When it comes to pest control for German roaches, many homeowners in Tulsa and Broken Arrow, OK focus only on sprays and baits. While those tools are critical, one often overlooked—but extremely valuable—part of an effective roach control strategy is the humble glue board. At Tulsa Roach Exterminator, we use glue boards every day as part of professional inspections and treatment plans because they provide insight, monitoring, and supplemental control that other products simply can’t.
This article explains how glue boards work, why they are effective against German roaches, where to place them, and how they fit into a professional pest control approach—especially for homes and apartments in the Tulsa and Broken Arrow area.
What Are Glue Boards and Why They Matter
Glue boards (sometimes called sticky traps) are flat or folded cardboard or plastic traps coated with a strong adhesive. When German roaches crawl across the surface, they become stuck and cannot escape. Unlike sprays or baits, glue boards do not rely on chemicals to kill roaches, making them a low-risk and non-toxic pest control option.
While glue boards alone will not eliminate a heavy German roach infestation, they are incredibly effective for:
Monitoring roach activity
Identifying infestation hotspots
Reducing roaming adult roaches
Supporting professional exterminator treatments
In Tulsa and Broken Arrow, where German roaches commonly infest kitchens, apartments, and multi-unit housing, glue boards help pest control professionals pinpoint exactly where roaches are hiding and traveling.
Why Glue Boards Work Well for German Roaches
German roaches are small, fast, and prefer tight, hidden spaces close to food, moisture, and warmth. This behavior makes glue boards especially effective when placed correctly.
1. No “Open Concept” Disruption Required
One of the biggest advantages of glue boards is that they do not require tearing down walls, cabinets, or appliances. Unlike invasive treatments, glue boards slide easily into cracks, corners, and voids where German roaches already travel. This makes them ideal for renters, apartments, and homeowners who want effective pest control without structural disruption.
2. Scent Lure Attracts Roaches
Many modern glue boards include a scent lure that attracts German roaches. These lures mimic food odors and pheromones, increasing the chances that roaches will walk onto the adhesive surface. In pest control inspections, these scented glue boards help reveal hidden infestations that might otherwise go unnoticed.
3. Works in Hard-to-Reach Places
German roaches thrive in areas that sprays often miss. Glue boards can be placed:
In narrow gaps
Behind cabinets
Under appliances
Inside utility closets
Because they don’t rely on airflow or direct spray contact, glue boards are perfect for hard-to-reach spaces where German roaches hide during the day.
Where to Place Glue Boards for Best Results
Correct placement is critical. At Tulsa Roach Exterminator, we strategically place glue boards based on German roach behavior, not guesswork.
Under and Behind Kitchen Appliances
Kitchens are ground zero for German roaches. Place glue boards:
Under refrigerators
Behind stoves and ovens
Near dishwashers
Along the wall behind microwaves
These areas provide heat, moisture, and food residue—exactly what German roaches need to survive.
Along Baseboards and Wall Edges
German roaches prefer to travel along edges rather than across open spaces. Position glue boards flush against baseboards, corners, and wall junctions for maximum contact.
Inside Cabinets and Under Sinks
Plumbing provides moisture, making under-sink cabinets prime roach habitat. Glue boards placed flat inside these cabinets often capture roaches overnight.
Near Entry Points
In Broken Arrow and Tulsa homes, roaches often move between units or rooms through wall voids. Glue boards near pipe penetrations, electrical outlets (on the floor nearby), and utility access points help track movement patterns.
Glue Boards as a Pest Control Monitoring Tool
One of the most important—but least understood—benefits of glue boards is monitoring. Professional exterminators don’t just want to kill roaches; we want to understand:
How many roaches are present
Where they are most active
Whether treatments are working
Glue boards allow pest control professionals to measure progress. Fewer roaches on traps over time usually means the treatment plan is working. Continued high numbers may indicate hidden nests, sanitation issues, or the need for additional pest control steps.
For apartments and multi-unit properties in Tulsa and Broken Arrow, glue boards are essential for identifying which units are contributing to reinfestation.
Safety Tips: Kids, Pets, and Glue Boards
Glue boards are generally safe, but accidents can happen—especially in homes with children or pets.
Keep Glue Boards Out of Reach
Whenever possible, place glue boards:
Behind appliances
Under cabinets
In locked utility spaces
Avoid placing them in open areas where kids or pets may step on them.
If Glue Gets on Skin or Hair
If a glue board becomes stuck to a child’s skin, pet fur, or hair, do not pull forcefully. This can cause pain or irritation.
👉 Use cooking oil (such as vegetable oil or olive oil) to gently loosen the adhesive. Apply the oil to the affected area and slowly work the glue away. Once removed, wash the area with warm water and mild soap.
This method is safe and effective and is commonly recommended in professional pest control situations.
Glue Boards vs. Professional Pest Control
While glue boards are an excellent tool, they are not a standalone solution for serious German roach infestations. German roaches reproduce rapidly, and eliminating them usually requires a combination of:
Professional-grade baits
Insect growth regulators
Crack and crevice treatments
Sanitation guidance
Monitoring with glue boards
At Tulsa Roach Exterminator, glue boards are used alongside professional pest control treatments to deliver long-term results—not temporary relief.
Why Tulsa & Broken Arrow Homes Benefit from Glue Boards
German roaches are one of the most common pest control issues in Tulsa and Broken Arrow, OK, especially in:
Apartments and duplexes
Older homes
Restaurants and break rooms
Multi-family housing
Glue boards provide a low-cost, low-impact way to detect and manage roach activity while professional exterminator services address the root cause.
Final Thoughts
Glue boards for German roaches are a simple yet powerful tool when used correctly. They don’t require tearing down walls, they work in hard-to-reach places, and their scent lure makes them highly effective for monitoring and supplemental control. When combined with professional pest control services, glue boards play a crucial role in eliminating German roaches from Tulsa and Broken Arrow homes.
If you’re seeing roaches on glue boards—or not seeing them but still suspect a problem—it may be time to call a professional. Tulsa Roach Exterminator specializes in German roach control using proven strategies that go beyond DIY solutions, helping homeowners regain peace of mind and a roach-free home.