Cockroaches are one of the most unwelcome pests homeowners encounter. These resilient creatures are known to spread bacteria, worsen asthma symptoms, and reproduce rapidly. While cockroach infestations can be daunting, there are natural remedies to manage them effectively.
Let’s explore eight proven natural methods to get rid of cockroaches and prevent future infestations.
Key Takeaways
- Keeping your home clean, sealing cracks, and removing moisture helps prevent cockroaches from thriving in your space.
- Natural remedies like diatomaceous earth, boric acid, and baking soda effectively manage persistent infestations.
- Essential oils, glue traps, and bay leaves are non-toxic options to repel cockroaches and monitor their activity.
- For severe infestations or ongoing roach problems, professional pest control can provide lasting and tailored solutions.
1. Keep Your Home Clean and Tidy
Cockroaches thrive in environments with accessible food and water. A few adjustments can make your home less inviting:
- Wash dirty dishes immediately.
- Vacuum floors to remove food crumbs.
- Store food in airtight containers to eliminate food sources.
- Wipe down countertops and clean up spills promptly.
Cockroaches are often attracted to garbage cans and pet food. Be sure to:
- Empty garbage cans daily and use ones with tight-fitting lids.
- Store pet food in sealed containers and avoid leaving it out overnight.
2. Seal Entry Points and Crevices
Cockroaches enter homes through cracks and small openings.
Use caulk to seal baseboards, gaps around faucets and pipes, and entry points near windows and doors. Sealing these areas prevents future infestations and limits hiding places for German cockroaches and other roach species.
3. Sprinkle Diatomaceous Earth
Food-grade diatomaceous earth (DE) is a natural way to tackle cockroaches without harsh materials. This fine powder dehydrates roaches by damaging their exoskeletons, ultimately killing them.
To kill cockroaches, you must sprinkle food-grade DE in problem areas, such as under appliances, along baseboards, or anywhere else you’ve spotted activity.
To keep it effective, reapply the powder after cleaning or if it gets wet. It’s a simple, long-lasting solution to help manage infestations naturally.
4. Place Baking Soda and Sugar Roach Bait
If you’re looking for an easy DIY way to get rid of cockroaches, try making a bait with baking soda and sugar.
Mix equal parts of each ingredient, then place the mixture in small dishes or bottle caps near areas where you’ve noticed roach activity.
The sugar works as a lure, attracting the cockroaches, while the baking soda reacts with their stomach acids to reduce their numbers.
It’s a simple, natural method that’s worth trying to tackle your roach problem.
5. Spray Essential Oils
Essential oils, like tea tree or peppermint oil, are great natural options for keeping roaches away.
Just mix a few drops with water in a spray bottle, then spritz the solution around baseboards, under sinks, and near crevices where roaches might hide.
Eucalyptus oil and citronella oil can work just as well, helping to repel pests like American cockroaches without using harsh materials.
Plus, they leave your home smelling fresh and clean.
6. Scatter Bay Leaves
Crushed bay leaves emit a scent that cockroaches dislike. Scatter the leaves in places with roach sightings or along pathways they frequent. While bay leaves won’t kill roaches, they can help reduce infestations in pantries and other storage areas.
7. Use Glue Traps to Monitor Infested Areas
Glue traps are a safe and effective way to monitor and reduce cockroach populations. Place roach traps in high-traffic areas, including:
- Under sinks.
- Behind refrigerators.
- Near baseboards or in infested areas.
These traps can help you identify where cockroaches are hiding, making it easier to focus your pest control efforts.
8. Fix Leaks and Eliminate Moisture
Cockroaches can’t survive without water, so getting rid of excess moisture in your home is crucial.
Start by fixing any leaky faucets or pipes, as even small drips can attract them. At night, dry sinks, bathtubs, and other wet surfaces to cut off their water supply.
If you have damp areas, like basements, use a dehumidifier to lower the humidity.
9. Use Boric Acid
If cockroaches keep coming back despite your best efforts, boric acid (or borax) can be a lifesaver. This tried-and-true home remedy works by killing roaches on contact.
Use it effectively in these ways:
| Methods | How to Use |
|---|---|
| Apply in Cracks and Crevices | Sprinkle a light dusting of boric acid in hard-to-reach areas where cockroaches are active. |
| Homemade Roach Bait Stations | Mix boric acid with sugar to attract and kill cockroaches in high-traffic zones. |
| Boost with Diatomaceous Earth | Combine boric acid with diatomaceous earth to create a potent roach killer. |
Remember to use boric acid carefully. Keep it out of reach of kids and pets, and only apply it where cockroaches are likely to encounter it.
WHEN TO CALL A PEST CONTROL COMPANY
If natural methods don’t fully solve the problem or you notice signs of a German roach infestation, like egg cases, everywhere, it may be time to seek professional pest control services.
At LaJaunie’s Pest Control, we provide effective solutions tailored to your needs. Our exterminators handle everything from sealing entry points to comprehensive cockroach control treatments, ensuring long-lasting results.
For more tips or to schedule a consultation, contact us today!