If you’ve ever walked into your kitchen at night and spotted a roach sprinting across the floor, you know how frustrating these pests can be.
I’ve tried almost every method out there: sprays, boric acid, gel baits, you name it. But when it comes to monitoring and reducing roach populations, nothing beats a good old-fashioned roach trap.
The best part about traps is that they’re easy to use, safe around pets and kids (when placed properly), and let you see exactly how bad your infestation really is.
How Roach Traps Work
Roach traps aren’t a “kill the whole colony” solution like gel baits, but they’re incredibly useful for a couple of reasons:
- Sticky glue boards – These attract roaches with food scents and trap them when they crawl in.
- Baited designs – Some traps use small amounts of attractant gel or pheromones to lure them inside.
- Monitoring tool – Traps help you figure out where the highest roach activity is in your home so you know where to focus other treatments.
Best Roach Traps That Really Work
Here are some solid trap options you can grab online:
- Catchmaster 72MAX Pest Trap – These are simple glue traps, but don’t underestimate them. They come in packs and can be folded into a tent shape, which keeps dust and pets out. I like using them behind appliances because they’re low-profile and easy to replace.
- Black Flag Roach Motel Insect Trap – The name is famous for a reason. These traps lure roaches inside with a scent they can’t resist, and once they’re in, they’re stuck for good. They’re small, discreet, and you just toss them when they’re full, super convenient.
- Terro T500 Multi-Catch Roach Traps – These traps come pre-baited, which saves time. I find them great for putting in cabinets because they’re flat and don’t take up much space. Plus, Terro is a trusted brand in the pest control world.
(Tip: Always set out multiple traps at once. It gives you a better shot at catching roaches and tells you which areas of your home are most infested.)
Where to Place Roach Traps
From experience, location is everything. Here’s where traps usually work best:
- Under the kitchen sink
- Behind the fridge or stove
- Inside cabinets (especially where food is stored)
- Along baseboards in dark corners
- Near garbage bins
I usually set several traps at once, because if you only put out one or two, you might not get the full picture of how many roaches you’re dealing with.
Extra Tips for Using Roach Traps Effectively
- Don’t rely on traps alone; they’re best when paired with gel baits or boric acid.
- Replace traps every few weeks or when they’re full.
- Use traps as an early warning system; if you see roaches in the traps after weeks of no activity, it might mean a new infestation is starting.
FAQs About Roach Traps
Do roach traps actually kill roaches?
Yes, but only the ones that get caught. They won’t wipe out the entire nest like gel baits or boric acid.
Are roach traps safe around pets and kids?
Most sticky traps are safe, but always place them in hidden spots where little hands and paws can’t reach.
How many roach traps should I use?
I’d recommend at least 4–6 traps in different hotspots for the best results.
Can I reuse roach traps?
No, once they’re full or dusty, it’s best to throw them out and replace them with fresh ones.
Final Thoughts
Roach traps are one of the easiest ways to get a handle on your infestation and figure out where the roaches are hiding. While they won’t eliminate the colony on their own, they’re an excellent support tool when combined with gel baits, boric acid, or diatomaceous earth.
Personally, I’d start with Catchmaster 72MAX Traps because they’re affordable, versatile, and effective for all kinds of crawling pests, not just roaches.