Although common, the sight of cockroaches around the house is extremely unsettling (and even scary, at times). While these bugs cannot cause much damage to the home, they can become carriers of diseases and infections as well as contaminate food. So, they must be removed from one’s home as quickly as possible. Thankfully, there are many DIY techniques to do this instead of spending hundreds of dollars on a pest control service.
1. Step on them
One of the easiest ways to kill those pesky bugs is by stomping on them. Cockroaches can bear up to 900 times their weight, so be sure to use proper strength when stepping on them. After killing the cockroach, disinfect the area and one’s shoes to limit the spread of any disease.
2. Baking soda
It is an effective home remedy against cockroaches. When they ingest the baking soda, it causes gas buildup in the roach’s body, eventually killing it. That being said, cockroaches are unlikely to consume this substance on their own because they don’t like its smell or taste, so one may need to set up a bait to attract them.
- Baking soda and sugar: Mix equal amounts of baking soda with regular sugar on a plate and place it close to the area of infestation.
- Baking soda and onion: Those who do not have pets at home can also try combining onion and baking soda to get rid of roaches. Prepare a trap by cutting an onion and sprinkling baking soda over it. Place it around the areas frequented by roaches.
3. Boric acid
This is one of the most effective remedies to target roaches, as it is a stomach poison that they don’t have any resistance to. On the flip side, it is a slow-acting agent, which deters many people from using it.
Like with baking soda, one must prepare a trap for the cockroaches using boric acid and sugar. Mix equal amounts of these ingredients and place them in an open jar near their activity site. Alternatively, one can also make dough balls using boric acid, sugar, dough, and water and place them in strategic locations around the house. Once the roaches consume this, this slow-acting poison eventually kills them. Furthermore, if other roaches find the droppings and bodies of poisoned roaches, they will also consume them and die. While this remedy can be useful in getting rid of roaches, it is important to note that boric acid can be toxic to humans when they come into contact with large quantities of it, so it is best to follow the manufacturer’s directions and use the remedy sparingly.
4. Essential oil sprays
Those who have a few pesky roaches finding their way into the home can also try using essential oil sprays to repel them. Add a few drops of essential oil with some water to create a concentrated solution. Spray this around the entry points or places where roaches were last spotted. Several essential oils will help one deal with large amounts of roaches.
- Citrus: Citrus essential oils, such as lemon, orange, grapefruit, etc., can be useful in repelling cockroaches thanks to their limonene content, which repels these insects.
- Kaffir lime: Various studies have found that kaffir lime has been helpful in warding off various types of roaches.
- Rosemary: Rosemary essential oil has been proven to be highly toxic to brown-banded cockroaches.
5. Diatomaceous Earth (DE)
This naturally occurring, non-toxic, and environmentally safe substance can be used to get rid of roaches. It works by damaging the insect’s exoskeleton and causing dehydration, eventually eliminating it.
Although applying DE is easy, many people end up making mistakes that can render the remedy ineffective. For best results, one can apply a thin layer of dust on the surfaces where cockroaches frequent. Ensure that it remains dry. But, it is important to note that overusing DE can cause itchy or sore throats for homeowners as well.
6. Glue strips
Glue strips have become a popular home remedy to get rid of roaches. These are sheets covered with a sticky substance and can easily be found at most supermarkets. Simply lay them out as directed, and they will catch cockroaches within 24-48 hours. Then, the homeowner can safely dispose of them.
Experts say that glue strips can also be used to monitor the severity of an infestation. If the strips catch a lot of roaches, it may be a sign to call a professional to address the problem.
7. Gel baits
Many supermarkets carry gel bait products that eliminate roaches when they ingest them. They can be applied in hard-to-reach areas as well. Experts advise homeowners to apply small dots of this product in areas frequented by roaches. Be sure not to miss out on cracks, corners, and areas under the cabinets, as bugs often hide there. This technique can take one to three days to eliminate roaches.
If these remedies fail to yield results, it may be time to call a professional pest control service to get rid of roaches permanently. Depending on the severity of the infestation, these companies may use various techniques to get rid of the cockroaches. To ensure this problem does not arise again, they will also share useful tips regarding cleaning standards and other best practices that keep insects at bay.
