Finding cockroaches in your home can be frustrating and also hazardous to your health. They tend to carry bacteria and allergens that can affect human health as well as the health of pets. The primary concern is to find ways to get rid of them. Though professional help can make the task easy, you can try some budget-friendly DIY methods. This blog will explain a few effective and practical DIY methods to get rid of roaches overnight.
Why Do Roaches Invade Homes?
Roaches are drawn to food, water, and shelter, which they get in abundance in your homes, giving them an ideal environment. They often enter through small openings and hide in the dark, making it hard to detect them. They are mostly active at night and reproduce quickly. This is the primary reason for the infestation to spread quickly.
DIY Solutions for Best Results
The Boric Acid
Boric acid is considered one of the best home remedies to prevent cockroach infestations. Here is how to use it as a DIY solution:
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Take a mixing bowl, add 2 parts of boric acid powder and add 1 part of flour. The flour you choose can be rice, whole wheat, or white flour.
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Take enough Karo syrup (or any sweetener as a substitute) to form a peanut butter-like consistency.
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Mix thoroughly using a popsicle stick. Place the mixture in areas where roaches are commonly seen.
It is important to prepare the mixture outdoors and wear a dust mask to avoid inhaling boric acid powder. Avoid contact with the eyes or accidental ingestion.
Mix Borax and Sugar
Borax is another popular option for dealing with roaches. The combination of borax and sugar creates a powerful homemade bait for roaches. Here is how to use them:
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Take three parts of borax with one part sugar. Mix them together
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Spread the mixture at places where you often see roaches. This could be underneath sinks, behind appliances, or in the dark corners of your home.
Sugar in the bait attracts the roaches. Borax in the bait slowly dries out their exoskeleton and kills them.
Vacuum the dead roaches right away. Avoid touching them with your bare hands. Lastly, make sure to keep the borax out of reach of children and pets to avoid accidental consumption.
Clove-Lemon Spray Method
This natural spray can help repel cockroaches from kitchen areas using common household ingredients. Here is how to make it:
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Mix 1 cup of warm water and 1 tablespoon of cloves. To this, add ½ cup of lemon juice and 1 teaspoon of baking soda.
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Pour this mixture into a clean and empty spray bottle.
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Let it sit overnight to allow the ingredients to infuse thoroughly.
Once ready, spray these in areas where roaches are seen or likely to enter. While this spray may not kill roaches, it can help deter them and keep your kitchen smelling fresh.
Diatomaceous Earth Treatment
Diatomaceous Earth (DE) is a natural solution for keeping roaches and other insects away. This fine powder contains sharp microscopic particles that damage the cockroach’s exoskeleton on contact, leading to dehydration and death. Lightly sprinkle DE in areas where cockroaches are commonly seen.
Bay Leaf Spray
Bay leaves are known for their strong scent, which acts as a natural repellent against roaches.
How to use it?
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Blend about 10 bay leaves with 1 cup of water until the mixture becomes fine.
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Strain the liquid and pour it into a spray bottle.
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Spray at the entry points and infested areas once a week to create a strong-smelling barrier to deter roaches.
Essential Oil Spray Method
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In water, mix 10-15 drops of essential oil. Transfer this solution to a clean spray bottle.
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Shake it well and spray in areas prone to roach activity. This could be kitchen cabinets, baseboards, and entry points of the home.
What Are Some Effective Oils?
Peppermint oil: It is highly effective but should be used cautiously around pets.
Eucalyptus oil: It is effective in keeping the roaches away. However, this may be harmful to cats and dogs.
Lavender oil: It is safe to use around pets, but it has to be diluted properly.
Neem oil: a pet-safe, naturally occurring pesticide that repels roaches effectively.
Lemon Juice Solution
Lemon juice contains citric acid, which roaches find unpleasant. It also helps clean and freshen your home naturally.
How to use it?
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Mix lemon juice with water and use the solution to wipe down surfaces.
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Regular use helps repel roaches while also masking odours that may attract them.
Onion-Garlic Repellent Spray
A simple repellent using two common everyday-use items from the kitchen can help deter roaches.
How to use it?
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Blend onions and garlic into a puree.
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Strain the mixture to extract the liquid.
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Boil the liquid, then let it cool.
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Pour into a spray bottle and spray around entry points or areas where roaches are active.
Preventive Steps for a Roach-Free Home
Once the infestation seems to be under control, maintaining a clean and sealed environment is key to preventing cockroaches from coming back. Follow these tips:
Maintain cleanliness: Clean floors, countertops, and hidden areas regularly to eliminate crumbs and spills that attract roaches.
Store food properly: Use sealed, airtight containers to keep all food items safe from pests.
Fix plumbing leaks: Repair leaks or drips to avoid roaches.
Secure garbage bins: Use tightly closed lids for garbage bins and take out the trash regularly.
Remove clutter: Get rid of the clutter that can serve as hiding spots.
Seal cracks and crevices: Use caulk to close gaps around windows, doors, baseboards, and plumbing.
Reduce moisture: Roaches are often attracted to damp or wet areas. It is best to fix leaks or to use dehumidifiers.
Conclusion
By using household items or natural repellents, it is indeed possible to get rid of cockroaches. Along with DIY methods, it is also important to maintain cleanliness and take some preemptive steps. Implementing these strategies and maintaining proper sanitation practices can help you get great results in getting rid of the roaches overnight.
