Bengal’s roach bombs contain permethrin, a powerful synthetic insecticide that’s effective against a wide range of bugs, from a roach to a centipede to a weevil. It takes just two hours to be effective and then requires 2 more hours of air-out for safe use. It does require pilot lights to be shut off, however, and it’s not available in every state which is one of the main reasons it wasn’t higher on our best roach fogger round-up.

Pros:

• Formula contains permethrin which is effective against a different range of bugs than basic cypermethrin
• Indoor fogger cans cover up to 2,000 square feet per unit, driving roaches from their hiding spots and killing them

Cons:

• Does require users to shut off their pilot lights
• Isn’t available in every state

What To Know About Roach Bombs

When it comes to getting rid of roaches and other common household insects, a bug bomb might be the way to go. However, there are a few things to know about setting off roach foggers in your home. The following sections will help.

What is a Roach Bomb and How Does It Work?

Roach bombs are pesticides packaged in aerosol cans that are designed specifically for killing roaches. The user sets the can up in a space within the home, activates the can, and leaves the home. Roach foggers work by filling the home with poisonous gas that penetrates cracks and crevices throughout the home where roaches hide.

After a few hours, the user can return home, open their windows, and allow the home to air out. In many cases, this one treatment may be enough to kill cockroaches and cockroach eggs, solving the problem altogether. However, users may choose to follow up with subsequent bombs or other pest control methods like gel baits, cockroach bait stations, and sticky traps.

Because a cockroach bomb empties its entire contents and cannot be reused, the pest control industry may refer to them as total release foggers. They might also be known as a deep-reach fogger.

Roach Fogger Active Ingredient

The main active ingredient in most bug bombs is either cypermethrin or permethrin. Both of these pesticides are synthetic and designed to kill cockroaches quickly and effectively. The fine mist the bug bombs create carries these pesticides through the air and into spaces where insects hide, killing roaches and other insect pests that come in contact with it.

Other potential insecticide ingredients include etofenprox and tetramethrin, both of which are effective at killing other pests than cypermethrin or permethrin.

And, when the fog settles, it leaves a residue that can kill roaches for up to two months after. This can be effective against American cockroaches, palmetto bugs, oriental cockroaches, and other roaches. German cockroaches can be very difficult to get rid of. If German roaches are the problem, it’s best to call a pest control company right away.

Other Species Targeted by Roach Foggers

Cockroach foggers containing cypermethrin and permethrin effectively kill roaches but are also capable of killing other insect pests. These active ingredient chemicals are effective against common household pests like flying insects, crawling bugs, and more. This includes:

• Ants (carpenter ants, pharaoh ants, and more, but not usually fire ants)
• Black carpet beetles
• Crickets
• Earwigs
• Houseflies
• Saw-toothed grain beetles
• Moths
• Bed bugs (potentially)
• And more

Roach Bombs vs Roach Sprays

Roach bombs and roach sprays are totally different animals. Users set off roach bombs in the room and leave the space. The gas then fills the entire room and floats into spaces where roaches hide. They also leave an unnoticeable film behind that continues to prevent roaches for up to two months. They sometimes leave a messy residue around the can, so users should set newspapers down to minimize cleanup.

Cockroach sprays come in two variants: contact kill and residual sprays. Contact kill sprays kill roaches immediately, but they need to be sprayed directly onto the roach and areas where the roaches are hiding. Residual sprays can coat areas cockroaches are known to frequent and begin poisoning them (and other pests) over time.

In some cases, it’s best to use both cockroach foggers and sprays together. Bomb the space first, and then use a spray to prevent them from coming back or treat any areas where they might still be hiding.

How To Use Roach Bombs and Foggers

Here are some of the most important steps when it comes to using roach bombs and foggers for handling cockroach problems.

1. Bag Up Clothing and Fabrics

Before starting, bag up any clothing or fabrics. Bug bombs affect clothing, causing reactions for folks with sensitive skin or those sensitive to odors. Also pick up any pet toys, baby toys, and other similar items.

2. Remove Food

Cockroach foggers’ mists should not land on food sources. Remove any exposed food from the home for a few hours. If possible, provide a bit of extra protection by taping the refrigerator door shut, running tape around its perimeter.

3. Close Windows

Close all the windows in the home. The gas needs to stay in the home, not escape through an open window. Leave air conditioning vents and other areas where cockroaches can hide open, but close any openings that might allow gas out of the home.

4. Wear Protective Gloves and Mask

Before actually handling the bug bombs, put on a pair of protective gloves and a mask. These indoor fogger cans can spray and spurt a little at first, and if the user isn’t careful, they can end up with a wet residue on their hands.

5. Place Newspaper Down on Flat Surface

Place newspaper on a flat surface. This paper will catch any overspray or spurting that might occur when the gas is leaving the case.

6. Depress the Tabs on the Aerosol Cans

Use your thumb to firmly depress and snap the cans’ tabs. As soon as you do, the gas will begin to release from the can. Place the can down on the newspaper and leave the room.

7. Leave the Home

Take the dog for a long walk or take the kids out for ice cream and a movie. Give the space several hours for the fogger to eliminate roaches and become safe enough for humans.

8. Return After a Few Hours

Return home a few hours after the bug bomb was set off (following the manufacturer’s instructions). You may return to find a few cockroaches dead on the floor, as well as reduced cockroach populations.

9. Open Windows

Release any residual odors and vapors from the home by opening the windows. Allow the home to breathe a bit and clean any items that might’ve come in contact with the cockroach bombs’ spray.

Roach Bomb FAQs

Is a roach fogger dangerous to humans?

Potentially, yes. Humans should not come into contact with the spray or breathe it in. These chemicals can cause reactions like nausea, headaches, dizziness, and other potentially dangerous situations.

What is the strongest thing to kill roaches?

The strongest thing to kill roaches is the bottom of a boot. However, a plan to use a cockroach fogger, roach spray, gel baits, sticky traps, and other similar methods should help a homeowner control their cockroach problem.

Is there a bomb for killing cockroaches?

Yes, there are lots of bombs for killing cockroaches. This guide covered some of the best roach bomb options on the market, helping homeowners fight roach infestations.

What’s the best thing to get rid of roaches fast?

The best thing to get rid of roaches fast is to put together a plan of attack containing roach foggers, roach sprays, bait stations, and other pest control products. However, for German cockroaches, the best plan is to call a pest control company.

How long does it take to permanently get rid of roaches?

All told, it can take anywhere from 3 weeks to 6 months to get rid of roaches. Even the best roach fogger will struggle to attack eggs hidden in the wall. These eggs could potentially hatch and become a problem.

Is it better to bomb or spray for roaches?

The jury is out on which is better. Some folks believe that fogging only pushes roaches further into hiding, while others believe a combination of the two products kills roaches and other pesky insects the best.