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What is a Cockroach Trap?

Dee Saale
Dee Saale
Dee Saale
Dee Saale

The cockroach is considered one of the most prolific pests, invading homes, restaurants, and businesses across the globe. Cockroaches prefer to live in dark, moist, warm areas, such as in food bins or near human waste. This pest is responsible for transmitting a wide range of diseases from bacteria and respiratory illnesses from its feces. In addition, the cockroach emits a foul-smelling odor that is quite pungent. Although there are many methods of extermination, the cockroach trap is one of the most effective ways to remove cockroaches.

One of the best versions of the cockroach trap is a homemade device. Simply put some moistened coffee grounds, a cockroach favorite, into a glass jar. Then, set the glass jar at an angle and arrange paper towels around the jar to enable the cockroach to reach the coffee grounds. The pests will eagerly crawl towards the jar and climb inside. Since the jar is set at an angle, they quickly fall into the jar; but, because of the slick glass sides, they are unable to climb out again.

An American cockroach, also sometimes called a palmetto bug.
An American cockroach, also sometimes called a palmetto bug.

There is another popular version of the cockroach trap that is also an effective do-it-yourself project. The cockroach trap uses a glass jar that is covered with paper towels, giving the pests a secure surface to climb into the jar. The jar also has a Vaseline® and mineral oil mixture spread on the top, inner surface and beer soaked bread, bananas, or peanut butter inside. The cockroaches climb into the jar to reach the food. They become trapped in the mixture, unable to escape.

A flying cockroach.
A flying cockroach.

There are several commercial versions of the cockroach trap – for those people who prefer to use a store-bought trap. One form is a metal cage. Since the drain of the sink is one of the places where cockroaches live, the trap is placed over the drain in the kitchen or bathroom sink. The cockroaches crawl into the cage in an attempt to exit the drain and become trapped.

Vaseline has been used in homemade cockroach traps.
Vaseline has been used in homemade cockroach traps.

Sticky paper is another commercial form of cockroach trap. It is cheap and easy to use. Simply place the paper in areas that the cockroaches frequent, such as in the kitchen, bathrooms, near the trash, and under appliances. The pests walk onto the sticky paper and become immobilized.

A cockroach trap is one of the least toxic and least expensive methods of removing cockroaches. There are countless variations of these traps. It is up to the affected individual to find the one that works best in her area.

Dee Saale
Dee Saale

Dee is a freelance writer based in Colorado. She has a B.A. in English Literature, as well as a law degree. Dee is especially interested in topics relating to medicine, legal issues, and home improvement, which are her specialty when contributing to HomeQuestionsAnswered.

Learn more...
Dee Saale
Dee Saale

Dee is a freelance writer based in Colorado. She has a B.A. in English Literature, as well as a law degree. Dee is especially interested in topics relating to medicine, legal issues, and home improvement, which are her specialty when contributing to HomeQuestionsAnswered.

Learn more...

Discussion Comments

anon266596

Why I sincerely agree with all the traps mentioned, the best thing is to close any holes or cracks using cement.

backdraft

I used to live in an apartment that had a *horrible* cockroach problem. Over the course of about 5 months I tried every remedy under the sun including cockroach traps. The worst thing was that none of them worked. The cockroaches continued to stream out of the walls without any signs of letting up.

I eventually just moved out. I complained to the landlord and he let me out of the lease which I think was the right thing to do. There was something wrong with that building. It was more fit for bugs than people.

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    • An American cockroach, also sometimes called a palmetto bug.
      By: R_R
      An American cockroach, also sometimes called a palmetto bug.
    • A flying cockroach.
      By: Mushy
      A flying cockroach.
    • Vaseline has been used in homemade cockroach traps.
      By: Graça Victoria
      Vaseline has been used in homemade cockroach traps.
    • If you are leaving garbage outdoors, make sure the garbage bags are well wrapped and free of holes or tears.
      By: smuay
      If you are leaving garbage outdoors, make sure the garbage bags are well wrapped and free of holes or tears.
    • Mineral oil can be used to make a DIY roach trap.
      By: Africa Studio
      Mineral oil can be used to make a DIY roach trap.