Every homeowner needs to know how to get rid of cockroaches. Even if you find only one of these annoying insects, it can indicate an infestation and if left untreated it will become a huge problem. Cockroaches carry and spread diseases, and they can crawl almost anywhere in the home, so it’s essential that you deal with them quickly.
The problem is that killing cockroaches is notoriously difficult, and getting rid of them is more difficult than dealing with other types of pests, such as when you want to get rid of ants. Fortunately, there are methods you can try, whether they are home or chemical treatments. Here, we’ll walk you through what you can do to get rid of roaches and how you can prevent them from coming back in the future.
How to get rid of cockroaches with home remedies
Before attempting to get rid of cockroaches using any of the following remedies, it is essential that you first clean your home and remove anything that might attract insects. This includes food left on the worktop, dirty dishes, and overflowing trash cans.
Get rid of any clutter that may also protect roaches, especially cardboard boxes that these insects love.
1. Baking soda – Although it is well relied upon for daily cleaning, baking soda is very effective in killing cockroaches as well. All you have to do is mix it with something that crickets are likely to consume – sliced onions work well, as do sugar and cheese.
Divide the solution between two plates and place it in high-traffic cockroach areas, such as kitchen and bathroom floors. Once cockroaches eat baking soda, they will die quickly. The only drawback to this method is that you will need to find and get rid of dead cockroaches. Make sure any curious pets don’t come across this home remedy either.
2. Boric acid – Boric acid is deadly to cockroaches, too. Simply mix equal amounts of it with flour and sugar to make a paste and then divide it into small balls (about the size of marbles). Place them around your home in areas where cockroaches abound.
When cockroaches eat the dough, they will ingest the boric acid, which will kill them. Again, you will need to find and dispose of it afterwards. It is worth noting that boric acid is toxic to pets, so this method should not be attempted if you have any furry family members. Don’t let any little kid find and eat balls of dough either.
3 – borax – Borax consists of the same chemical compound as boric acid, and although it is often used for cleaning, it is equally effective in getting rid of cockroaches. Simply mix the powder with something sweet that will attract roaches, like the method above with baking soda.
Just make sure your pets stay clear of the mixture again. It can cause stomach upset and irritation if ingested. It can also be dangerous in large doses. Once the cockroaches swallow the borax, they will kill it, and you will need to find and clean up what is left.
4. Citrus – Citrus won’t kill cockroaches, but it will definitely keep them out of your home. The scent of lemon in particular repels roaches and can be used as a great deterrent. To take advantage of this, incorporate the scent of lemon into your cleaning routine.
You can use lemon-scented cleaning products or combine lemon oil and water while cleaning floors. If you want to go further, you can leave citrus peels around your house, although you’ll need to remember to replace them every few days.
5. Diatomaceous earth- Diatomaceous earth, also known as DE, is a natural insecticide that dehydrates cockroaches on contact. It sticks to them as they pass it and will kill them later by dissolving the exoskeleton.
You simply need to spray it in high traffic areas for best effect. You will need to dispose of the carcasses after they are dead, which may return to the nest. This method is safe for pets and humans, but you need to be sure to use DE.
6. Essential oils – Like the scent of lemon, some oils can act as a natural roach repellent, too. Lemongrass and peppermint oils are known to be effective alternatives. Simply mix the oil with water and apply it around your house.
How to get rid of cockroaches the traditional way
1. Glue strips and traps – Glue strips and traps can be purchased at local hardware stores and are widely available online as well. We recommend Harris Roach Glue Traps ($5.48, Amazon). These can be used to identify areas with high traffic.
It mainly attracts cockroaches with a sweet smell and then glue locks them in place. You will need to keep an eye on the strips and replace them as necessary.
2. The bait – You can also use chemical baits, which is a stronger option that can be purchased at most stores; We Recommend Combat Max 12 Month Roach Killing Bait ($10.99, Amazon). It contains insecticides disguised as food that attracts passing cockroaches. Once they eat the bait, they bring it back to the nest and they die and then spread the poison to the rest of the population while they eat this cockroach.
These traps are often placed under sinks and large appliances and next to litter boxes, but should be kept out of reach of pets and children. You will also need to reposition the bait as often as necessary and be prepared to find and remove dead cockroaches yourself.
3. Liquid concentrates – Liquid concentrate is a well-known anti-cockroach that is widely available. You are diluting the solution with water and spraying it in any areas where roaches frequent, such as cracks and crevices. You can also apply the solution to the surfaces around your home.
If all else fails, it’s time to call in a professional. Sometimes the injury can be so severe that this is the best method.
Why are cockroaches attracted to your home?
Cockroaches are attracted to any source of food and water. This means that if you are guilty of leaving soiled dishes in the sink, or if you are not above the crumbs in the kitchen, the result is likely to be crickets. Any standing water will invite crickets in as well, including leaky pipes or pet water bowls. That’s why it’s important to keep a clean home to reduce cockroach interest.
Your home can also act as a shelter for roaches when it’s cold outside, so while you may do your best to keep things clean, they unfortunately can find their way indoors, being attracted to warm, humid environments.
These pests often enter your home through any cracks or crevices they can find. So, if the door to your house is not locked and locked completely, there is a potential entrance for cockroaches. They often find their way through windows, too.
Once inside, cockroaches usually live in hidden places such as appliances or behind the toilet. It can be very difficult to detect them until their numbers are large. Being nocturnal, they are easy to find at night when you enter a dark room and turn on the light. You may also notice a sweet, foul odor when infested too much.
How to prevent cockroaches
Firstly, it is always best to keep the house clean, get rid of any clutter and cardboard boxes – cockroaches thrive in these boxes. While this won’t guarantee a cockroach-free future, it certainly helps your chances. Any visible cracks that roaches have previously entered should also be closed. So take a look around the doors and windows and fill in any gaps.
You should also check faucets and pipes regularly for leaks as they can also attract cockroaches. If you find one, here it is How to fix a leaky bathtub faucet for guidance.
You may also want to know how to get rid of fruit flies quickly if you find any in the house. Also find out the 10 Things You Didn’t Know You Can Clean With Baking Soda Also Can I Use Barley Vinegar For Cleaning? – This is the best vinegar for cleaning.
