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Cockroaches are one of the most common household pests. They’re also one of the most difficult to get rid of. If you have cockroaches in your home, you know how frustrating and gross it can be.
There are a lot of products that claim to kill cockroaches, but many of them contain harmful chemicals. If you’re looking for a more natural way to get rid of cockroaches, there are a few things you can do.
In this article, you will find tips on how to get rid of cockroaches naturally.
How Are Cockroaches Harmful to Humans?
One of the most prevalent indoor allergens in the world is the cockroach, and 40%–60% of people with asthma have produced antibodies to cockroach allergens. (1)
One study of over 300 residential units showed that 39% of households suffered from cockroach infestations to some extent. (2)
Some of the reasons why cockroaches are harmful to human health are:
- Cockroaches and numerous harmful organisms have been linked to various illness-causing entities. These include bacteria, fungi, protozoa, helminths (worms), and viruses that cause poliomyelitis. (2)
- Cockroaches are a common insect nuisance in restaurants and hotels. (2)
- Cockroaches can transmit harmful microorganisms through food and cause food-borne infectious diseases and disorders including dysentery, cholera, fever, and abdominal cramps. (3) Because cockroaches frequent food preparation areas, they are a food safety issue and a public health hazard.
Home Remedies to Get Rid of Cockroaches
Here are some natural remedies that may help to get rid of cockroaches from your home.
1. Try using baking soda
Baking soda is an effective and natural way to get rid of cockroaches. When used correctly, it can kill cockroaches and prevent them from returning.
However, research has shown that while various combinations of baking soda are equally effective, they do not stay effective for the same length of time. (4)
To use baking soda to get rid of cockroaches, mix equal parts baking soda and sugar. Place the mixture in a shallow dish and set it out where you have seen cockroaches. The sugar will attract the cockroaches while the baking soda will kill them. (5)
Be sure to check the areas where you placed the bait regularly and replenish as needed until you no longer see any cockroaches.
2. Use boric acid as a natural pest repellant
Boric acid is a common ingredient in many roach-killing products, but you can also use it on its own to get rid of these pests. (6)
Simply mix equal parts of boric acid and sugar, and place the mixture in a shallow dish in areas where cockroaches are known to congregate. The sugar will attract the cockroaches, while the boric acid will kill them when they eat it.
You can also make a bait station by combining boric acid and flour. Place this mixture in a small container with holes drilled in the lid. Set the bait station out near where you see roaches. The roaches will eat the mixture and die.
3. Employ borax to kill the roaches
Borax is a naturally occurring mineral that can be used as an effective cockroach killer. When mixed with sugar or another sweetener, it creates a bait that attracts cockroaches and other insects. The roaches will ingest the borax, which then kills them. (5)
Borax can also be used in combination with baking soda when odor control is required too. (4)
4. Use citrus fruits
Citrus fruits are an excellent natural way to get rid of cockroaches. These fruits contain a potent chemical called limonene that is toxic to cockroaches. (7)(8) You can use citrus fruits in a number of ways to kill cockroaches and keep them away from your home.
One way to use citrus fruits to get rid of cockroaches is to make a homemade spray. Simply mix the juice of one lemon with water and spray the mixture around areas where you have seen cockroaches. You can also add some vinegar to the mixture for extra effectiveness.
Another option is to cut up a few citrus fruits and place them in bowls around your home. The strong smell of the fruit will repel cockroaches and keep them away.
If you have a serious cockroach problem, you can try using citrus peelings or citrus oils. Cockroaches are attracted to the smell of citrus peels, so placing them around your home will lure them in. Once they eat the peelings, they will die due to the toxicity of the limonene.
You can also place dried citrus peelings in pest-proof containers and leave them out around your home as a natural roach trap.
5. Try using essential oils
If you are looking for a natural and effective way to get rid of cockroaches, essential oils may be the answer you’re looking for. Essential oils are a powerful and natural way to get rid of cockroaches when used correctly.
A few different essential oils are known to be effective against cockroaches. Some of the most popular ones include citrus, eucalyptus, lavender, peppermint, and lemongrass. (9)
When using essential oils to get rid of cockroaches, remember that they must be used correctly to be effective. Essential oils should never be used directly on the skin or ingested. They should also be diluted with water before being sprayed or diffused in an area where cockroaches are present.
Preventive Tips to Prevent Cockroach Infestation
Here are some tips to prevent cockroaches from multiplying in your home:
1. Clean the garbage
The first step is to clean up any food or garbage that might be attracting cockroaches. This means regularly taking out the trash, washing dishes, and sweeping floors. You should also seal up any cracks or crevices where roaches might be able to enter your home.
If you have a roach problem, it’s likely that several roaches are already living in your home. To get rid of them, you can try some of the home remedies mentioned above. If all else fails, use a roach trap or bait, or get an inspection performed by a pest control specialist.
2. Clean food crumbs
Cockroaches are attracted to food sources, so one of the best ways to get rid of them is to remove their food source. This means keeping your kitchen clean, sweeping up crumbs, and making sure there is no food left out overnight.
3. Keep your sink clean
Your kitchen sink is one of the places where cockroaches are most likely to congregate. They are attracted to the warm, moist environment and the abundance of food scraps.
To keep your sink clean and cockroach-free, follow these simple tips:
- Wipe up spills and crumbs immediately after they happen.
- Don’t let dirty dishes pile up in the sink. Wash them as soon as possible.
- Use a drain cover or plug to keep cockroaches from crawling up through the drain.
- Keep a tight lid on your garbage can to prevent cockroaches from getting in.
- Regularly clean your sink with soap and water, paying special attention to the area around the drain.
Most-Asked Questions About Cockroach Infestation
Are all the methods mentioned safe to use?
While the methods have been proven to be safe for household use, do not use multiple methods in combination as they can cause chemical reactions.
How do I get rid of cockroach eggs?
All the methods listed above will help in getting rid of adult cockroaches immediately. However, for cockroach eggs, you will need to continue using the methods until the eggs hatch and the cockroaches die.
What areas do cockroaches usually hide?
Cockroaches generally come out at night, when there is less movement of people in the area. Cockroaches cluster in dark areas such as behind drawers and cupboard corners. They can also frequent garbage collection and disposal areas.
Final Word
Cockroaches are not only unpleasant, but they can also be dangerous, so getting rid of them is important. With these tips, you can rest assured that your home will be free of cockroaches in no time.
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