Seeing a cockroach running across the kitchen counter is enough to send anyone online in search of a fast, do-it-yourself solution. Roaches are unsettling, they reproduce rapidly and they can act as mechanical vectors of certain bacteria, like E. coli and salmonella, which can cause illnesses like food poisoning. These are just a few of the reasons to get them out of your house as soon as possible.
There are scores of old wives’ tales and home remedies that claim to help kill roaches naturally, but do they actually work? Find out what you need to know before you try these homemade roach killers, and learn more about the most effective method of helping keep these pests at bay.
Common Home Remedies to Kill Roaches
Most natural cockroach killers claim to be quick, affordable and effective solutions for these common household pests. Some of the most popular home remedies found online include:
- Boric acid
- Baking soda and sugar
- Fabric softener
- Bay leaves
- Lemons
- A clean house
Things to Consider
These natural roach remedies might seem like quick and easy fixes, but that’s only part of the picture. There are several things to consider before trying these tricks to solve your roach woes:
- Proper application – Many of these natural remedies must be applied very carefully. For example, boric acid must be applied in a thin film and in a dry area to remain active.
- Health risks – Some of these treatments may also pose health risks.
- Repellent or killer – Not all of these remedies actually kill roaches. Some of the most natural solutions, like bay leaves and lemons, are actually just repellents, meaning they will only work to help keep insects away. If a roach does enter your home, these methods will not kill it.
- Temporary solutions – While they may seem like affordable, long-term solutions, natural or homemade roach killers are only temporary; they’re not part of an integrated pest control plan. Unfortunately, this means they will likely only work for a short period of time, and your roach problem may not actually go away.
Contact the Professionals
If you have cockroaches in your home, the most effective solution for the problem is a professional treatment plan. Eliminating roaches is a process and, unfortunately, there’s no easy fix. Often, a thorough home inspection is required to determine the type and extent of the infestation. Roaches are notorious for hiding in hard-to-reach places, like behind appliances, under furniture and in walls. Pest control professionals are trained to seek them out.
A pest control professional can also recommend the right combination of treatment methods and will continue to treat your home until the roaches are gone.
