Cockroaches are not just creepy pests — they are a true health risk. One roach may not seem like a big problem, but where there’s one, there are usually more hiding nearby.
They can soon become a full-blown infestation if you ignore them, making your home unsanitary and unhealthy.
I learned this the hard way. I used to see a couple of roaches in my kitchen and didn’t think much of it. A few weeks later, I began to smell a strange mustiness and found roach droppings near my fridge.
When I looked behind it, there was an entire nest — with roaches crawling in it! That’s how I discovered just how quickly these things can spread if you don’t act quickly.
Roach nests can be hidden in places you don’t often check—behind appliances, under sinks, inside cabinets, or even inside walls. The longer they stay hidden, the worse the infestation gets.
But don’t worry! In this guide, I will show you how to find and destroy a cockroach nest before it gets out of control.
Roach Nest Examples: How to Identify and Find Them
Locating a cockroach nest isn’t always simple, as roaches like locations that are dark and hidden. But there are some clear signs that can help you catch one before the infestation becomes too severe.
Egg Cases (Oothecae)
Roaches lay eggs in capsule-like cases that can hold multiple baby roaches.
Feces (Droppings)
Roach droppings appear as small black specks or coffee grounds. More droppings mean you’re getting closer to their hiding spot.
Musty Odor
A powerful, unpleasant smell tends to be a sign of a budding cockroach infestation.
Live Roaches Grouped Together
 If you see multiple roaches in the same spot, especially at night, that could be their nest.
Common Locations of Roach Nests
Cockroaches love warm, humid, and dark places, especially near food and water. Here are some of their favorite hiding spots:
1. Kitchen (The Most Common Nesting Area)
Behind the fridge: Roaches love the heat and moisture from the motor.
Under cabinets and sinks: These spots provide shelter and easy access to food.
Inside pantry corners: If food crumbs are left behind, roaches will nest there.
2. Bathroom
Under the sink: Leaky pipes create a humid environment that roaches love.
Behind the toilet: Warmth and moisture make this an ideal hiding place.
3. Basements & Garages
Dark corners near clutter: Roaches love to hide in boxes, old newspapers, and storage areas.
Near drains and pipes: Moisture attracts roaches, especially in unfinished basements.
How to Identify a Roach Nest & Choose the Right Treatment
Even if you see a cockroach in your home, it doesn’t necessarily mean you have a nest within reach. Sometimes, there are just a few roaches in search of food.
But if you constantly see them, especially during the day, that’s a huge warning sign. Roaches typically dwell in dark spots, so if they come out during the day, their hiding place is over crowded — which means there’s a nest nearby.
You may also see egg cases, evidence of roach droppings, which appear as small black specks, or a bad musty smell in a localized area.
If you suspect that roaches have settled into your home, there are a few easy ways to find out. Use a flashlight or other light source to shine under appliances, inside cabinets and behind furniture.
Roaches prefer not to be in bright light, so if they suddenly run away, you’ve likely found their hiding place. Another good way to monitor is by putting sticky traps around sinks, fridges, and baseboards.
If you trap multiple roaches overnight, the nest is close by. Also, keep an eye out for shed skins. Roaches shed their old shells as they grow, and if you spot lots of them in one place, it’s a good indicator that a nest is nearby.
Immediate Actions to Stop a Roach Infestation Fast
If you have found a roach nest, you must take immediate action before the infestation gets out of hand.
Roaches live by sourcing food, water, and shelter from their surroundings, so cutting off these essentials will drain their strength and drive them out. Here’s what you should do immediately:
Remove Food Sources
Roaches can live on even tiny crumbs, so deep cleaning is a must. Learn more about what food cockroaches eat.
Wipe down kitchen counters and the sweep floors to remove food particles.
Don’t leave your dirty dishes in the sink overnight.
Store food in sealed, airtight containers.
Take out the trash daily and keep the bin covered.
Keep pet food stored properly and avoid leaving it out overnight.
2. Eliminate Water Sources
Roaches need water more than food, so fixing leaks and drying wet areas will make it harder for them to survive.
Check for leaky pipes under sinks and near appliances.
Wipe sinks and counters dry before bedtime.
Avoid leaving wet sponges, dishcloths, or water bowls out overnight.
3. Clean and Declutter Their Hiding Spots
Roaches love dark, hidden areas, so clearing these out makes them easier to eliminate.
Vacuum and mop regularly to simply get rid of the food debris and roach droppings.
Clean under appliances, inside cabinets, and along baseboards.
Get rid of clutter like old newspapers, cardboard boxes, and piles of paper, which give roaches places to hide and breed.
Effective Ways to Eliminate a Roach Nest
Now that you’ve removed food, water, and shelter, it’s time to completely eliminate the nest. Different methods work better for different infestation sizes. Below are the most effective ways to get rid of a roach nest and prevent it from coming back.
Using Roach Baits
Syngenta Advion Cockroach Gel Bait
Features:
- Brand: Syngenta
- Active ingredients: Carboxylate
- Item Form: Gel
- Target Species: Insects
Roach baits are among the best methods to destroy an entire colony. These baits contain poison that roaches bring back to their nest, where it spreads to others. Read our complete review on Syngenta Advion cockroach gel bait.
How to use roach baits effectively:
- Place baits near the nest, under sinks, behind appliances, and along walls.
- Avoid spraying insecticide near baits—it can make them less effective.
- Be patient; baits work over several days to weeks as roaches spread the poison.
Spraying Targeted Areas (For Fast Knockdown)
Bayer Polyzone Suspend Insecticide
Features:
- Brand: Bayer
- Active Ingredients: Deltamethrin
- Item Form : Oil
- Target Species: Insects
Insect sprays can kill roaches upon contact, which is good if you want immediate results. Spraying won’t kill a nest, but it does help manage the infestation.
Where to spray:
- Baseboards and corners where roaches travel.
- Behind and under appliances like the fridge and stove.
- Under sinks and in dark, humid areas.
Using Diatomaceous Earth (Safe, Natural, and Budget-Friendly)
HARRIS Diatomaceous Earth Powder Duster
Features:
- Brand: HARRIS
- Product Dimensions : 6"L x 4.2"W
- Color: White
- Target Species: Insects
- Recommended For : Indoor and Outdoor Dusting
- Product Care Instructions: Hand Wash Only
Diatomaceous Earth (DE) is the natural powder that kills roaches by drying them out. It is non-toxic to all humans and pets but toxic to insects. Read our complete guide on how to kill cockroaches with Diatomaceous Earth.
How to apply Diatomaceous Earth:
- Lightly sprinkle DE where roaches walk (cracks, behind appliances, along baseboards).
- Keep it dry—moisture reduces its effectiveness.
- Reapply if it gets wiped away or disturbed.
Stopping Roach Reproduction with IGRs (Prevents Future Infestations)
Gentrol Point Source IGR
Features:
- Brand: Gentrol
- Item Form: Spray
- Liquid Volume: 16 Fluid Ounces
- Target Species: Insects
IGRs (Insect Growth Regulators) prevent roaches from breeding and are crucial for long-term control. They do not kill roaches instantly, but they make sure no new generations hatch.
Why use IGRs?
- They prevent baby roaches from maturing into adults.
- When combined with baits, they completely disrupt the infestation.
- They reduce the risk of future infestations.
When to Call an Exterminator for a Roach Infestation
Sometimes, the infestation is too severe for DIY treatments. If you see hundreds of roaches, constant daytime activity, or roaches hiding inside walls, it’s time to call a professional.
How to choose a pest control service:
- Look for a company with good reviews and proven results.
- Ask if they use long-term treatments like baiting and IGRs instead of just spraying.
- Ensure they offer a warranty or follow-up treatments to prevent re-infestation.
How to Prevent Roaches from Coming Back for Good
Getting rid of a roach nest is only half the battle—the real challenge is making sure they don’t come back.
Roaches are persistent pests, and if your home provides them with food, water, and hiding spots, they’ll return. Follow these long-term prevention tips to keep your home roach-free.
Seal Cracks and Crevices
Roaches can squeeze through tiny openings in walls, floors, and cabinets. Sealing these gaps makes it harder for them to enter and hide.
How to do it:
- Use caulk or sealant to close gaps around pipes, baseboards, and walls.
- Install door sweeps to prevent roaches from slipping in under doors.
- Repair any damaged window screens to block outdoor roaches.
Store Food Properly and Keep Surfaces Clean
Roaches are attracted to crumbs, grease, and food spills. Keeping your home clean is one of the best ways to prevent infestations.
Cleaning checklist:
- Wipe down counters, stovetops, and dining areas daily.
- Sweep and mop floors regularly, especially in the kitchen.
- Store food in airtight containers instead of open boxes or bags.
- Take out the trash daily and keep all the trash cans covered.
- Don’t leave all dirty dishes in the sink overnight.
Fix Leaks and Remove Moisture
Roaches need water to survive, and even a small leak can attract them.
How to eliminate water sources:
- Fix leaky pipes under sinks, behind toilets, and in basements.
- Wipe down sinks, counters, and floors before going to bed.
- Empty and dry pet water bowls at night.
- Improve ventilation in bathrooms and kitchens to prevent dampness.
Reduce Clutter and Hiding Spots
Roaches love dark, hidden spaces, so reducing clutter makes your home less appealing to them.
Decluttering tips:
- Get rid of the old newspapers, cardboard boxes, and unused paper stacks.
- Keep storage areas organized and avoid piling up clutter.
- Vacuum under furniture and inside cabinets where roaches might hide.
Conclusion
Removing cockroaches might sound like a major undertaking; however, if you jump into action and take the right steps, you can get roaches out of your house for good.
First find the nest by looking for signs like droppings, egg cases, or a musty smell. Once you know where they’re hiding, remove their sources of food and water and clean up clutter.
This will reduce the amount of shelter roaches will have available to them and prevent them from spreading.
Next find the best method of eliminating them. Roach baits are effective if you have a significant infestation; they act to poison the whole colony.
Sprays will kill roaches on contact, if you want immediate results. Organic products such as diatomaceous earth are safe and work effectively, and insect growth regulators (IGRs) to prevent roaches from reproducing.
If the infestation is too much to handle on your own, hiring an exterminator is the best way to ensure they’re completely eradicated.
After the roaches are gone, prevent them from returning by sealing gaps, storing food properly and repairing leaks.
FAQ SECTION
Where do cockroaches lay eggs?
Roaches lay eggs in dark, hidden spots like behind fridges, under sinks, inside cabinets, and in wall cracks. The eggs are inside a capsule called an ootheca, which holds many baby roaches.
How can I destroy cockroach eggs?
Vacuum them up and throw the bag outside in a sealed plastic bag. You can also crush the egg case or use insect sprays that stop eggs from hatching.
How can I bring cockroaches out of hiding?
Use bait or sticky traps near their hiding spots. Turning off the lights and waiting quietly can also make them come out.
What is the best bait for roaches?
Syngenta Advion Cockroach Gel Bait is highly effective. Roaches eat it, take it back to the nest, and spread the poison to others. Bait stations also work well for killing large infestations.
