Cockroach infestation? Use a cockroach bomb!

Last Updated: May 11, 2026

Gordon Reidy

Cockroach control, Cockroach treatment, General Pest Control, Pest Prevention

If you have a persistent cockroach problem or maybe a cockroach infestation, you need to pull out the “big guns” and a cockroach “bomb” is just the ticket!

Insecticide “bombs” or “foggers” are technically known as “total release aerosols” – once you press the button, there’s no stopping them and the entire contents of the aerosol are released.

The ultra-fine aerosol is designed to get under and behind furniture and into cracks and crevices – the typical insect hiding places. However, there are some important safety considerations and useful tips to get the best performance.

How to Bomb for Roaches?

Step 1: Prepare the Room to Be Treated

Open all cupboards and drawers to allow the aerosol to penetrate all insect hiding places. Belongings should be moved from the cupboards or drawers and placed in another room. For kitchen treatments, all food, cutlery and crockery should be removed and food preparation surfaces covered.

Step 2: Treatment – Using a Roach Bomb

When using roach bombs is it vital that the label is read carefully and that all safety instructions are followed.

Key standard instructions include;

Remove any clothing items, exposed food, food utensils
Remove all pets and plants
Cover fish tanks
Ensure that all sources of ignition (flames, pilot lights, electricity) are turned off prior to use

Before setting off the roach bomb, turn off fans and air-conditioners and close all doors and windows to the treatment room.

Position the cockroach bomb in the centre of the room on a flat, stable surface.

Setting off a cockroach bomb – PestXpert Pro-Fogger

Leave the room immediately after starting the cockroach bomb.

Step 3: Clean Up

A cockroach bomb can take around 10 minutes or so to empty. The fine mist will be quite dense in the air and it takes some time to settle onto the surfaces. For this reason it is important to stay out of the room for at least 2 hours after application.

After 2 hours the treated room should be aired (open windows and doors).

Wipe down any uncovered surfaces and vacuum up any dead insects.

Repeat the process for other infested rooms.

Watch PestXpert Pro-Fogger in action…

Cockroach Bomb FAQ

How do cockroach bombs work?

Cockroach bombs release a very fine aerosol spray into a room to create a ‘fog’. These fine droplets get carried into all the cracks and crevices and leave a fine insecticides deposit on surfaces. It will kill any cockroaches and other insects in the room within minutes and leaves a residual layer of insecticide on surfaces to provide protection against further infestation for several months.

Premium roach bombs like PestXpert Pro-Fogger have a combination of three insecticides – one to kill insects during the initial treatment, one to provide long lasting residual protection and one to break the breeding cycle.

How long does it take to bomb for roaches?

It generally takes around 2.5 hours to bomb a room for roaches. 10 minutes to prepare the room, 2 hrs to carry out the treatment (actually 1 minute to set off the roach bomb, but you need to leave the room shut up for 2 hours to allow the product to work) and 20 minutes to clean up after the treatment.

Are cockroach bombs safe?

Cockroach bombs are safe, as long as you follow the label! As the whole aerosol gets released in one go, there is a lot of propellent and solvent in the air. As a result it is essential there are no sources of ignition to set off a potential explosion. Secondly, it is important to stay out of the room whilst the aerosol is being released and for 2 hours afterwards – this allows the aerosol to work and for the treatment to fall out of the air onto the surfaces. It is also important to follow clean up instructions after the treatment.

Other Cockroach Products

To get complete control of a cockroach infestation is can be useful to follow up a cockroach bomb treatment with an external perimeter spray, spot treatments with an aerosol to cracks and crevices and the use of cockroach baits.

Bomb for Insects

Cockroach bombs actually provide control of a wide range of insects including fleas, ants, spiders, silverfish, clothes moths and carpet beetles and deliver long lasting protection. With that in mind a cockroach bomb can be a good general pest prevention tool as well!

So don’t forget cockroach bombs in the battle against these pests!

Learn more about PestXpert Pro-Fogger and other products to control cockroaches

Recommended PestXpert Products

All PestXpert products are available in Bunnings, so if you’re looking for a cockroach bomb in Bunnings, the PestXpert Pro-Fogger delivers results, just like the professionals.

Originally Published: November 18, 2018

Author:

Gordon Reidy

Gordon Reidy has over 30 years experience in Pest Control Product Development and Product Safety. As the lead formulator at PestXpert, he has helped develop some of Australia’s most trusted household pest solutions. With a PhD in Toxicology, Gordon is passionate about delivering effective, science-backed products that are safe for families and the environment.

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