Cockroaches are no less than a disease. They thrive anywhere they can, spread disease and evoke fear in the bravest of hearts. We bet you’d love to know how to get rid of roaches overnight. While getting professional help to get rid of cockroaches is a good option, we also have several home remedies for cockroaches. These methods involve things that are usually available at home. Read on to find out how to get rid of cockroaches with home remedies.
What Attracts Cockroaches?
Cockroaches thrive in dirty, humid conditions. If these home remedies for cockroaches are to work, make sure that there is no leftover food or spilled water they can thrive in.
1. Leave No Dirty Dishes in the Sink
One of the most common triggers for a cockroach infestation is the presence of dirty dishes left in the sink. These leftover food scraps and crumbs can quickly attract roaches and provide them with a steady food source, leading to a full-blown infestation.
To prevent this, it is always advisable to wash your dishes immediately after eating, rather than letting them sit in the sink overnight. This deprives any potential roaches of an easy meal and eliminates one of the main catalysts for an infestation taking hold in your home.
2. Clear Up Your Garbage
Keeping open garbage bins will attract pests. Garbage and any home remedy for cockroaches you think of will never go hand in hand! If you have open and overflowing garbage cans in your home, there are bound to be some pests. Opt for garbage cans with lids to maintain hygiene. Segregate waste and dispose of them at regular intervals.
3. Scoop Up All the Food Crumbs
Cockroaches can generally be found near food crumbs and leftovers. No wonder then that the kitchen is their favourite room! Always keep your kitchen clean. Sweep the floor and wipe kitchen counters after cooking.
Home Remedies for Cockroaches That You Can Try
Indians love to use home remedies for roaches. We are always armed with our lakshmanrekhas, acids and any other approved remedy. Building on that then, here is our list that is all about how you get rid of cockroaches with home remedies.
1. Sprinkle a Pinch of Boric Acid
Boric acid is believed to be one of the best home remedies for cockroaches. If you’re wondering how to get rid of cockroaches with boric acid, just dust a little bit of this powder in corners and floors and let it sit. When roaches come in contact with it, they die. However boric acid is not effective when it is wet. A word of caution — this powder is poisonous and should be kept out of reach of children and pets at all times.
2. Baking Soda Is a Convenient Home Remedy for Cockroaches
This method is a classic example of the fish and bait as a solution for how to get rid of roaches. A concoction of baking soda and sugar is an effective cockroach killer and controls the multiplication of these pests. Sugar acts as a bait to attract cockroaches and the baking soda kills them. You just need to identify their hideouts and sprinkle this mixture in those corners.
3. Home Remedies for Cockroaches Recommended by Grandma: Neem
Neem has been used as a home remedy for cockroaches and other pests over the years. Neem oil or powder contains potent components that can kill cockroaches. To use it in oil form, mix a small amount of neem oil with water in a spray bottle and spray it in places where you have spotted these pests. However, if you are using neem powder, all you need to do is sprinkle it in cockroach-infested areas at night and repeat the process in the morning.
4. The Power of Peppermint Oil
Peppermint oil is a potent natural repellent that can effectively keep cockroaches at bay. The strong, minty aroma of peppermint is highly unpleasant to cockroaches, causing them to avoid areas where the scent is present. By creating a peppermint oil and salt water solution and spraying it in problem areas, you can create a natural barrier that will deter cockroaches from entering your home.
5. Combining Peppermint with Other Natural Ingredients
While peppermint oil is a powerful cockroach repellent on its own, you can enhance its effectiveness by combining it with other natural ingredients. For example, adding bay leaves to your peppermint solution can further confuse and repel cockroaches, as they dislike the aroma of crushed bay leaves. Another effective home remedy is to mix peppermint oil with fabric softener and water, creating a spray that can quickly eliminate cockroaches on contact.
6. Preventing Cockroach Infestations
Of course, the best way to deal with cockroaches is to prevent them from taking up residence in your home in the first place. Maintaining a clean, clutter-free environment is key, as cockroaches are attracted to sources of food, water, and hiding places. Be sure to seal any cracks or crevices, fix any leaks, and regularly clean and vacuum to remove any potential food sources.
Cockroaches can be a persistent and frustrating problem, but with the power of natural remedies like peppermint oil, you can effectively and safely get rid of these unwanted pests. By combining peppermint with other natural ingredients and focusing on prevention, you can enjoy a cockroach-free home without resorting to harsh chemicals. Give these natural solutions a try, and say goodbye to those pesky cockroaches for good
