Don’t let the name fool you: American cockroaches are not from the United States. They’re actually native to Africa and South America, but we don’t mind them much.
You may have seen one scurrying across your kitchen or bathroom floor at night, drawn by the light that gives it away to predators—such as us!
If you’re worried about how many American cockroaches are living in your home and how best to get rid of them, this article will help.
| Takeaways |
|---|
| Regular cockroach inspections and treatments can help prevent an infestation |
| There are natural and chemical solutions to getting rid of cockroaches |
| Cockroach infestations can pose serious health risks and should be addressed quickly |
| Prevention is key to keeping cockroaches out of your home |
| Additional resources such as product recommendations and expert advice may be helpful |
Vacuum The Roaches
The first step in getting rid of American cockroaches is to vacuum them. Vacuuming roaches is a great way to prevent them from entering your home and hiding in it.
Cockroaches are very susceptible to dehydration, so they like dark places like under beds and couches where there isn’t a lot of air movement.
If you have a large number of roaches in your home, vacuuming regularly can help keep them from multiplying as easily because it’s harder for the eggs to hatch if there aren’t many food sources around for them (and their babies).
If there are cockroaches inside your house, then vacuum up any stray crumbs or other food that might attract these pests.
Be sure to vacuum all areas where cockroaches could be hiding—this includes kitchens and bathrooms, but also other places such as underneath furniture on top floors (you don’t want roaches coming into contact with humans).
Make sure that you use a high-quality vacuum cleaner with either HEPA filtration or electrostatic filters; this will help prevent any unwanted germs from spreading through the air when you’re cleaning!
Regular cockroach inspections and treatments can help prevent a full-blown infestation in your home. By taking proactive measures and scheduling routine checkups, you can stay ahead of the problem. For more information on the importance of regular inspections, check out our article on The Importance of Regular Cockroach Inspections and Treatments.
Orange Peel
Orange peel is another good option for repelling and killing cockroaches. It’s a traditional remedy that has been used for hundreds of years, and it’s still very effective today.
The best way to use orange peel is to place the peels in areas where you’ve seen roaches. They are attracted to the bitter taste of orange peels, so they’ll be more likely to stay away from areas with orange peel than other types of food or beverage containers that may attract them instead.
The best time of day to use this method is right after dark when cockroaches are most active and out looking for food sources – which includes anything they can find that smells like food!
| Use | Benefits |
|---|---|
| Aromatherapy | Contains essential oils that can promote relaxation and reduce stress |
| Cooking | Adds flavor and nutrients to dishes |
| Cleaning | Acts as a natural degreaser and can remove odors |
| Skincare | Contains vitamin C and antioxidants that can help brighten and protect skin |
| Natural Insecticide | Can be used to repel and kill insects such as ants and flies |
Boric Acid
Boric acid is a poison that works by interfering with the cockroach’s nervous system. It can kill them within days, and they will die on your floors or counters if you don’t do anything to clean up the corpses right away.
The good news is that roaches have been known to die even when they’ve only ingested boric acid in small amounts—this means it doesn’t take much time or effort to get rid of an infestation using this method!
To use boric acid effectively, mix some into flour and apply it around entry points where you see roaches coming in and going out every day (for example: cracks along baseboards or under doors).
You can also sprinkle some directly onto insecticides like roach gel bait traps if you prefer not having any chemicals in your home at all.
Be sure not to put too much on because otherwise, it might stain surfaces when they get wet later on down the line—just enough so there’s no visible powder left behind after wiping up excess moisture from spillage.
Discover 15 effective ways to get rid of cockroaches and keep them out of your home. From preventative measures, to natural and chemical solutions, our guide offers practical tips for managing a cockroach problem. For more information, read our article on 15 Effective Ways to Get Rid of Cockroaches in Your Home.
Soap Water Solution
Create a mixture of 1 tablespoon of dish soap and 2-3 cups of water and pour it into a spray bottle. Spray the roaches with this solution for at least 10 minutes.
This will kill them because it dehydrates them, but it may also work to remove their waxy coating, making them more vulnerable to other treatments later on.
Borax And Sugar Mixture
Borax is a white crystalline mineral composed of boron, oxygen and water. It is commercially mined for its many uses in the consumer marketplace and industrial products.
As an insecticide, borax can help you kill roaches naturally without using harsh chemicals that could otherwise be harmful to your family or pets.
While you can buy roach baits from most big box stores, they often contain chemicals that may be harmful to humans as well as insects.
If you’re looking for an alternative solution that won’t poison you or your family members when it comes time to clean up after using it around the house, consider making your own bait with borax instead!
Bay Leaves
Bay leaves are an effective natural insect repellent. They can be used to repel cockroaches from your home without the negative side effects of pesticides, making them a safer alternative for everyone in the household.
Place bay leaves around your home: Bay leaves may not be able to keep roaches out of your house completely, but they’ll certainly help. If you don’t have any on hand, you can always pick up some fresh ones at the grocery store and use those instead.
Sprinkle bay leaves in drawers and cupboards: Leave some bay leaves in your kitchen drawers and cabinets so that they can release their essential oils into the air throughout the day—and night!
If there’s no room left in these spaces because you’re using them for storage (which is totally understandable), just scatter some bay leaves around instead. Roaches hate this smell so much that it will drive them away even if it doesn’t kill them!
If you’re facing a cockroach problem, you may be wondering whether natural remedies or chemical pesticides are the best solution. Our article on Cockroach Control: Natural Remedies Vs. Chemical Pesticides explores both options in detail, outlining the benefits and drawbacks of each approach
Mothballs
Mothballs are toxic to children and pets, so use them carefully. They should not be used in food preparation areas because they can contaminate the food.
If you’re going to use moth balls in your home, make sure that there is no possibility of contact with children or pets.
The EPA recommends against using these chemicals in homes with young children or animals due to their toxicity. Use only outdoors if you choose them as an option for pest control.
Catnip Spray
Catnip spray is a great alternative to harsh chemical insecticides because it’s 100% natural and safe for humans and pets, but still effective at killing roaches. It can be used in conjunction with other treatments, or on its own.
To make your catnip spray:
- Add 5-10 drops of catnip oil to 1 cup of water in a glass jar with a tight-fitting lid
- Shake well before each use
Cucumber Peels
Cucumber peels are a great way to get rid of roaches. This repellent can be used in an organic garden or in your home. Cucumber peel will not harm humans or pets but will keep the insects away.
Cucumber peels are also useful for getting rid of ants and mites.
Cockroach infestations can pose serious risks to your health and home. From triggering asthma and allergies to contaminating food and surfaces with bacteria, it’s crucial to address the problem as soon as possible. Learn more about the dangers of cockroach infestations and how to prevent them in our article on The Dangers of Cockroach Infestations and How to Prevent Them.
Neem Oil Spray
Neem oil is a natural pesticide that can be used to repel many insects. It’s also an effective way to get rid of cockroaches, but it has to be used correctly because it can have negative effects on humans and animals. We recommend using neem oil as a liquid spray for indoor areas only and not for treating entire structures outside or around the home. You will need:
- 3 ounces of distilled water
- 1-ounce neem oil
- 4 tablespoons baking soda
Indian Lilac (Neem) Paste
Neem oil is a natural pesticide that can be used to treat roaches. It’s safe for humans, pets and the environment.
Neem oil is an insect repellent, so it can keep cockroaches away from your home. You can make neem oil paste by mixing water and neem leaves in equal proportions, mixing them well and adding some turmeric powder to get rid of the smell.
Petroleum Jelly Trap
This is an easy way to remove any roaches that may have made their way into your home. Simply mix petroleum jelly with a little bit of water and spread it on a piece of cardboard.
Then, place the cardboard in a corner of the room where you’ve seen roaches hanging out. The cockroaches will be attracted to the petroleum jelly and will get stuck in it. You can then take them outside and release them elsewhere!
This method works well because it’s less likely for other insects or animals (like mice) who might want to use your house as a refuge from predators outside, unlike some other methods which involve chemicals that can harm these creatures as well as the human family members who live there too!
| Pest | How to Use |
|---|---|
| Cockroaches | Apply a layer of petroleum jelly to the inside of a jar, place bread bait inside, and leave overnight |
| Ants | Spread petroleum jelly on a cardboard square and place in areas where ants are present |
| Earwigs | Apply a layer of petroleum jelly to the inside of a small pot and place in areas where earwigs are present |
| Spiders | Apply a layer of petroleum jelly to the inside of a jar, place a dead insect inside as bait, and leave overnight |
| Silverfish | Apply a layer of petroleum jelly to the inside of a jar, place a rolled up newspaper as bait, and leave overnight |
Diatomaceous Earth Trap
If you’re looking for a way to trap a cockroach, diatomaceous earth might be your best option. Diatomaceous earth (DE) is a naturally occurring rock that works as an insecticide by dehydrating the insects’ exoskeletons.
They have microscopic edges called spines that slough off the exoskeleton and kill the bugs when they come into contact with the DE’s sharp edges.
To make one of these traps, you’ll need:
- A long-necked bottle like this one or this one (you’ll want it to be taller than it is wide)
- Diatomaceous earth (you should be able to find this at your local hardware store)
Once you’ve gathered everything needed, fill up half of your container with DE and cap it off with some sort of lid or stopper so that no roaches can get in while they’re trying to escape from their doomed companions’ remains inside. Then sit back and wait for some unsuspecting American roaches!
Prevention is key when it comes to keeping cockroaches out of your house. There are many practical steps you can take to minimize the risk of an infestation. To learn more, check out our article on How to Keep Cockroaches Out of Your House for tips and strategies to help safeguard your home.
Conclusion
If you’re struggling with a cockroach problem, don’t panic! There are plenty of solutions that can help eliminate your infestation once and for all.
From diatomaceous earth traps to neem oil spray, there’s something for every budget and home-ownership situation.
We hope this article has given you the information you need to tackle roaches with confidence and get those pesky pests out of your life once and for all!
Further Reading
Here are some additional resources that may be helpful to you:
Ortho: How to Get Rid of American Cockroaches – This article from Ortho provides a detailed overview of American cockroaches and offers tips on how to eliminate them.
Forbes: Get Rid of American Cockroaches – Forbes offers this comprehensive guide on how to get rid of American cockroaches, including natural and chemical solutions.
Solutions Stores: American Cockroach Control – Solutions Stores provides product recommendations and expert advice for controlling and eliminating American cockroaches.
FAQs
What are American cockroaches?
American cockroaches are a common species of cockroach found in the United States. They are large, reddish-brown insects that can grow up to two inches in length.
Where do American cockroaches live?
American cockroaches typically live in warm, humid environments such as sewers, basements, and crawl spaces. They can also be found in commercial buildings such as restaurants and grocery stores.
Are American cockroaches dangerous?
While American cockroaches are not known to bite, they can carry harmful bacteria and pathogens that can contaminate food and surfaces. They have also been linked to allergies and asthma.
What are some signs of an American cockroach infestation?
Signs of an American cockroach infestation include the presence of live or dead cockroaches, egg cases, and fecal matter. You may also notice a musty odor or small, dark specks that resemble pepper.
How can I prevent American cockroaches from entering my home?
To prevent American cockroaches from entering your home, be sure to seal any cracks or gaps in your walls, doors, and windows. Keep your home clean and free of clutter, and store food in airtight containers. Regular inspections and treatments from a pest control professional can also help keep these pests at bay.
Hello! I’m Hellen James, and I write about how to keep pests from invading your home. For the last 10 years, I’ve been working in pest control and am excited to share my expertise with you!
