How To Get Rid Of Roaches Home Remedies

One of the most unwelcome house guests is the cockroach, a resilient pest that not only brings a cringe-factor but also poses significant health risks. But don’t panic; there are plenty of natural, chemical-free ways to oust these unwelcome intruders. We’ll look at some highly effective home remedies that are safe for kids, pets, and the environment.

Diatomaceous Earth

You can quickly sprinkle a light coating of food-grade Diatomaceous Earth on any surface where roaches have been spotted. This natural insecticide comprises pulverized, fossilized algae and sharp and dehydrating particles.

When roaches come into contact with DE, it damages their exoskeletons and dehydrates them to death. DE is a safe and effective home remedy that removes insects without harmful chemicals. It’s affordable, non-toxic, and safe for kids and pets.

However, it may require re-application and can be messy, as you’ll have to locate and dispose of dead roaches after each treatment. Nonetheless, it’s an excellent option for those looking for a natural and easy solution to their roach problem.

Baking Soda

Baking soda is a fast and easy way to eliminate cockroaches, and you probably already have it in your pantry. Not only is it effective, but it’s also non-toxic and affordable.

To make a DIY roach bait, dice a handful of onions and sprinkle them with baking soda. Place this mixture in a shallow dish anywhere you’ve noticed roach activity. When the roaches consume baking soda, it creates gasses in their stomachs, causing them to burst. This method is a great way to kill off adult roaches quickly.

However, it’s important to note that pets may consume the onion mixture as onions are toxic for dogs. Additionally, this method can be messy and requires you to locate and dispose of dead roaches. Therefore, if you have pets or young children, it’s important to use caution when using baking soda as a roach killer.

Boric Acid

Using boric acid to eliminate cockroaches may be a natural and non-toxic solution, but it’s important to note that it can be messy and require several applications or treatments.

Boric acid acts on the roach’s nervous and digestive systems, making it a deadly pest compound. However, using food-grade boric acid and sprinkling it lightly on a paper plate is essential.

Placing an orange peel or peanut butter in the middle of the plate will attract the roaches, and they will ingest the poison when they come in contact with the boric acid.

One of the benefits of using boric acid is that it’s affordable and natural, making it a viable option for homes with kids and pets. However, it’s crucial to note that it may not be ideal for homes with young kids or pets that may come into contact with the powder.

Additionally, you’ll need to track down and dispose of dead roaches after each treatment, which can be quite a task. Overall, boric acid effectively eliminates cockroaches, but it may require patience and effort to see the desired results.

Insect Growth Regulator

If you have domestic roaches and want to prevent reproduction, you can use an insect growth regulator (IGR) product. These products come in various formulas, including sprays formulated with Pyriproxifen that effectively control roaches during their early life stages.

The IGR targets roach eggs and nymphs, rendering them unable to mature any further and reducing the roach population in your home. While insect growth regulators can be an effective control measure, they’re best used in tandem with products that will eliminate adult roaches, including baits, traps, and liquid concentrates.

It’s important to note that IGRs won’t kill full-grown roaches, and it may take months to have a noticeable effect. Therefore, it’s recommended to use these products as a preventative measure before a full-blown infestation occurs.

Set Bait Stations

To lure roaches into their demise, place bait stations in strategic areas where they frequent, such as under the sink or behind the fridge. These bait stations contain a poison that attracts the roaches and kills them once they consume it. The dead roaches will also spread the toxin to other roaches, further controlling the infestation.

However, it’s important to note that bait stations may not be ideal for homes with pets or young children as the poison can be toxic to them. The dead roaches must be disposed of properly to avoid health hazards.

Borax

Now that you know about boric acid, let’s talk about another laundry product that can help you get rid of roaches – borax.

Borax is a mineral compound commonly used as a cleaning agent but can also be an effective roach killer. Borax works by sticking to the roaches’ legs and antennae, transferring the powder to their bodies, and ultimately dehydrating them to death.

To use borax as a roach killer, mix equal parts of borax and sugar and sprinkle the mixture in areas where you’ve seen roach activity. The sugar will attract the roaches, and the borax will do the rest.

While borax is generally safe for humans and pets, it’s still important to keep it away from children and animals. Additionally, remember to clean up any dead roaches after each treatment to prevent further infestations.

Citrus

One surprising natural roach repellent that you may not have considered is citrus, specifically lemon oil. The scent of lemons deters roaches and can effectively keep them out of your home.

To use lemon oil as a roach repellent, simply add a few drops to the water you use to mop your floors. The scent won’t be detectable to humans, but it will send roaches packing.

Citrus is a safe and affordable option for homes with kids and pets. However, it’s important to note that it doesn’t kill roaches – it only deters them.

If you have a severe infestation, you may need to use a combination of methods to get rid of roaches for good. Consider hiring a professional roach management team for the most effective and long-lasting solution.

Essential Oils

You’ll be amazed at how effective essential oils can keep those pesky roaches at bay. Peppermint and lemongrass essential oils are particularly effective at repelling roaches. Mix a few drops of either of these essential oils with a bit of water and spray the mixture in areas where you’ve seen roach activity.

Citrus, lime, oregano, and rosemary essential oils are also effective roach repellents. Essential oils are a great natural alternative to chemical insecticides. They’re safe for both kids and pets and won’t harm the environment.

However, it’s important to note that essential oils won’t kill roaches. They simply repel them and keep them from entering your home. So, while essential oils are a great way to prevent roach infestations, it’s important to use other methods to eliminate any existing roaches in your home.

Use Glue Traps

For a safe and effective way to identify and control roach infestations, try using glue traps hidden in areas where you’ve noticed roach activity. Glue strips are sheets covered in a sticky substance that lures roaches in and traps them. These strips are safe for kids and pets as long as they’re hidden from view.

When using glue traps, it’s important to monitor them for a few days or weeks and change and replace them when they’re filled with dead roaches. Glue strips won’t work for large roach infestations but can help monitor and control small infestations.

Using glue traps, you can identify problem areas and resolve infestations, making your home a roach-free zone.

Conclusion
Congratulations! You now have a range of natural methods to help you get rid of pesky roaches without resorting to harmful chemicals. From using an insect growth regulator to setting bait stations and using essential oils, there are plenty of options to choose from.

Diatomaceous earth, baking soda, boric acid, and glue traps are also effective ways to eliminate these unwanted guests from your home.

Remember to caulk all entry points to prevent roaches from returning. Using these home remedies lets you keep your home free from roaches while keeping your loved ones safe. Say goodbye to these pests and enjoy a clean and healthy home.

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