Few things can change the mood in a home more than seeing a cockroach scuttle across the floor. Seeing cockroaches in your home or business could indicate a pest infestation. After just a short amount of time, a few cockroaches can multiply into a substantial population and take over your home. Although ignoring these bugs may seem like the better option, avoiding the problem can quickly turn your home into a new hangout spot for cockroaches. Although cockroaches seem harmless, they can be dangerous since they carry diseases that can be life-threatening.
While hiring a pest control company is a secure way to get rid of these critters, you may want to try a DIY method to kill cockroaches. We have good news: there are many home remedies you can test out today to prevent, and even kill, cockroaches. The natural roach killers we’re introducing can save time and money while keeping cockroaches out of your environment. Keep reading to learn how to get rid of cockroaches the easy way!
4 Natural Roach Killers
We don’t want your environment to be a popular destination for cockroaches. To protect your home, Preventive Pest Control recommends 4 home remedies to kill or deter cockroaches from taking over your property. Take a look below at the best natural cockroach killers for your Southern California home or business.
1. White Vinegar
Seeing cockroaches in your home is a huge threat. Cockroaches can carry bacteria and aggravate allergies in some people. It is wise to address a cockroach problem as quickly as possible.
White vinegar is a reliable natural roach killer that helps keep them off your property. You may be wondering, does white vinegar kill cockroaches? While vinegar does not kill cockroaches, it is commonly used to repel them. Another bonus of white vinegar is the fact that it keeps surfaces clean and prevents roach infestations in the first place. Cockroaches are known to eat anything ranging from garbage left out to tiny crumbs left on countertops. We recommend using white vinegar to scrub all kitchen surfaces and supplies to clear out any traces of food. Doing so will keep your space clean and keep these nasty bugs out of your environment. If you do find yourself with a roach problem, white vinegar is a great cleaning agent that helps kill some of the bacteria cockroaches track into your home.
2. Ethanol
While white vinegar won’t kill those pesky insects, ethanol—also known as common alcohol—will kill cockroaches. Cockroaches are particularly sensitive to ethanol, and a direct hit from it will take them down. This type of alcohol not only kills cockroaches but can also exterminate fungi, cockroach eggs, and bacteria. Using a simple spray bottle filled with ethanol can be a great way to spray away unwanted pests when they crawl across your floor. After spraying and killing roaches, make sure to dispose of them quickly, as other cockroaches commonly feast on roach carcasses.
3. Baking Soda
Baking soda is a common household item, but what you may not realize is that it can also be used as a cockroach killer. You should begin by filling a small container with water and another bowl with equal parts of:
- Baking soda
- Sugar
Then, you place both of these close to the location where roaches are hanging out and wait for it to work its magic. Once roaches consume the mixture along with water, it will kill them from the inside out. While it doesn’t get rid of cockroaches overnight, this easy home remedy to try, and you will start to see cockroaches drop one by one over the span of a few weeks.
4. Borax Mixture
Mix equal parts of:
- Powdered sugar
- Yellow cornmeal
- Borax
Place the mixture in caps around your home or business, such as under the fridge or furniture. If you have kids or pets, ensure the mixture isn’t within reach of them. Not only can this natural roach killer effectively exterminate the pests, but it may also bring the borax residue back to their nests and unintentionally eliminate the rest of the roaches bothering you. It’s important to note that it can take several days to a few weeks to see noticeable results, and it works best with other strategies, including sealing cracks, removing food sources, and keeping surfaces clean.
How to Get Rid of Cockroaches : Preventative Work
While these natural roach killers are effective, it’s even better to do preventive work to ensure they don’t come back.
Here are a couple of things you can do to ward off cockroaches year-round:
- Keep your home or business clean. Cockroaches are attracted to dirty areas and surfaces, so wipe down high-traffic areas, get rid of clutter, and ensure your property is clean in every season.
- Fix leaky faucets and pipes. Cockroaches often hang out around high-moisture areas since they thrive in humid, damp, and warm environments. If you have a plumbing issue that’s causing a leak, get it fixed immediately to prevent roaches from making your place their new home.
- Remove cardboard and paper products. Both paper and cardboard serve as food and shelter for cockroaches, so keeping them off your property is a solid preventative strategy.
- Store food in airtight containers. Cockroaches eat almost anything, including anything you leave on the counters. When you’re done eating, ensure you’ve put the food away in airtight containers so roaches don’t smell it out.
If Natural Roach Killers Don’t Suffice, It’s Time to Call the Pros
Cockroaches are repulsive pests that no one wants in their home. If you’ve tried these natural methods to kill and repel roaches, but haven’t seen results, it may be time to hire a professional pest control company. Lucky for you, Preventive Pest Control’s team has put together a variety of plans to fit the individual needs of property owners in Southern California.
For over 20 years, we’ve been getting rid of roaches and other pests for residents in Orange County and the Inland Empire. When you have a pest control problem that you just can’t handle on your own, or if you have any more questions about cockroaches and pest control, contact us directly, and we’ll follow up with you right away.