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:

1. Easy DIY tricks to kick roaches out tonight (using stuff you probably have at home).
2. How do roaches sneak into your house?
3. Ways to stop them from coming back.
4. 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. 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. Here’s how they get into your home:

1. Shared vents or walls in apartments
2. Pipes or drains
3. Holes in walls/floors
4. Bags, boxes, or used items you bring home

7 DIY Ways to Get Rid of Roaches Overnight (With Things You Already Own)

Roaches aren’t just gross—they’re stubborn. But with a few smart moves, you can start kicking them out tonight. These tips are easy, affordable, and great for homeowners and renters in Edmonton alike.

1. Mix Boric Acid with a Sweet Lure

One of the oldest and most effective DIY tricks involves boric acid—a powder you can find at most hardware stores.

• Mix a bit of boric acid with sugar or peanut butter
• Dab the mixture onto small pieces of cardboard
• Slide them behind your fridge, under cabinets, and near cracks

Why it works: Roaches eat it and unknowingly bring it back to their nest. Just keep it away from pets and kids.

2. Baking Soda + Sugar Combo (Simple & Safe)

This method uses items you already have in your kitchen.

You’ll need:

• Equal parts baking soda and sugar
• A few small containers, like bottle caps or jar lids

How it works: Sugar attracts the roaches, and the baking soda disrupts their digestion. It’s a low-risk trick that works best if your infestation isn’t too far gone.

3. The Jar Water Trap

Here’s a chemical-free trap you can set up in under five minutes.

Just fill a glass jar with 1–2 inches of water and lightly coat the inner rim with oil or petroleum jelly. Roaches will climb in for the moisture but won’t be able to get back out.

📍 Best spots: Under sinks, beside the dishwasher, or near the furnace—anywhere warm and damp.

4. Peanut Butter and Borax Bait (Especially for German Cockroaches)

Let’s talk about the tougher customers—German cockroaches. These baits work well for them.

• 1 tablespoon of peanut butter
• 1 teaspoon of borax
  = one sneaky, deadly treat.

Smear small dabs on wax paper and place in hidden areas like under appliances or inside cupboards. Replace every 2–3 days to keep it fresh and effective.

5. Spray with Peppermint or Eucalyptus Oil

Prefer to go natural? You’ll love this one.

• Add 10–15 drops of peppermint or eucalyptus oil to 1 cup of water
• Shake it up in a spray bottle
• Spray around doorways, windows, baseboards, and shelves

The strong scent repels roaches and helps prevent them from following old scent trails. It also makes your home smell fresh, not toxic.

6. Soapy Water = Instant Kill

When you see a roach, this is your fastest weapon.

Fill a spray bottle with water and a few drops of dish soap. Shake gently. Spray directly onto the roach. The soap blocks its breathing and removes it quickly.

This isn’t a cure-all, but it’s great when you spot one in real time.

7. Seal Cracks and Cut Off Water

Roaches love hiding in small, quiet places—and they don’t need much water to survive. So…

• Check baseboards, under sinks, and around pipes for gaps
• Seal them with caulk or weather stripping
• Fix any drips, leaks, or moist spots (even the small ones)

This step doesn’t just eliminate roaches—it also helps prevent new ones from moving in.

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 an airtight container. 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.

Use Diatomaceous Earth for Safe, Long-Term Roach Control

• What it is: Diatomaceous earth (DE) is a natural, non-toxic powder made from fossilized algae that kills roaches by dehydrating them.
• How to use it: Lightly dust DE in cracks and crevices, behind stoves, under sinks, and along baseboards—especially in dry, undisturbed areas.
• Why it works: Roaches crawl through the powder, which damages their exoskeleton and dries them out.
• Important tip: Keep the powder dry—moisture reduces its effectiveness.
• Pair with: Good sanitation—remove food sources by sealing food, cleaning crumbs, and disposing of trash regularly.
• End goal: With proper use, DE can help eliminate cockroach infestations and keep your home pest-free.

How to Keep Cockroaches Away in Edmonton Home

Once you’ve cleared out the initial infestation, your next step is to prevent further infestations. Here’s how to get rid of roaches in your home:

1. 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.
2. Even if you don’t see cockroaches in your house, it’s still a good idea to sweep and vacuum regularly. Crumbs and food particles attract roaches. So, clean floors leave them with nothing to feed on.
3. If your bathroom and kitchen taps are dripping, fix them. Even a small drip provides water. Removing moisture cuts off a key survival source.
4. Once a week, use peppermint or eucalyptus oil spray. These natural oils repel roaches with their strong scent and are safe and chemical-free.
5. 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. However, if roaches keep returning or you’re dealing with a more substantial infestation, it’s time to bring in the professionals.

When to call us:

1. You’re still seeing roaches after several days of treatment.
2. Roaches are active during daylight (a sign of a large infestation).
3. There’s a strong, musty smell in your kitchen or bathroom.
4. You notice egg casings, droppings, or shed skins.

Cockroach extermination costs in Edmonton depend on the size of your home and the extent of 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 resolve the issue once and for all.

FAQs for Edmonton Readers

Q: 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.

Q: Do Edmonton’s cold winters kill roaches?

Nope—indoors, they’ll happily camp out in your toasty apartment all winter. Only outdoor roaches can freeze, and even that takes days at temperatures below -10°C.

Q: What kills cockroach eggs?

Heat (over 50°C, like steam cleaners) or extreme cold (below -10°C). However, indoors, your home’s temperatures won’t reach those extremes. So, focus on baits and sprays instead.

Q: How much does roach extermination cost in Edmonton?

The average treatment lasts 150–400 minutes, depending on the severity of the condition. Severe infestations or big homes cost more.

Q: 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.

Q: Can I freeze or bake roach eggs to death?

Technically, yes, but it’s tricky. You’d need days off, as the cold is -10°C, or steam cleaners hitting 50°C+. That stuff you can’t easily do at home. Stick to baits.

Final Thoughts

Roaches may be stubborn, but with the right combination of DIY solutions and professional support, you can reclaim 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).