Is it Possible to Kill and Repel Cockroaches with Home Remedies?

man spraying cockroach with white vinegar from spray bottle

Few things can change the mood in a home than seeing a cockroach scuttle across the floor. When seeing cockroaches scuttle across your floor, it means you could have 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 make your home the new hangout spot for cockroaches. 

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 methods we’re providing can save time and money while keeping cockroaches away from your environment.

3 Natural Ways to Kill and Repel Roaches

We don’t want your environment to be a popular destination for cockroaches. To protect your home, Preventive Pest Control recommends 3 home remedies to kill or deter cockroaches from taking over your property. Take a look below at the best natural cockroach repellents for your Southern California home or business.

1. White Vinegar Deters Cockroaches

Seeing cockroaches in your home is a huge threat. Cockroaches are known to carry bacteria, and these bugs can also agitate allergies in certain people. It is wise to take care of a cockroach problem as quickly as possible. 

White vinegar is a reliable resource to use that deters cockroaches and makes them stay off your property. You may be wondering, does white vinegar kill cockroaches? While vinegar does not kill cockroaches, it is commonly used to repel roaches. 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 trace of food. Doing so will keep your space clean and potentially keep these nasty bugs out of your environment. If you do find yourself with a roach problem, white vinegar is a great cleaning agent used to kill some of the bacteria that cockroaches track into your home. 

2. Ethanol Directly Kills Cockroaches

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 doesn’t only kill cockroaches, but can also exterminate fungi, cockroach eggs, and bacteria. Using a simple spray bottle full of ethanol can be a great way to spray those 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 Instantly Exterminates Roaches

Baking soda is a common household item, but what you may not realize is that it can also be used to kill cockroaches. You should begin by filling a small container with water and another bowl with equal parts baking soda and 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. This is an affordable and easy home remedy to try out and see cockroaches begin to drop one by one. 

Call The Professionals!

Cockroaches are repulsive bugs that no one wants to see 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.