How to Get Rid of Cockroaches in your Home

As a homeowner, you might be tempted to look into how to get rid of roaches naturally as both a convenient method of pest control and because many people believe natural methods may not harm children and pets, or cause allergies. The internet is full of DIY "solutions" for insect problems, but most are unproven and may even be dangerous. The truth is, you should still use natural remedies with caution and that these methods may not always be effectively applied in order to quell a roach infestation.

Borax and boric acid for roach treatment

Boric acid and borax are both compounds made from the element boron. They are similar, but are slightly different in their formulation of boron. Borax is a mineral salt, while boric acid undergoes more processing and can be dissolved in water.

When a roach ingests boric acid, it attacks the pest's nervous system and kills it. Additionally, it eats away at the stomach lining of these pests, making it impossible for them to process food. However, in order for boric acid to work, it must be placed in strategic areas where roaches travel.

That said, how long does it take for boric acid to kill roaches? It takes around 72 hours for this natural remedy to work. However, boric acid only kills adult roaches, but doesn't harm their eggs.

At best, both boric acid and borax can kill adult roaches, but leave you with dead roach carcasses littering your home. At worst, these compounds can be toxic to children and pets if ingested. Additionally, boric acid and/or borax will not harm cockroach eggs. When these eggs hatch, you're back at square one, treating a fresh infestation of cockroaches.

Baking soda for roach treatment

When a roach ingests baking soda and then drinks water, the baking soda expands and kills them. When using baking soda, you would need to mix it with sugar to make sure roaches eat it. Unfortunately, similar to boric acid, baking soda offers limited results.

Citrus as a roach treatment option

Cockroaches have an aversion to the smell of citrus. That's why cleaning your home with citrus-containing solutions can keep roaches from roaming around certain surfaces. Unfortunately, the scent evaporates quickly and will not be a long-term solution to keeping roaches at bay.

Diatomaceous Earth to solve roach problems

Diatomaceous Earth (DE) kills roaches by damaging their exoskeletons. In order for this treatment to work, you would need to place DE everywhere roaches walk, live, and feed. While useful in killing adult roaches and nymphs, DE doesn't do much for their eggs.

Essential oils to get rid of roaches

Essential oils can repel cockroaches. These pests don't like cedar, eucalyptus, lavender, and catnip. The downside of using essential oils is the possibility of allergic reactions. Meanwhile, the effect of these repellents is usually short-lived and will not serve as a long-term deterrent to cockroaches.

How to get rid of roaches with conventional methods

Natural methods and home remedies don't always work, allowing the cockroach population to increase. In some instances, they can be potentially hazardous. That's why some homeowners prefer using more conventional treatment methods for tackling a roach problem.

When considering what cockroach control method to use, examine your home for possible heavy roach infestation sites. Use a flashlight to search popular roach hiding spots, including behind the refrigerator, under the sink, crevices in cabinets and shelves, closet door corners, bathroom cabinets, and closets.

Use roach glue traps for large infestations. Based on your flashlight inspection, decide on the most strategic areas to place glue traps or monitors. Monitor those areas for a few days to a week. With most cockroaches, traps or monitors can indicate a high-traffic area.

The main downside of glue traps is that some cockroaches are bound to avoid them. That's why, if you're looking for the best way to tame your roach problem, you should contact a licensed pest management professional. A Cleaneat professional is trained in integrated pest management, which combines a variety of treatment methods to effectively treat infestations.

Roach bombs or foggers to get rid of cockroaches

Using bug bombs or "foggers" to get rid of cockroaches is not advised. Improper use of these foggers can trigger breathing problems, nausea, or asthma attacks. Worse yet, using multiple foggers can potentially cause an explosion or cause a house fire if pilot lights or other ignition sources are not properly extinguished.

Be wary of home remedies to get rid of roaches

When facing a roach infestation in your home, you may be tempted to take matters into your own hands. Although there are many natural and DIY methods products touted as cockroach solutions, they are often ineffective — and some are potentially dangerous.

Even "natural" methods should be used with caution, especially in homes with pets and children. Though these treatment methods are natural, they may involve chemical applications, which are best left to the professionals.

The benefits of such DIY treatment methods as borax, boric acid, essential oils, baking soda and diatomaceous earth (DE) are unproven. Even though these methods are "natural," that does not necessarily mean they can't pose a danger to your household if used incorrectly.

How can I get rid of roaches permanently at home?

While there are an impressive variety of DIY roach extermination methods, most are only partially effective. Cockroaches are highly resilient pests. They adapt to many natural and conventional repellants and treatments. Getting rid of these insects permanently requires a comprehensive, professional approach.