DIY Cockroach Control: Tips and Tricks for Eliminating Roaches on Your Own

Florida residents are always dealing with cockroaches, these invaders multiply exponentially in the warm, humid weather, making them a headache for Coral Springs residents. Profession roach control treatments are most effective. But if you want to try to tackle the problem yourself before calling in a professional, there are several cockroach control tips and tricks you can do yourself at home to help dwindle the roach population and give you peace of mind.

Clean and Declutter Your Home

A clutter-free home reduces their insects’ access to food sources. Follow these steps to clean your home from cockroaches.

• Start by cleaning your kitchen and bathroom, especially countertops, sinks, and floors.
• Remove any food debris and crumbs, and store food in airtight containers.
• Declutter your living spaces to minimize potential hiding spots for cockroaches.

Kill Cockroaches on Sight

One of the most old-school homemade roach killer tips is stepping on them directly. The pressure exerted by stepping crushes the insects, often leading to their immediate death.

However, they are resilient and fast, making it challenging to successfully step on them. It may also be unhygienic and spread bacteria if not appropriately cleaned afterward.

Insect Growth Regulator

Domestic cockroaches can be controlled through an insect growth regulator, especially if they’re reproducing in your home. Although there are many formulas, most sprays come with Pyriproxifen. These regulators target eggs and nymphs, eliminating the prospects of roach growth in the future.

While they’re effective in controlling roaches, they work best only when you use other techniques, such as baits, traps, etc.

Use Natural Oils

Essential oils work wonders as homemade roach killers, as their natural ingredients have been found to repel them. Ensure you use 2.5% oil in water for the mixture to be effective.

Here are some of the most effective oils in this regard:

• Citrus oils like grapefruit, lime, and orange work against several roach species. The limonene inside them works as an excellent roach repellent.
• Kaffir lime oil has been shown as 100% effective against American and German roaches.
• Oregano oil has proven to be 5% to 99.1% effective as a cockroach exterminator.
• Rosemary oil is also an excellent cockroach exterminator at 2.5% concentration. It has 100% effectiveness against brown cockroaches after 24 hours.

DIY Cockroach Bait

You can craft a homemade roach killer bait using simple ingredients found in your kitchen. Mix boric acid and powdered sugar equally to create a lethal cockroach attractant. Sprinkle this mixture in areas where cockroaches are active, such as behind appliances, cracks, crevices, and near trash bins.

In this boric acid roach killer, sugar will lure cockroaches, and the boric acid will act as a poison. Exercise caution when using boric acid, as it can harm pets and children if ingested.

Baking Soda

Baking soda helps remove cockroaches by absorbing moisture, creating a less favorable environment. It can disrupt the odor trails left by cockroaches, making it harder for them to find food sources. While not directly toxic to cockroaches, baking soda can be used as bait or trap, attracting them with a sweet scent.

This homemade roach killer reacts with their digestive system, leading to bloating and eventual death. However, it’s important to note that baking soda alone may not eliminate a severe infestation, making professional pest control necessary.

Sealing Entry Points

Inspect your place for any gaps, cracks, or holes that serve as entry points for cockroaches. Seal these openings using caulk, weatherstripping, or silicone-based sealants.

Pay particular attention to areas near pipes, vents, windows, and doors. Blocking their entryways can significantly reduce the chances of a cockroach infestation.

Diatomaceous Earth

Diatomaceous earth is made from fossilized algae coming in powder form. It is safe for humans and pets but lethal to insects, including cockroaches. Sprinkle a thin layer of food-grade diatomaceous earth behind appliances, cracks, crevices, and along baseboards.

The homemade roach killer powder will stick to the cockroaches’ bodies and kill them through dehydration. Remember to wear a mask when applying it to avoid inhaling the fine particles.

Soap and Water Trap

Create a simple yet effective trap using a mixture of soapy water. Fill a shallow dish or jar with water and liquid dish soap. Place it in areas where cockroaches are seen, and the soapy water will act as a sticky barrier.

When cockroaches come into contact with the water, they cannot escape and drown. Empty the trap regularly and refill it as needed.

Catnip

Catnip is not only attractive to felines but also acts as a natural homemade cockroach killer. Sprinkle dried catnip in areas where cockroach activity is observed. Its strong scent will repel the roaches and deter them from entering your home. Additionally, you can create a catnip spray by boiling catnip leaves in water, straining the mixture, and spraying it in cockroach-prone areas.

Hire an Experienced Cockroach Exterminator

While homemade roach killer remedies can be useful, they’re not 100% effective and leave much room for improvement. Fortunately, a professional cockroach pest control company like Gregory’s Pest Control can cleanse them from your place.

We have served Florida residents for years through our customized plan for each home. Our team performs a 20-point inspection of your house and provides a world-class roach pest control service. We also perform a follow-up after 21 days to ensure no resurgence of these pests.

So, contact us today and get state-of-the-art roach pest control service at your doorstep!