We will not waste any time here. We want the roaches gone and we want to know how to do it. So, without any further ado, here is the best of the pet-safe roach killers:

Food-Grade Diatomaceous Earth

The most effective weapon in the anti-roach arsenal is diatomaceous earth, available for sale online. This white powder consists of the fossilized remains of diatoms, a type of hard-shelled algae. It’s completely harmless to pets and people, as long as you buy the food-grade kind (please do not use diatomaceous earth made for use in swimming pools). In fact, food-grade diatomaceous earth may be safely eaten by pets to fight internal parasites; it’s also effective at repelling mosquitos, fleas and even ticks if rubbed into an animal’s coat.

Here’s how it works: The microscopic particles in the powder actually cut up an insect’s waxy exoskeleton, effectively dessicating them. Sprinkle diatomaceous earth (also known as diatom flour) wherever you’ve noticed roaches. It’s especially effective if placed behind kitchen appliances and inside cabinets. No need to use gloves – it’s perfectly safe to handle.

Don’t be discouraged if at first you seem to notice more roaches then before; for about a week after treating a roach-infested area with diatomaceous earth, you’ll actually see more of the crawling nasties. That’s because, as the diatomaceous earth works to dessicate them, the dehydrating bugs will be actively on the move, hunting for water.

If you live with cats, diatomaceous earth is also an excellent way to extend the life of kitty litter. As any cat person knows, litter tends to poop out in high-humidity weather conditions; as it becomes damp and soggy, it stops absorbing odors and doesn’t clump as effectively. But diatomaceous earth’s naturally dessicating property helps cut down on odors by working to keep cat droppings dry.

Some roach fighters want to use boric acid but this is not a good idea. To find out why, and why you should probably just use diatomaceous earth instead, go to Dogster.

Whatever way you get rid of those little creeps but keep your fur-babies in mind. You do not want to leave a lethal dose of anything around for them to lick-up. However, we understand that war does have casualties – and they need to be the roaches themselves!