A cockroach problem isn’t an abnormal occurrence. These speedy pests are notoriously hard to catch and multiply quickly, so it is essential to know how to get rid of cockroaches for good.
Typically, there are two ways to approach a roach problem. First, you need to deal with the existing infestation, and second, you need to fix the conditions that enticed them in the first place, whether this be attractants or poor pest-proofing. Otherwise, they will continue coming back.
If you find yourself battling roaches, it can be tempting to call on a professional immediately or resort to harsh pesticides. However, some of the most effective ways to get rid of cockroaches in the kitchen or anywhere else in your home and yard are with natural remedies—many of which are already pantry staples.
How to get rid of cockroaches naturally
According to Natasha Wright, a certified entomologist and Technical Director at Braman Termite & Pest Elimination, the fight against cockroaches doesn’t need to involve harsh chemicals and toxins.
'Just as when you’re getting rid of fruit flies, the best cockroach deterrents may be hiding in your kitchen cabinet,' says Natasha. 'From coffee grounds to dish detergent, these cockroach repellents can help you deal with these pests naturally and permanently.'
Here are six organic methods that you can use to keep your household safe while effectively tackling any infestations.
1. Sugar and borax
‘Borax is effective for roach infestations because it will slowly dry the exoskeleton of the insects, affect their digestive system, and finally kill them,’ Natasha says. The sugar attracts them, and the boric acid kills them.
Natasha Wright recommends mixing borax and sugar in a 3:1 ratio before spreading the homemade deterrent in the spots where you have noticed them or hotspots such as under sinks, behind appliances, and in dark corners.
Alternatively, you can make 'dough balls' made of boric acid, sugar, and flour. Mix them by combining equal amounts of the three ingredients to make dough balls around an inch in diameter. Put them where you've seen the cockroaches; they will feed on them and be killed. Be careful, though, as it is really important to ensure that pets and children do not have access to the dough balls.
2. Peppermint oil
Peppermint oil is one of the most celebrated pest control deterrents on the market, so it is unsurprising that this nice-smelling scent, which pests hate, is also effective in curing cockroach infestations.
‘A peppermint oil spray can deter roaches in a non-toxic way and is safe to use around children,’ Natasha says. She suggests making a homemade bug spray by mixing 15 drops of peppermint oil, available at Amazon, with 10 ounces of water before spraying the formula around infested areas.
However, you should be careful using this method around pets, as peppermint oil can be harmful to cats and dogs.
3. Dish soap
If you know how to clean an area rug or remove coffee stains from your favorite fabric, you may already know about the power of dish soap. However, it also has its place in your battle against cockroaches.
‘A mixture of water and soap can suffocate and kill cockroaches and is especially effective against German roaches. Mix four tablespoons of dish detergent in a liter of water and spray it where you’ve noticed activity,’ Natasha Wright says.
4. Diatomaceous earth
Another highly effective way to kill cockroaches is to sprinkle Diatomaceous earth in areas where you've seen them or near places where they might enter your home. This substance is derived from the fossilized remains of microscopic aquatic organisms, and while it is non-toxic to humans, it effectively kills cockroaches by dehydrating them.
This method usually takes about 12 hours to kill roaches, by which time they may have transferred some of the substance to their food, which other roaches might ingest. Thus, this method helps you tackle more than one roach at a time.
You can mix diatomaceous earth with equal parts cocoa powder and flour to make it attractive to these pests, or mix diatomaceous earth with water and use it as a spray. You can also try this diatomaceous earth insect killer from Walmart.
We recommend applying DE around baseboards or walls where roaches may travel frequently and directly on top of cracks and crevices where cockroaches hide during the day.
Reapply diatomaceous earth once a week for a full month and use it in strict compliance with the product label.
5. Coffee grounds
You can also use leftover grounds from your coffee maker to deter roaches – but not in the way you might initially expect. Cockroaches are attracted to the aroma of ground coffee – meaning it can create the perfect trap.
‘First, put the grounds in small paper cups. Then, place those cups in water-filled jars, then place the jar against walls or baseboards where you’ve seen bugs,’ Natasha instructs. The scent will lure the pests into the trap where they cannot escape, so you can dispose of the contents the following day.
6. Lemon juice
‘Lemons possess natural anti-pathogenic properties that keep roaches away,’ Natasha Wright explains. Sharing her cleaning tips, the expert recommends adding two to three tablespoons of lemon juice with a few gallons of water in a bucket before mixing and washing the problem areas with a mop in the solution.
Preventative measures
The best way to get rid of cockroaches permanently is to remove whatever is attracting them in the first place. They are known to be resilient and can adapt to various conditions. They hide in crevices during the day and are attracted by food sources left out in the open. So, it requires a little more than good housekeeping and kitchen cleaning:
- Empty the garbage regularly or keep it sealed: Cockroaches really aren't fussy about what they eat and there's no nastier surprise than lifting the lid on the garbage to find them rooting about in it.
- Declutter: Roaches love hiding in cracks and crevices where it is dark, crumbs are often left, and they are unlikely to be disturbed, so adopting decluttering tips to remove any potential shelters that are encouraging them to take up camp in your home is an important step.
- Don't leave dishes in the sink: roaches are always on the hunt for food and this is just as attractive to them as food left out on countertops (which needs to be put away in sealed containers, too).
- Don't leave uneaten pet food out: It attracts rodents, too.
- Vacuum the floors after meals: It's a pain, to be sure, but if you have a cockroach problem, even the crumbs from the floor of a meal you've just eaten or cooked are enough to keep them fed, just as with getting rid of mice.
- Deprive them of water: Remember that sink full of water? Dripping bathroom faucets? Bowls of pet water? They're all great sources of water for thirsty cockroaches, too. 'Cockroaches are nocturnal creatures that prefer dark, warm, and humid environments,' says Richard Mullins from H20 Plumbing. 'They are excellent scavengers and can eat a wide range of food, from crumbs to organic matter.'
- Seal entry points to your home: This can be done using caulk and weatherstripping.
FAQs
What does vinegar do to roaches?
'Vinegar is a natural solution often suggested for deterring cockroaches, primarily because of its strong odor,' says Richard Mullins from H20 Plumbing. 'While it might temporarily repel them, it's not a reliable method for getting rid of a cockroach infestation.
'Cockroaches are highly adaptable pests, and they can become accustomed to various scents over time. Plus, vinegar doesn't address the root causes of the infestation, such as food and water sources.'
Is cockroach gel effective?
Cockroach gel is a treatment that contains insecticide, bait, and fatty substances, including many of the household items that can be used to attract and kill this pest, including brown sugar, honey, boric acid, and others.
We asked the director of operations at PURCOR Pest Solutions, Brett Bennett, if this was an effective way to get rid of cockroaches: 'I would definitely recommend Advion gel bait, from Amazon, for getting rid of roaches, or preferably as part of a more intensive roach control strategy for your home.
'Essentially, Advion works as a bait that, once ingested by the roaches, will kill them within a couple of days. This is a slow-killing agent because its primary function is as a bait roaches will take with them back to their nests and, therefore, spread it around and kill many more bugs than just the initial "finder." You only really need to use Advion in the form of small dots of gel you can place around common areas where you've seen roaches or around the entrance to nests you're aware of.'
Where do roaches hide in the home?
'When trying to get rid of cockroaches, you must be persistent and thorough,' says Richard Mullins, from H20 Plumbing. 'Address not only the visible pests but also their hiding places and potential food and water sources. Regular cleaning, sealing entry points, fixing leaks, and using appropriate pest control methods are key to successfully eradicating cockroach infestations and preventing their return.'
The biggest factors roaches look for in a place to hide in your home are darkness, lack of frequent foot traffic, and moisture. As a result, these are the most likely places you will find them hiding:
1. Kitchens and bathrooms: Roaches gravitate towards moisture and food, so it should come as no surprise that spaces often have standing water and high humidity, and food sources are attractive to these pests. They commonly hide under sinks, behind appliances like refrigerators and stoves, and inside cabinets.
You may eliminate several main cockroach attractants by washing meals, cleaning underneath the countertop equipment, ensuring there is no standing water, vacuuming frequently, removing garbage, and keeping drains and traps clear.
2. Basements and attics: These areas often provide the dark, undisturbed environments roaches prefer. In homes with clutter or stored items, roaches can hide in cardboard boxes (they are attracted to adhesive products, which is why you may find them hiding in cardboard boxes), around water heaters, and in the insulation.
3. Furniture and Electronics: You may find roaches hiding in unexpected places like furniture and electronic devices. They often seek out the warmth of electronic devices, hiding inside televisions, game consoles, and power strips. They are also attracted to furniture since they may readily locate food sources in leftovers or crumbs and can easily fit through the sofa's cracks because of their flat, slender bodies.
4. Nooks and crannies: Gaps and holes in your home are great hiding places for cockroaches. These can include the corners where you've allowed the recycling to accumulate, the backs of picture frames, and your baseboards and trim. Roaches also like to hide in cracks and crevices around countertops and baseboards.
5. Dark places: Roaches hide in dark places – anywhere from in drawers, cabinets, and drains to behind objects and underneath furniture will be attractive to them. That’s why those with roach problems might often find that when they turn on the lights in a room, they can see roaches scurry away to unseen spots.
Remember, the best way to tackle your problem is with a combination of methods, beginning by sealing any entry point and removing attractants, killing them with bait and natural pesticide methods, employing deterrents to prevent them from returning, and regular maintenance to keep your home an inhospitable environment.
