How Do I Get Rid of Cockroaches From My Home? 12 Methods

Cockroaches are one of the worst insects that a homeowner can deal with because they are so difficult to eliminate. They multiply quickly and are resistant to many methods of control. If you are having a problem with these pesky insects, keep reading as we discuss several ways you can try to remove these insects from your home.

The 12 Methodes 10 Get Rid of Cockroaches

1. Borax

Borax is one of the best methods to remove cockroaches from your home. It is a type of salt that dries out the exoskeleton and damages the digestive system to kill the roaches. In a small mixing bowl, mix in three parts Borax and one part sugar, and spread it around your home in areas where you see the bugs. The sugar will act as bait and help attract the roaches, which will eat it and die. You may need to reapply the mixture every few days for the best results.

2. Peppermint Oil

Peppermint oil can be a great way to kill and repel cockroaches in your home. The powerful fragrance will drive them away, and if you get started early enough, you might convince them to move on entirely. Add several drops of the essential oil into a small spray bottle, and fill it with water to create a solution that you can spray on the insects to kill them or spray in areas where you see the insects to repel them. Essential oils are non-toxic and safe to use around children, but they can be harmful to cats and dogs.

3. Neem

Neem is an essential oil that comes from the neem tree in India. It is a powerful insect repellent that works on roaches and many other bugs. If you purchase it in powder form, you can spread it around the floor in areas where you tend to see the bugs. If you purchase it as an oil, prepare it like you do peppermint oil by placing several drops in a spray bottle and mixing it with water. Then, spray the insects directly when possible, or spray into holes and around areas where they frequent for the best effect.

4. Kaffir Lime Essential Oil

Many people say that Kaffir lime essential oil is effective at repelling cockroaches and other insects. One report states that it is 100% effective at repelling the American and German cockroaches that are common in the United States. Create a solution by mixing several drops with water in a spray bottle, then spray it wherever you see the bugs, especially near openings in the walls.

5. Silica Aerogel

Silica aerogel is the world’s lightest solid material, and though most of us don’t have it lying around the house, it is not hard to find online and is relatively inexpensive. Like the silica packs that you mind in many of your purchases, this product works to remove moisture, which will help dehydrate the roaches, eventually killing them.

6. Diatomaceous Earth

Diatomaceous earth is a natural substance primarily consisting of the fossil remains of diatoms, a type of microalgae. It’s a substance that is easy to find online because it’s a common ingredient in modern kitty litter. It works to dehydrate and kill the roaches, and you use it the same way that you use Borax or silica aerogel, by placing the powder in locations where the bugs frequent. As the roaches move through the area, the dust coats their bodies and begins to work. Since it is so effective at absorbing moisture, most experts recommend spreading the material using rubber or latex gloves to protect your hands and fingers.

7. Dawn Dishwashing Liquid

Mix Dawn dishwashing liquid with water in a spray bottle, and spray it around areas where you see the cockroaches to eliminate them. The dishwashing liquid makes breathing difficult for the bugs, and they eventually suffocate after passing through the solution. It is especially effective against the German cockroach.

8. Listerine

Many people have found success using Listerine and other mouthwash to repel and even kill cockroaches. The menthol essential oil is what does the work, and you can create a spray by mixing it with water. If you don’t have any pets, you can use it straight for even better results; apply it anywhere you frequently see insects.

9. Garlic, Onion, and Pepper

Blend 1/2 of a clove of garlic with 1/2 of an onion to create a paste, then add 1 teaspoon of powdered pepper. Break up and sprinkle the powder around areas where you see the roaches. The onion and garlic will attract them, while the pepper will kill them. It’s a good option for people looking for a remedy that uses items that you can find around the house.

10. Boric Acid

Boric acid is an effective way to kill roaches and reduce the population in your home. Simply sprinkle it around your home where you see the insects; when they walk through it, the powder coats their body and dissolves it. It works well but isn’t a good choice if you have children or pets.

11. Fabric Softener

Fabric softener is a great option for killing roaches, and many people already have some to use. Pour a small amount of the softener into a spray bottle, and mix it with water. The fabric softener causes the bugs to suffocate and die, so spray it anywhere you see the bugs. It will be even more effective if you spray them directly.

12. Pest Control

If you see many cockroaches in your home, the best option is to call a professional exterminator. They will have the tools and experience to eliminate them quickly and completely.

Summary

Having cockroaches in your home is a big problem that you don’t want to wait to address because they can quickly get out of hand. Many of the options on this list can work well if you have just started noticing the roaches. Most people have the best success with boric acid, Borax, and diatomaceous earth. However, if you have been seeing them for several months, we recommend calling a professional exterminator to eliminate the problem.

Featured Image Credit: RHJPhtotoandilustration, Shutterstock