I bet that you don’t want to see a cockroach on your kitchen floor—especially late at night. But here’s the thing: Roaches live in Edmonton homes even in winter. If you’re asking, “How do I get rid of roaches overnight DIY?” you’re in the right place. At Major Pest Control, we help Edmonton folks fight roaches fast. In this guide, you’ll learn:
- Easy DIY tricks to kick roaches out tonight (using stuff you probably have at home).
- How roaches sneak into your house.
- Ways to stop them from coming back.
- When to call experts for help.
Let’s get started so that you can sleep tight, roach-free.
How Do Cockroaches Get Into Edmonton Homes?
Cockroaches are sneaky pests. It doesn’t matter if you live in an old house or a new apartment. They can squeeze through small holes or gaps to get inside. Here’s how they do it:
- Pipes or drains
- Holes in walls/floors
- Bags, boxes, or used items you bring home
- Shared vents or walls in apartments
Roaches in apartments are extra smart. Once they’re in one apartment, they’ll crawl through vents, pipes, or even under doors to invade the whole building.
7 DIY Ways to Get Rid of Roaches Overnight
Whether you’re a homeowner or renting in Edmonton, don’t stress. Try these cheap, simple tricks using stuff you probably have at home:
1. Boric Powder
Boric acid is a highly effective, affordable roach killer available at most Canadian hardware and grocery stores. To make a bait,
- What you need: Boric acid (sold at hardware/grocery stores), sugar, or peanut butter.
- How to use: Mix the boric powder with sugar or peanut butter. Put small piles on jar lids or cardboard near floors, appliances, or dark corners.
- Why it works: Roaches eat it or touch it, then spread it to others in their nest.
- Tip: Keep away from pets/kids. Add more every 2-3 days until they’re gone.
2. Baking Soda & Sugar Trap
This simple, natural remedy is a great DIY option using basic pantry items. It’s chemical-free, affordable, and effective at targeting roaches overnight.
- What you need: Baking soda + sugar (equal parts).
- How to use: Mix together. Put in bottle caps or shallow dishes. Place behind the fridge, under sinks, or near trash.
- Why it works: Sugar lures them in; baking soda makes their stomachs stop working.
- Tip: Safe for pets/kids if traps are hidden. Works best if you don’t have too many roaches infestations.
3. Jar Water Trap
This DIY trap is simple, non-toxic, and great for catching roaches overnight—especially in damp or warm areas of your home.
- Fill a glass jar with a small amount of water (1–2 inches).
- Lightly coat the inner rim with cooking oil or petroleum jelly.
- Place jars near heat and moisture sources like radiators, dishwashers, or under sinks.
- Roaches are attracted to the moisture, climb in, and become trapped.
- Empty and reset the jars daily for the best results.
- Works well in bathrooms, kitchens, and utility rooms. Safe, reusable, and ideal for spot-targeting high-traffic roach areas.
4. Peanut Butter + Borax Bait
This bait is especially effective against stubborn German cockroaches, using peanut butter to lure them in and borax to eliminate them.
- Mix 1 tablespoon of peanut butter with 1 teaspoon of borax.
- Smear small dabs onto pieces of wax paper or cardboard.
- Place near common roach hotspots like under sinks, behind the fridge, and inside cabinets.
- Roaches are drawn to the peanut butter and ingest the borax, which disrupts their digestive system.
- Replace bait every few days to maintain freshness and effectiveness. It is ideal for kitchens and tight indoor spaces where German roaches hide.
5. Essential Oil Spray
This natural repellent is a safe, chemical-free way to deter roaches. It is also perfect for use around kids, pets, and food prep areas.
- Mix 10–15 drops of peppermint or eucalyptus oil with 1 cup of water in a spray bottle.
- Shake well before each use and along baseboards, cabinet edges, window sills, and entry points.
- The strong scent repels roaches and masks the scent trails they follow. Reapply daily or after cleaning for ongoing protection.
- Bonus: It leaves your home smelling fresh and clean and is excellent for prevention, especially after eliminating an infestation.
6. Soapy Water Spray
This quick, no-fuss solution is perfect for killing visible roaches on the spot using items you already have at home.
- Fill a spray bottle with water and add a few drops of dish soap.
- Shake gently to mix. Spray directly onto any roaches you see—especially in kitchens or bathrooms.
- The soap clogs their breathing pores, suffocating them within seconds.
It is effective for quick kills but doesn’t prevent future infestations. It is safe for use around pets and kids. Best used alongside traps or baits for complete roach control.
7. Seal Cracks and Fix Leaksals
Roaches only need tiny entry points and a little moisture to thrive. Sealing and repairing your space is a critical step in long-term prevention.
- Inspect baseboards, walls, and around pipes for cracks or gaps.
- Use caulking or weather stripping to seal entry points.
- Pay extra attention to kitchens, bathrooms, and laundry.
- Fix any leaking faucets, pipes, or under-sink drips.
- Check under appliances and behind toilets for hidden moisture.
- It helps block both entry and access to essential survival resources.
- Essential for preventing reinfestation after treatment.
Here’s a short and simple table summarizing the roach control methods:
| Method | Supplies | Action | Notes |
| Boric Powder Bait | Boric acid + sugar/PB | Eat/touch → spreads to others | Keep from pets/kids; reapply every 2–3 days |
| Baking Soda & Sugar | Equal parts baking soda + sugar | Lures with sugar kill with soda | Hide traps; best for small issues |
| Jar Water Trap | Jar, water, oil/petroleum | Drowns roaches | Place near warm spots; reset daily |
| PB + Borax | 1 tbsp PB + 1 tsp borax | Destroys digestion | Best for German roaches; replace bait often |
| Essential Oil Spray | Peppermint/eucalyptus + water | Repels with scent | Spray daily; pet/kid-safe |
| Soapy Water Spray | Water + dish soap | Suffocates on contact | Use for quick kills; pair with traps |
| Seal Cracks & Leaks | Caulk, weather stripping | Blocks entry + cuts moisture | Stop future roaches; fix leaks fast |
How to Remove Cockroaches from Your Kitchen
Winter in Edmonton turns your kitchen into a roach resort. All they need is warm pipes and crumbs. Start by sealing every snack in airtight containers. If roaches can’t smell or reach it, they’ll bail.
Wipe down counters daily (even tiny crumbs keep them fed), and never leave dirty dishes overnight. Those midnight snackers love your leftovers.
Tuck bait traps under the fridge, stove, and sink their go-to hideouts. Fix leaky faucets fast. They don’t like to dry. Stay clean, stay sealed, and they’ll pack up for good.
How to Keep Cockroaches Away in Edmonton Home
Once you’ve cleared out the initial infestation, your next step is prevention. Here’s how to get rid of roaches to your home:
- Keep dry goods or foods in sealed glass or plastic containers. It will prevent cockroaches from accessing food and discourage them from settling in your home.
- Even if you don’t see cockroaches in your house, sweep and vacuum regularly. Crumbs and food particles attract roaches. So, clean floors leave them with nothing to feed on.
- If your bathroom and kitchen taps are dripping, fix it. Even a small drip provides water. Removing moisture cuts off a key survival source.
- Once a week, use peppermint or eucalyptus oil spray. These natural oils repel roaches with their strong scent and are safe and chemical-free.
- Be extra cautious with second-hand furniture or small appliances. Roaches and eggs can hide in crevices. So, try to inspect and clean them thoroughly before bringing them inside.
When to Call Major Pest Control in Edmonton
DIY methods are a significant first step for homeowners. But if roaches keep returning or you’re dealing with a more considerable infestation, it’s time to bring in the pros.
When to call us:
- You’re still seeing roaches after several days of treatment.
- Roaches are active during daylight (a sign of a large infestation).
- There’s a strong, musty smell in your kitchen or bathroom.
- You notice egg casings, droppings, or shed skins.
Cockroach exterminator costs in Edmonton depend on your home size and the infestation. At Major Pest Control, we offer fast, guaranteed treatments that are safe for kids, pets, and your home.
Schedule your free consultation today, and let’s take care of the problem—for good.
FAQs for Edmonton Readers
Q1: What’s the fastest way to kill roaches overnight in my Edmonton apartment?
Mix up a DIY bait with boric acid + sugar. They’ll eat it and take it back to their nest. Seal cracks in walls/floors, wipe up crumbs and fix leaks immediately.
Q2: Do Edmonton’s cold winters kill roaches?
Nope—indoors, they’ll happily camp out in your toasty apartment all winter. Only outdoor roaches freeze, and even that takes days below -10°C.
Q3: What kills cockroach eggs?
Heat (over 50°C, like steam cleaners) or extreme cold (below -10°C). But indoors, your home’s temps won’t hit those extremes. So, focus on baits and sprays instead.
Q4: How much does roach extermination cost in Edmonton?
The average treatment runs 150–400+, depending on how bad it is. Severe infestations or big homes cost more.
Q5: What’s the best roach bait in Canada?
Advion or Combat gel baits (sold at Canadian Tire/Home Depot) work best. For cheap fixes, try boric acid + peanut butter traps.
Q6: Can I freeze or bake roach eggs to death?
Technically, yes, but it’s tricky. You’d need days off -10°C cold or steam cleaners hitting 50°C+. That stuff you can’t easily do at home. Stick to baits.
Final Thoughts
Roaches might be stubborn, but with the right mix of DIY solutions and professional support, you can take back your space quickly and safely.
If you’ve tried everything and they’re still coming back, don’t wait. Reach out to the experts at Major Pest Control in Edmonton. We’ll help you eliminate the infestation and protect your home for the long haul.
For additional insights and resources on cockroach prevention, check out this detailed guide from the National Pest Management Association (NPMA).