Cockroaches are one of the most common pests in homes, restaurants, and other buildings. They can eat almost anything and survive on very little food.
They also carry bacteria that cause food poisoning and spread diseases like salmonella and dysentery. Cockroaches can even transmit leprosy, typhoid fever, and other illnesses if they come into contact with humans or their trash.
So what do you do when those nasty critters start invading your home? Here’s how to prevent them from entering your house in the first place and how to get rid of any that have already found their way inside.
| Key Takeaways |
|---|
| – Cockroach infestations can pose significant health risks and should be addressed quickly. |
| – Natural remedies can be effective for controlling cockroaches, but may require more frequent application. |
| – Proper sanitation and preventive measures can help prevent cockroach infestations. |
| – Regular inspections and treatments by a professional pest control company can help maintain a cockroach-free home. |
| – Cockroach infestations can have serious consequences for both residential and commercial properties, including legal liability. |
Common Insecticides
Insecticides are chemicals that kill insects. They can be very effective in getting rid of cockroaches, but they should only be used as a last resort and they should always be used in accordance with the instructions on their label.
| Insecticide | Active Ingredient | Target Insects |
|---|---|---|
| Advion Cockroach Gel Bait | Indoxacarb | German cockroaches and other species |
| Raid Ant and Roach Killer | Imiprothrin, Cypermethrin | Ants, cockroaches, and other crawling insects |
| Ortho Home Defense Insect Killer | Bifenthrin | Ants, cockroaches, spiders, and other common household insects |
| Talstar Pro Multi-Use Insecticide | Bifenthrin | Various indoor and outdoor pests, including cockroaches, ants, and mosquitoes |
| Phantom II Aerosol Spray | Chlorfenapyr | Ants, bed bugs, cockroaches, and other pests |
| Suspend SC Insecticide | Deltamethrin | Ants, bed bugs, cockroaches, and many other pests |
Insecticides are not good for humans or animals because they can be harmful if ingested. Insecticides should never be applied directly to food, or food preparation surfaces such as dishes, countertops and sinks where food is being prepared.
If you’re struggling with cockroach control, consider natural remedies before reaching for chemical pesticides. Our guide to Cockroach Control: Natural Remedies vs Chemical Pesticides can help you make an informed decision that’s both safe and effective.
Boric Acid
Boric acid is a white powder that comes from the mineral borax. The powder can be mixed with water to make a paste, which you can apply around your home. Borax has a long history of use as an insecticide, and it’s considered safe for humans when used properly.
Boric acid has been used as a pesticide since the 1920s, with food products such as candy and flour being treated with it so that cockroaches don’t eat them.
In recent years, boric acid has become more popular as an alternative to chemical pesticides because it doesn’t have any negative effects on people or pets (though you should still keep small children away from it).
It also doesn’t have any negative environmental effects—the amount of boron that ends up in sewage treatment plants after going through your system is about equal to what humans naturally ingest daily anyway!
Boric acid works by dehydrating roaches’ exoskeletons and causing their egg cases to shrivel up and die off before they can hatch into full-grown cockroaches later on down the road.
The EPA recommends applying 5 milligrams per square foot every two weeks; this will kill adult roaches within four days after application begins but won’t affect any creatures outside of their nests until those eggs hatch out into larvae instead–which means there won’t be any lingering side effects coming from using borax over time either!
Borax Powder
If you’re looking for a natural way to keep cockroaches at bay, borax powder is one of the best options. It’s a white powder commonly used as a laundry booster and cleaner. Borax is toxic to insects but not humans; it’s safe to use around pets and children in small amounts.
You can make your own cockroach repellent spray with borax by combining it with water in a 16 oz spray bottle.
Spray around areas where you see or suspect roaches creeping about, such as kitchen counters and cabinets, drawers or closets that don’t get much light, under appliances like stoves and refrigerators (they love warm places), under sinks where pipes pass through the walls—anywhere they may be hiding out!
Cockroach infestations can pose major health risks for you and your family. Don’t wait until it’s too late—check out The Dangers of Cockroach Infestations and How to Prevent Them to learn how to protect your home and loved ones
Bay Leaves
You can use bay leaves to make a spray to keep roaches away. The bay leaves will repel the roaches, and they won’t be able to get near them. To make this spray, you need:
- 20-25 dried bay leaves
- 4 oz of vinegar (or lemon juice)
Grind up the dried bay leaves in a food processor or coffee grinder until they are ground into small pieces. You don’t want them too fine–if they’re too fine, then it won’t work as well as if they’re just slightly coarsely ground.
Put this mixture into an old spray bottle (make sure that it’s empty first!) and add your vinegar or lemon juice until its full up about 1/4 of the way from top of bottle with mixture inside (you can add more later if needed). Shake well before each use!
Borax and Sugar Mixture
- Borax powder and sugar mixture:
- Borax powder is a natural mineral salt that is toxic to cockroaches, but not to humans or pets.
- To make the borax powder mixture, mix one part borax powder with four parts sugar. For example, if you want to make a quarter cup of the insecticide (1/4 cup), you will combine 1/8 teaspoon of borax with 3 tablespoons of sugar.
The ratio must be exactly 4:1 for this particular recipe! Failure to do so will result in either ineffective or dangerous results—do not experimentally adjust ratios without first reading the full instructions here!
If you’re dealing with a cockroach problem, there are plenty of effective solutions available. From traps to natural remedies, our guide to 15 Effective Ways to Get Rid of Cockroaches in Your Home has you covered.
Coffee Grounds
Coffee grounds are a natural pesticide, so they are an effective way to prevent cockroaches from entering your home. The smell of coffee is irritating to them and will help keep them out of your house.
You can also use coffee grounds as part of a homemade cockroach killer spray that can be sprayed anywhere you see signs of a roach infestation.
Detergent Sprays
Cockroach sprays are easy to use and inexpensive. They can be found in almost every home, so you should have one at the ready. To get rid of cockroaches with a detergent spray, mix 1/2 cup of liquid dish soap with 1 quart of water in a spray bottle.
Spray the mixture on the cockroaches’ hiding places and along their paths throughout your house. It may take several applications to completely eliminate all roaches from your home, but if you keep at it they will eventually go away!
Petroleum Jelly
If you’re looking for a safe, non-toxic method to stop cockroaches and other pests from entering your home, look no further than petroleum jelly.
This substance is commonly used as a lip balm or ointment for dry skin conditions, but it also makes an excellent insect repellent. The best part? It’s easy to use and can be purchased at most grocery stores!
The trick is to apply a thin layer of petroleum jelly around the perimeter of your home’s baseboards and windowsills.
This will keep insects from getting inside through small cracks in the wood or cement foundation.
Petroleum jelly has also been known to work as a deterrent against spiders—but if you’re more worried about cockroaches than spiders, don’t worry: there’s another way we’ll show you how this stuff works on those pesky roaches too!
Regular cockroach inspections and treatments are an important part of maintaining a healthy, pest-free home. Learn more about the benefits of professional pest control with our guide to The Importance of Regular Cockroach Inspections and Treatments.
Soapy Water Spray
If you want to kill roaches, then soapy water spray is a great way to do it. The soap clogs their breathing holes and they die. If someone has allergies and they are bothered by the smell of bug spray or other chemicals, this method may be better for them as well.
Soapy water spray is easy to make: Just add one teaspoon of any soap into a spray bottle with about two cups of water (or whatever amount will fill up half of your bottle). Shake it up until the soap dissolves completely in the water then empty out any excess liquid!
Catnip Tea
Catnip tea is a safe and effective way to repel cockroaches. If you have a cat, this will be an easy option for you.
However, if you don’t have cats or are allergic to them, this method may not work as well for you (though it will still help).
Catnip tea can also be made using fresh leaves rather than dried ones—just chop up several small pieces of catnip leaf and steep them in boiling water just as you would with dried leaves. It doesn’t matter how much fresh versus how much dry; use about 1 teaspoon per cup of boiling water either way.
Chilli Spray
Cockroaches are by no means the only pests that you have to deal with in your home, but they’re certainly one of the most common and hardest to get rid of.
Thankfully, there are plenty of methods to keep cockroaches out of your house—and even better if they’re natural methods!
Chilli spray is truly one of the best things you can do for yourself as a homeowner. Not only does it work quickly and effectively against roaches (and other pests), but it’s easy to make and can be used in many different ways around the house.
Here’s what you need to know before making some chili spray today!
Keeping cockroaches at bay doesn’t have to be difficult. Check out our guide to How to Keep Cockroaches Away: Simple Tricks for easy tips and tricks to keep your home pest-free.
Bleach Spray
If you don’t want to use a bottle of poison, you can make an effective cockroach spray by mixing bleach with water in a spray bottle. Spray the solution on cockroaches to kill them. Do not use this method if you have pets or small children who may come into contact with it.
Bleach is toxic to both humans and animals, so use caution when handling it and make sure not to breathe its fumes or get any on your skin or clothing.
Conclusion
Cockroaches are a nuisance for homeowners, but they can be dealt with. Unfortunately, there is no foolproof way to get rid of cockroaches in your home. However, if you follow our tips, you can keep them at bay and create a safer environment for yourself and family.
Further Reading
RAC: Rid of Cockroaches – This blog post offers tips and advice for identifying and eliminating cockroaches in your home.
Smith’s Pest Management: How to Get Rid of Roaches in Your Home – This comprehensive guide outlines the different methods and products available for getting rid of cockroaches.
Insider: How to Get Rid of Roaches – Insider’s guide offers simple and effective methods for getting rid of roaches and keeping them out of your home.
FAQs
How do I know if I have a cockroach infestation?
Cockroach infestations can be identified by the presence of live or dead roaches, feces, egg casings, or a musty odor. If you suspect you have a cockroach problem, it’s important to act quickly and seek professional help if necessary.
Are natural remedies for cockroach control effective?
Natural remedies can be effective for preventing and controlling cockroach infestations. However, these remedies may not be as potent as chemical pesticides and may require more frequent treatment.
What can I do to prevent cockroach infestations?
Preventing cockroach infestations involves keeping your home clean and free of food sources, sealing up cracks and crevices, and storing food in secure containers. Regular inspections and treatments by a professional pest control company can also help prevent infestations.
How often should I have my home inspected for cockroaches?
The frequency of cockroach inspections depends on a number of factors, including the level of infestation risk in your area, the age and condition of your home, and your personal preferences. A professional pest control company can help determine a customized inspection schedule for your home.
Can cockroach infestations have health risks?
Yes, cockroach infestations can pose health risks for you and your family. Cockroach allergens can trigger asthma and allergies, while the feces and saliva of cockroaches may contain harmful bacteria such as E.coli and Salmonella.
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!
