How To Get Rid Of Cockroach Infestation (MD Answer)

Cockroaches are a hassle and can be difficult to get rid of. You want to make sure that you’re doing everything you can to find the best ways to get rid of these pests. Here are some tips on how to do just that!

How to Get Rid of Roaches Yourself
Key Takeaways
Cockroaches can be eliminated through natural remedies and/or chemical treatments.
Cockroach infestations can cause health risks and other problems, so early intervention is key.
Regular inspections and treatments are essential tools in maintaining a cockroach-free home.
Proper sanitation practices and sealing entry points can help prevent future infestations.
Identifying the type of cockroach present in your home can help in choosing the most effective elimination methods.

1. Keep Kitchen Clean And Dry

Keep the kitchen clean and dry. Cockroaches need water to live, so make sure your kitchen is not a place for them to hang out. 

Clean up spills immediately and don’t leave dirty dishes in the sink. Don’t let water sit in sinks or other places where it could be hiding insects.

Don’t leave food out. If you’ve got cockroaches, they’re probably hungry! So don’t leave food on counters or anywhere else they can get access to it. 

This includes pet food—don’t save leftovers for later unless you want an infestation in your house! Also keep dishes cleaned up after every meal; cockroaches love leftovers!

Don’t leave laundry on floor or furniture

If you’re hesitant to use chemical pesticides for cockroach control, our guide on natural remedies can help. Learn about the benefits of natural pest control and how it can be just as effective in eliminating your cockroach infestation.

2. Seal Your Home From The Entry Point

If you’ve tried to seal your home from cockroaches but haven’t seen the results you’d like, it’s time to give another method a try. Cockroaches need access to your home—they won’t just build nests in random places—so sealing them out can be a difficult task. 

However, it’s also what you should focus on if you want to get rid of cockroaches once and for all!

To start off with, make sure that your house is clean and dry. Roaches are attracted to moisture, so keeping your house as dry as possible will result in fewer roaches making their way inside. 

If there is water damage or mold present in any part of the house (e.g., under the sink), address this issue immediately because this is likely where roaches will nest if they do enter through cracks in walls or doors.

To stop roach infestations from returning after they’ve been eliminated with boric acid or other methods mentioned above, clean up all evidence of dead insects and any egg casings (these look like hard brown balls). 

Action RequiredDetails
Identify attics, basements, or crawl spacesDetermine the location of entry points using a flashlight.
Clean Out Entry PointsClear debris, dirt, and spider webs that can attract or provide shelter for cockroaches.
Use Caulk or SealantSeal any holes or gaps found and secure windows and doors with weatherstripping.
Repair Damaged ScreensFix or replace any screens that don’t fit snugly or have holes.
Install Door SweepsUse door sweeps, which are rubber or vinyl attachments, to seal the opening at the bottom of doors.

Anything that could serve as food for new generations should be thrown away outside so nothing comes back into contact with your home again! If possible try vacuuming up these sources before throwing them away outside too.

The dangers of a cockroach infestation shouldn’t be overlooked. Visit our site to discover the preventative measures you can take to avoid health risks, property damage, and other problems caused by these pests

3. Do Not Store Food In The Open

It’s important to store your food properly to avoid attracting cockroaches. They love crumbs, so be sure to keep all of your food sealed up in airtight containers or bags. You should also use the refrigerator or freezer if possible, as this will help keep any leftover remnants from drying out and attracting other pests. 

If you are buying groceries from a grocery store that has a problem with roaches, avoid buying items like meat and cheese unless they’re prepackaged in sealed plastic bags—these are especially prone to getting infested with roaches if left out on a countertop overnight (or longer).

4. Eliminate Their Sources Of Water And Food

Cockroaches need water and food to survive, so eliminating their sources of both is the first step in ridding your home of a cockroach infestation. 

Cockroaches can live for several weeks without food, but only a few days without water. To keep them from coming into your home in the first place, make sure that you keep all food sealed tightly or stored in sealed containers and wipe up any spills immediately. 

Additionally, remove clutter from your home—cockroaches like dark places where they can hide during the day and come out at night to scavenge for food when humans aren’t around.

Once you’ve eliminated sources of water and food from your home, it’s time to fight back against these creatures by using traps!

Don’t let a cockroach infestation take over your home. Get rid of these pests with our 15 effective ways to eliminate cockroaches. From natural remedies to chemical treatments, our guide has everything you need to know to take back your home.

5. Use Diatomaceous Earth For Cockroach Treatment

Diatomaceous earth is a natural product made from the fossilized remains of diatoms. This powder-like substance is non-toxic, safe for humans and pets, and an effective roach killer. 

It can be used in your home or garden and will not harm other insects or animals if it’s applied correctly (not around pets).

You should always wear gloves when applying DE as it may irritate your skin if you get some on you. If this happens wash off immediately with soap and water.

6. Boric Acid For Roach Treatment

How to use boric acid for roach treatment:

First, place the boric acid in an area that the roaches pass through. You can use a bait station or just sprinkle it around their hiding spots and on the baseboards of your home.

Roaches will eat it, but they don’t die immediately; they’ll take anywhere from 12 to 36 hours to die from ingesting boric acid as opposed to two days when exposed directly on their bodies (which is why you need to make sure there’s no direct contact).

Bait stations help prevent this direct exposure by providing a safe environment for them to consume the poison without harming themselves in the process! 

This also allows you to get rid of cockroaches in hard-to-reach places such as behind appliances or under cabinets very easily–just set out one bait station in each infested area and let them do all the work for you!

Regular inspections and treatments are crucial tools in the fight against cockroach infestations. Find out why in our article about the importance of regular cockroach inspections and treatments. Learn how to identify a problem, prevent infestations, and eliminate existing populations of these pests.

7. Mint And Bay Leaves For Roach Treatment

Mint and bay leaves are natural repellents. If you don’t have mint, you can use oregano or lavender instead.

You can use mint and bay leaves to make roach spray. Just mix a tablespoon of water with one teaspoon each of the dried herbs, then shake well in a bottle for 10 seconds before applying it directly on cockroaches that come in contact with it.

Or make roach traps by mixing mint, bay leaves and baking soda together into small balls that you place around your house—the chemical reaction between the three ingredients will attract roaches while they pick up the scent of these herbs!

8. Essential Oils For Cockroach Control

Essential oils are a great way to get rid of roaches, and they can be used in numerous ways. You can use them in homemade traps, spray or bombs. They’re safe for humans and pets and have no dangerous side effects.

Essential oils are made from parts of plants that have a strong aroma, like peppermint or citronella oil. When you use these essential oils around your home, cockroaches will stay away because they don’t like the smell of them!

9. Using Cockroach Baits As A Form Of Cockroach Control

Cockroach baits are a great way to control cockroaches. These traps contain food, which attract the roaches. Once they have eaten it, the toxicant in the bait will kill them and also prevent new eggs from hatching.

10. Use Sticky Traps And Other Natural Bug Killers To Get Rid Of Roaches Fast

Sticky traps are a good way to catch roaches. They work by attracting roaches with their sweet scent, which causes them to be trapped on the sticky surface of the trap. These traps can be purchased or made at home. 

You should place them in areas where you have seen evidence of cockroaches such as feces or egg casings.

Natural bug killers such as vinegar, baking soda and borax can also help you get rid of roaches fast!

11. Cockroach Gel Bait, A Great Roach Killer Product To Get Rid Of These Pests Quickly

If you are looking for an effective roach killer product, cockroach gel bait is the best option. This kind of bait does not require any chemicals or poisons to kill the pests and can be used in almost every area in your home. 

It is also safe for humans and pets making it a great solution for large infestations in your house. The gel has a sweet taste so roaches will be attracted to it easily.

Here are some other reasons why this type of roach killer product works better than anything else:

  • It’s easy to use
  • It can be used on indoor or outdoor surfaces
  • You don’t need an exterminator anymore

Different species of cockroaches can invade your home, but certain types are more common than others. To learn about the most common species of cockroaches found in homes, visit our site. Knowing your enemy is the first step in preventing an infestation, and we’re here to help.

12. Call An Exterminator!

If you’re lucky, you may be able to call an exterminator directly. It’s always good to check with your local government office first—they can help connect you with the right person, and they might even provide free or discounted rates. Be sure to ask around in your community as well!

Action RequiredDetails
Research companiesLook for reputable pest control companies in your area and read reviews or ask for referrals.
Schedule an InspectionHave the exterminator inspect your home to identify the type of cockroach and determine the severity of the infestation.
Discuss Treatment OptionsTalk to the exterminator about the type of treatment, chemicals used, and any safety concerns.
Get a written quoteRequest a written estimate that includes the cost of treatment, number of follow-up visits, and any guarantees.
Prepare Your HomeBefore treatment, move furniture, cover areas with plastic sheets, and clear off countertops.
Follow InstructionsFollow the exterminator’s instructions for post-treatment, such as avoiding contact with treated areas or covering food and dishes.

Conclusion

If you want to get rid of cockroaches, the best way is to contact an experienced pest control company. 

They will come and inspect your home for any signs of roach activity and then treat your home for cockroach infestation. If you have a bad infestation and need help with getting rid of roaches fast, now is the time!

Further Reading

RAC’s guide on how to get rid of cockroaches – Learn about the different species of cockroaches and how to effectively get rid of them with the help of the RAC.

Homes and Gardens’ tips for eliminating cockroaches – Find out how to prevent and get rid of cockroaches with natural remedies and helpful tips from Homes and Gardens.

This Old House’s review of cockroach elimination techniques – Discover effective ways to remove and prevent cockroaches from infesting your home with the help of This Old House.

FAQs

How do I know if I have a cockroach infestation?

Look out for signs such as droppings, egg cases, musty odors, and sightings of live cockroaches in and around your home.

What are the health hazards associated with cockroach infestations?

Cockroaches are known carriers of bacteria, allergens, and other disease-causing organisms. Exposure to these pests can lead to respiratory issues, allergies, and food contamination.

How can I get rid of cockroaches naturally?

Natural remedies such as boric acid, diatomaceous earth, and essential oils can be effective in repelling and eliminating cockroaches.

When should I call a professional to help me eliminate a cockroach infestation?

If you’ve tried DIY treatments and still have a problem or can’t figure out the source of the infestation, it’s time to call in a pest control professional. They can identify the type of cockroach, recommend appropriate measures, and execute a treatment plan.

How can I prevent cockroaches from reinfesting my home?

Proper sanitation practices, sealing entry points, and removing clutter are essential in preventing cockroach infestations. Regular inspections and treatments can also be helpful in eliminating any returning populations.