How To Get Rid Of Small Cockroaches In Kitchen – Quick Tips

I’ll never forget the first time I saw those tiny roaches scurry across my kitchen counter—it was late at night, and I froze mid-sip of tea. If you’re here searching for how to get rid of small cockroaches in the kitchen, I get it. I’ve been there, and trust me, it’s not just gross—it’s overwhelming. But after weeks of trial and error (and way too many sleepless nights), I found a method that worked. In this guide, I’ll walk you through exactly what I did to kick them out—for good. Ready to take back your kitchen? Let’s do this together.

Why Are Small Cockroaches Invading Your Kitchen?

If you’re suddenly spotting tiny roaches in your kitchen, especially around the sink or cabinets, you’re not alone—and no, it’s not because your home is “dirty.” These little pests are drawn in by three things: food, moisture, and clutter. That’s it. If they find even a few crumbs, a leaky pipe, or a cozy dark spot to hide, it’s an open invitation.

In my case, I first noticed them near the toaster and under the dish rack. It was late at night, and I had just turned the lights on. Bam—there they were, running like they owned the place. I later realized that tiny crumbs under appliances and water around the sink were keeping them happy and well-fed.

Roaches are survival experts. They’ll sneak in through cracks, vents, drainpipes, or even grocery bags. In apartments, they often travel between units through shared walls or pipes—yep, your neighbor’s roach problem might become yours. I found they were hiding behind my stove and under the fridge—two places I honestly hadn’t cleaned in forever.

Here’s what shocked me: even a nearly spotless kitchen isn’t completely safe. What matters more is where the crumbs or spills land. Behind the microwave? Under the trash bin? These spots are roach goldmines.

When I first saw them, I assumed it was a one-time fluke. But within days, I was seeing more—tiny, fast-moving ones with antennae twitching like they were scouting. I didn’t know it yet, but I was dealing with German cockroaches, and they were setting up shop.

So if you’ve seen a few, don’t wait. It means there are more hiding out. The sooner you understand what’s drawing them in, the quicker you can take back control of your kitchen.

Identifying the Type of Roaches You’re Dealing With

Let’s be real—when you spot a cockroach in your kitchen, you don’t exactly pause to admire the species. You just want it gone. But here’s the thing I learned the hard way: not all roaches are the same. And the kind you’re dealing with really matters when it comes to kicking them out for good.

Short answer: Small roaches are usually German or brown-banded cockroaches—two common species in U.S. kitchens. Knowing which one you have helps you treat them faster and smarter.

At first, I thought any roach was just a roach. Big, small—doesn’t matter, right? But when I started seeing the tiny ones darting out from under my coffee maker, I did some digging. Turns out, those little guys weren’t just baby roaches—they were adults. That was my first surprise.

Small vs. Large Roaches: Know the Difference

Here’s a quick breakdown:

• Small roaches (like German cockroaches) are about ½ inch long, tan to light brown, and fast. They love hiding in warm, humid spots like behind appliances or inside cabinets.
• Large roaches (like American cockroaches, aka “palmetto bugs”) are 1½ to 2 inches long and reddish-brown. These usually come up from drains or hide in basements and garages.

For me, the giveaway was their size—and how many I started seeing. One turned into three. Then five. Then, I saw one crawling inside my cabinet. That’s when I realized: I wasn’t just seeing a random bug. I had a German cockroach problem.

Most Common Small Cockroach Species in the U.S.

1. German Cockroaches
   These are the most common small kitchen invaders. They’re light brown with two dark stripes running down their backs. They breed fast—like, really fast. One female can produce thousands of babies in her lifetime.
   Short answer: If you’re seeing small tan roaches with stripes on their backs, it’s probably German cockroaches—and they don’t go away on their own.
2. Brown-Banded Cockroaches
   These are a bit less common but still worth knowing. They’re slightly smaller, with lighter brown coloring and—you guessed it—banded patterns across their wings. They like dry areas, so you might find them in cabinets or even behind picture frames.
   Short answer: Brown-banded cockroaches hide in drier spots and are more scattered, unlike German roaches that cluster near food and water.

Why Identifying the Species Matters

Here’s what I didn’t know at first: Different roaches need different approaches. German roaches hang out near water and food—so baits and gels work great in those areas. But brown-banded roaches might ignore baits in the kitchen if they’re hiding out in your hallway or behind the TV.

Once I realized I was dealing with German cockroaches, I changed my game plan. I stopped spraying random corners and started using gel bait in hot spots like under the sink and behind the stove. Within days, I started seeing results.

How to Get Rid of Small Cockroaches in Kitchen Cabinets

Short answer: To get rid of small cockroaches in kitchen cabinets, clean thoroughly, seal all cracks, use gel bait or natural repellents, and avoid storing unsealed food or spices. Consistency is key.

Let’s talk kitchen cabinets—because if you’ve spotted small cockroaches anywhere, chances are they’ve already moved in there like they’re paying rent. This was the first battleground in my house. I opened the spice cabinet one morning and saw one dash behind the cinnamon jar. That was it—I knew I had to go full war mode, cabinet by cabinet.

Step 1: Deep Clean Like You’ve Never Cleaned Before

Short answer: Remove everything from your cabinets, wipe down every surface with soap and water, then follow up with a vinegar or disinfectant spray. Roaches hate clean spaces.

I started by clearing out every single cabinet. Yes—even the ones I thought were “fine.” You’d be shocked at what hides behind a bag of rice or that forgotten spice jar. I vacuumed out crumbs, then scrubbed the insides with hot soapy water and a splash of white vinegar. (Bonus: vinegar helps erase scent trails roaches follow.)

Pro tip: If you’re short on time, start with the cabinets nearest the stove and sink—those are the cockroach hotspots.

Step 2: Seal All the Tiny Cracks and Gaps

Short answer: Use caulk or sealant to close off cracks in cabinets, especially near plumbing, to block cockroach hiding spots and entry points.

After cleaning, I took a flashlight and looked—and wow. So many tiny crevices I’d never noticed before, especially where the cabinet meets the wall or around pipes. That’s where they hide during the day. I used clear caulk to seal those gaps. It was oddly satisfying knowing I was cutting off their hiding places one line at a time.

Even inside the cabinet hinges—yes, they can squeeze in there too. A quick dab of caulk or even a piece of duct tape can block access.

Step 3: Set the Traps—Smartly

Short answer: Place gel bait in corners and cracks inside cabinets—not on shelves where food goes. Baits work better than sprays because roaches bring the poison back to their nest.

Forget sprays. I learned quickly that sprays only kill the ones you see—and they scatter the rest. Gel bait was my game-changer. I used a tiny dot in the back corners of each cabinet (especially under the sink), behind the trash bin, and near any plumbing.

Within days, I started seeing fewer roaches—and then none at all. The best part? These gels work by attracting the roaches, who then carry the poison back to the nest. Total stealth mode.

My favorite was the Advion gel bait—affordable and effective. I reapplied every two weeks at first, just to be safe.

Step 4: Choose Between Natural Remedies or Commercial Traps (or Mix Both)

Short answer: Natural remedies like boric acid and diatomaceous earth work, but require patience. For faster results, combine them with commercial gels.

If you’re more into natural options, boric acid mixed with sugar (equal parts) is a solid choice. Just sprinkle a light dusting along the cabinet edges. It’s slow-acting but works. I also tried diatomaceous earth (food-grade only!)—it dehydrates the roaches.

That said, I had the best success using natural methods alongside bait gels. Roaches are stubborn, and hitting them from all angles gave me the edge I needed.

Important tip: Keep these powders dry—if they get wet, they won’t work.

Step 5: Store Food and Spices Like a Pro

Short answer: Use airtight containers for all food and spices in your cabinets to keep roaches out and eliminate temptations.

One of the hardest lessons I learned? Roaches love spice residue. Cinnamon, chili powder, even a sugar spill—they’re not picky. So I invested in airtight plastic and glass containers. Now everything is sealed, labeled, and stackable. Bonus: it looks way more organized.

Also, toss out expired or rarely-used items. That random bag of flour from two years ago? Roach magnet.

And never leave food packages open inside cabinets—even if they’re “mostly closed.” Roaches can crawl into cereal boxes like it’s a buffet.

Full Kitchen Cockroach Removal Strategy (What Worked For Me)

Short answer: My kitchen roach battle plan came down to daily cleaning, smart bait placement, natural backups, learning from my early mistakes, and knowing when to call in the pros.

Okay—so once I got the cabinets under control, I knew I couldn’t stop there. Roaches aren’t just chilling in one spot. They’re sneaky. They roam. And if you only treat one area, they’ll just move to another. I needed a full kitchen strategy. Not a “spray-and-pray” situation—an actual, repeatable system that got results. After lots of trial, and error, and late-night Google sessions, here’s exactly what worked.

My Daily Cleaning Habits (That Actually Made a Difference)

Short answer: A quick nightly wipe-down, dry sink, and empty trash made a bigger difference than I ever expected.

I used to think I was “clean enough.” But turns out, clean to humans isn’t the same as clean to cockroaches. These little guys will throw a party over a single crumb. So I built a 10-minute end-of-day routine that changed everything.

• I started wiping down the counters every night, especially near the toaster and coffee maker.
• No more dishes in the sink overnight—ever.
• I dried the sink with a towel because even water droplets are like an oasis for roaches.
• Trash out every night, no matter how full (yes, even if it’s “just a little”).
• Quick sweep under the stove and trash bin area.

It sounds like a lot, but once it became a habit, it was second nature—and the results? Night and day.

Best Store-Bought Traps and Gels I Used (With Real Results)

Short answer: Advion gel bait and Combat roach traps were my MVPs—within two weeks, I saw a huge drop in activity.

After trying sprays (which honestly just made the roaches disappear temporarily), I switched to gel bait and sticky traps. Total game-changers.

• Advion Cockroach Gel Bait – This stuff was magic. I applied it in small dots under the sink, behind the stove, near the trash, and even inside drawer cracks. Roaches would eat it and go back to their hiding spots—taking the poison with them. Within days, I was sweeping up dead ones.
• Combat Roach Killing Bait Stations – I placed these near entry points and behind the fridge. Easy, no mess, and worked surprisingly well as a supplement to the gel.

Tip: Rotate bait brands every few months to avoid bait resistance. Yep, roaches get that smart.

Natural Alternatives That Helped Too

Short answer: Diatomaceous earth and essential oils like peppermint worked as backups, especially in sensitive areas where I stored food.

Now, I’m not totally anti-chemicals, but I wanted safe options around my pantry and for peace of mind. So I sprinkled food-grade diatomaceous earth behind appliances and in back corners of the pantry. It’s a natural powder that dehydrates roaches—kind of like they walked through tiny shards of glass. Super effective, as long as it stays dry.

I also used peppermint and tea tree oil sprays around baseboards. Roaches hate the smell, and while it won’t kill them, it helps keep them away from treated areas.

I found that using both methods—natural and chemical—was like a one-two punch. Gel for the kill. Natural for defense.

Mistakes I Made Early On (And How I Fixed Them)

Short answer: My biggest mistake? Using sprays too often and not targeting the nest. Once I switched to bait and sealed gaps, things changed fast.

Let me tell you—at first, I went into full panic mode. I sprayed every surface like I was in an action movie. But guess what? The roaches just ran and hid deeper. Plus, sprays can mess with bait effectiveness by repelling them away from it.

Other mistakes:

• Ignoring my fridge and stove (roaches love the warmth).
• Leaving pet food out overnight (free buffet).
• Not sealing up wall cracks behind outlets (they were slipping in unnoticed).

Fixing these didn’t take much—just awareness, a little caulk, and some habit shifts. But wow, did it make a difference.

When to Call a Pest Control Professional

Short answer: If you’re still seeing roaches after consistent treatment for 3–4 weeks, or it’s affecting your sleep and sanity—it’s time to call in the experts.

Thankfully, I didn’t need to hire a pro. But I came close. If I hadn’t seen a decline after two weeks of baiting and cleaning, I would’ve called for backup. Professionals have access to stronger treatments and can target nests you can’t reach.

And honestly, there’s no shame in it. If it’s between your peace of mind and a few hundred bucks—it’s worth it.

How to Prevent Small Cockroaches from Coming Back

After all that effort to get rid of them, the last thing you want is for those sneaky little pests to come crawling back. I learned (the hard way) that getting rid of roaches is only half the battle. The real secret? Making your kitchen uninviting so they don’t even think about returning.

Seal Up Every Crack, Crevice, and Tiny Gap

I thought I had sealed everything. But guess what? I missed a gap behind the dishwasher—and boom, they were back like they’d RSVP’d. These bugs are like miniature ninjas. They squeeze through pipe gaps, wall cracks, and even tiny openings under the sink. I ended up using clear caulk for cabinet cracks and expanding foam around the pipes under my sink. It was oddly satisfying, like sealing up little secret doors they couldn’t use anymore.

Tip: Shine a flashlight under your sink and around the baseboards at night—if you see light coming through from another room or outside, seal it. Roaches love those hidden routes.

Declutter Your Cabinets—Yes, Even That “Junk Shelf”

Do you know that one cabinet filled with random tea boxes, expired spices, and old takeout soy sauce packets? Yeah… that used to be roach-central in my kitchen. Roaches don’t just look for food—they’re also searching for tight, dark spots to hide. Once I tossed what I didn’t use and re-organized with clear, labeled containers, things changed fast.

Now, I go through my cabinets once a month. If I haven’t used something in 6 months, it either gets tossed, donated, or repurposed. Less stuff = fewer hiding places = fewer bugs. Simple math.

My Nighttime Kitchen Routine That Keeps Roaches Away

This one habit has probably made the biggest long-term difference. I used to leave dishes soaking or snacks half-covered. But roaches are nocturnal—they party while we sleep. So now, every night before bed, I spend 10 minutes on a quick clean-up:

• Wipe all the counters (especially around the toaster)
• Dry the sink completely—no drips allowed
• Sweep up crumbs near the stove and trash can
• Empty the trash—even if it’s not full
• Check pet food bowls and wipe spills

Think of it like locking your doors at night—but for bugs. I don’t always feel like doing it, especially after a long day, but it’s become second nature now. And the peace of mind? Worth it.

Extra Tips If You Live in an Apartment (Been There!)

If you’re in an apartment, I feel you. I used to wonder how I could clean everything perfectly and still spot a roach. Turns out, they were coming from a neighbor’s unit through the plumbing and walls. Yikes.

Here’s what helped me:

• I sealed around every pipe under my sinks with foam sealant
• Put mesh screens over the kitchen and bathroom drains
• Added weather stripping to the bottom of my front door
• Spoke to my landlord when I suspected a bigger building-wide issue

If one neighbor has a problem and isn’t dealing with it, unfortunately, it can become your problem too. So stay consistent, document your efforts, and don’t be afraid to escalate the issue if needed.

FAQs – Quick Answers for Common Concerns

How do I get rid of small cockroaches in kitchen cabinets naturally?

When I first noticed roaches in my kitchen cabinets, I wasn’t ready to go all-in with chemicals. I wanted a natural approach. Boric acid, mixed with sugar, worked wonders, but it wasn’t fast. For quicker results, I paired it with Advion gel bait. Diatomaceous earth is also a good option but keep it dry. Essential oils like peppermint help deter them, though they won’t kill them outright. Be sure to clean your cabinets before applying any remedy!

Is it safe to use cockroach baits near food?

I know it feels a little weird, but cockroach baits, like the gel I used, are designed to be safe when used correctly. Just make sure you’re not placing them on food prep surfaces or directly near food containers. I always put mine behind the trash can, under the sink, or behind appliances. These areas are prime roach real estate—and the baits are most effective there.

Why do cockroaches keep coming back even after cleaning?

I thought cleaning alone would do the trick, but roaches are sneaky. Even after I wiped down every surface, they found ways back in. What helped was sealing all cracks and gaps and using gel bait to target their nests. Roaches thrive in moist environments, so if you’re still spotting them, it might be worth checking for leaks or standing water. Keeping your kitchen dry and sealed will be your best defense.

What smells do cockroaches hate the most?

I read somewhere that roaches can’t stand peppermint, so I decided to give it a try. I mixed a few drops of peppermint oil with water and sprayed it around the baseboards and under the sink. It doesn’t kill them, but it does seem to keep them away. Garlic and bay leaves are also a deterrent—so I stuck a few bay leaves in my pantry. It’s not a full solution, but it does help add another layer of protection, especially in sensitive areas like the pantry.

Can I handle this without hiring an exterminator?

I’m not going to lie, I considered calling an exterminator at one point, but I stuck with my methods—and it paid off. If you’re seeing a lot of roaches and nothing seems to work, consider reaching out for professional help. They can access stronger treatments and target the problem more effectively. But in most cases, with the right baits, traps, and cleaning habits, you can handle it yourself.

Conclusion

Alright, so getting rid of those tiny kitchen nightmares boils down to a few key steps I learned the hard way. Forget just spraying—you need to cut off their food, water, and hiding spots for good. It’s about making your kitchen a place they simply can’t thrive in.

Look, I won’t lie—this isn’t an overnight fix, and it takes some effort. There were days I felt defeated, seeing another tiny roach after thinking I’d won. But sticking with that nightly clean-up and reapplying bait, even when I was tired, truly made all the difference. If I could finally reclaim my kitchen peace, believe me, so can you.

This was my journey, but everyone’s battle is a bit different, and honestly, sharing what works feels like we’re all in this together.