This Festive Season, Don’t Just Clean — Protect Your Health by Eliminating Cockroaches the Right Way

You may not see them often, but they’re there — hiding behind kitchen cabinets, under the sink, or crawling out at night. Cockroaches are more than just unsightly pests; they are silent carriers of disease and potential threats to your family's health. In a hurry to get rid of them, we often end up doing more harm than good. But here’s the catch is that the wrong way to kill a cockroach can be more harmful than the pest itself.

Scientific studies show they can transmit harmful pathogens like E. coli, Salmonella, and Staphylococcus aureus. When we squash them, especially with bare hands, feet, or household tools, we risk spreading these bacteria across floors and walls. The visible cockroaches we kill are only the tip of the infestation. The hidden colonies and eggs remain untouched and repopulate in days.

To deal with them, some people end up using unregulated cheap products leading to allergic reactions and health problems. Others rely on alternatives like incense sticks marketed as cockroach or pest repellents but far from safe. Studies have revealed that such incense sticks release harmful carcinogenic substances. In small or poorly ventilated homes, this smoke can pose serious health risks, especially for children and the elderly.

Cockroach-killing chalks have long been touted as a simple solution, but they tend to be ineffective against roaches. Their use requires drawing lines across multiple surfaces, creating visible marks that are messy and unhygienic. Chalk sticks can easily break during application, and the powdery residue often come in contact with hands, increasing the risk of accidental transfer to food preparation areas.

Then there are the widely used home remedies like lemon, bay leaves, and kerosene-soaked cotton balls. While these might smell strong, there’s little scientific evidence proving these methods are truly effective. In fact, using such fixes can sometimes cause pests to retreat deeper into hidden corners of the home.

The Smarter, Safer Solution

The most effective, hygienic, and medically sound solutions are also the least flashy. Gel baits are widely regarded as the most effective, hygienic, and sustainable solution. Backed by science, these gels contain active ingredients like Fipronil that go beyond visible pests. A 2020 report in the International Journal of Pest Management found that gel baits led to a 95% reduction in infestations within just two weeks of application. On consumption of the gel, cockroaches go back to their nest and die, resulting in the elimination of other cockroaches that get in contact with them. Ultimately, wiping out nests from within. Hit Anti Roach Gel is a one such well-regarded, DIY pest-control gel formulation, particularly effective when used as directed—placing tiny gel dots in dry, crawl-prone areas. Applied discreetly behind appliances, under sinks, or in cracks and crevices, they offer long-term protection without the danger of traditional methods. Gel baits usually have a long-lasting effect, ensuring there are no cockroaches in the house for up to 45 days.

For more severe infestations, professional pest control services using Integrated Pest Management (IPM) practices are highly recommended. Endorsed by bodies like the World Health Organization and India’s Central Insecticides Board, IPM combines sanitation, environmental modifications, and responsible pesticide use. This science-led approach targets pest behavior and lifecycle rather than just spraying everything in sight.

Over-the-counter sprays offer a quick fix for eliminating visible cockroaches, knocking them down on contact. This is effective for immediate relief and should be followed as regular practice. Dustbin, near the gas cylinder, kitchen sink, cabinets and under the fridge are some of the places where cockroaches generally hide. Spray it on these places and keep cockroaches at bay. 

Ultimately, how we deal with cockroaches reflects how well we understand our home environment. Instead of turning to unsafe, unscientific methods, we need to embrace informed, effective strategies. True pest control isn’t just about eliminating cockroaches, it’s about doing it right, for the right reasons. So, the next time you spot a cockroach, pause. Because killing one the wrong way might just be making your home more toxic than the pest itself.

By Dr Mukesh Sanklecha, Consultant Paediatrician, Bombay Hospital Institute of Medical Sciences