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​5 effective ways to get rid of cockroaches at home​

ETimes.in | Last updated on - Jul 19, 2025, 06:44 IST
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1/9

5 effective ways to get rid of cockroaches at home

Cockroach infestations are not just horrible, but they pose a real threat to us and the people we live with. These pests thrive in warm, moist environments, making our kitchens their homes and our bathrooms their favorite hideout. Now, to quickly curb this infestation problem, it is vital to act promptly, as these pests multiply quickly and spread diseases throughout your home. Don’t look no further, scroll down to know more.

2/9

What are the health problems caused by cockroach infestation?

Whether we want to believe it or not, one of the impacts of cockroach infestation at home is disease transmission through contamination. These pests crawl through filth, picking up bacteria and pathogens. Now, imagine this crawling on your food bowls and utensils and spreading infections like salmonella and dysentery. One would be shocked to know that apart from spreading diseases like salmonella, cockroaches are also responsible for causing cholera and typhoid fever; above all, their droppings and saliva can lead to E. coli infections.

3/9

Where do cockroaches hide?

Cockroaches are nocturnal insects, and they prefer to live and feed in the dark. If you're seeing a cockroach in the day, it is a possible sign of infestation in your home, and you would surely require solutions to curb this problem. Cockroaches generally flatten their bodies to fit into narrow spaces, and currently, they might be hiding under your rubber mats, behind the bed frame, and even within wall cracks.

4/9

Baking soda and sugar trap

Cockroaches are attracted to sugary and starchy products, and the best thing we can do is to mix baking soda to create a trap with sugar. Start by combining equal parts of sugar and baking soda in a small bowl, and then sprinkle it in corners near your kitchen or other parts of your home where you have spotted the roaches. The sugary smell will attract the roaches to the mixture and lead them to eat it. Therefore, curb your gigantic cockroach problem.

5/9

Garlic, onion, and pepper spray

What if there is a permanent solution hiding in your kitchen cabinets? Yes, and that is because this very basic spray- Garlic & onion contain sulfur compounds and sharp scents that cockroaches dislike and actively avoid. Pepper contains capsaicin, which can irritate the cockroaches and repel them on contact or via strong smells.

6/9

Boric acid

Boric acid comes in gel and powder forms and is deemed one of the most widely used methods to cure the cockroach problem. Boric acid has an electrostatic charge, which clings to the cockroach's body as it walks through the treated place. Through their body, the pest ingests this dust, which attacks its nervous system. Once it is ingested, it acts as a stomach poison, disrupting the cockroaches' metabolism and damaging their digestive system.

7/9

Bay leaves

Bay leaves act as a natural repellent due to their strong scent, which roaches dislike. To use them properly, crush the leaves and scatter them in areas where roaches are present to deter them effectively. You can also place a whole bay leaf in the kitchen cabinets and drawers for long-lasting protection.

8/9

Neem oil


Neem oil is known for its natural insecticidal properties. It is known to disrupt the life cycle of cockroaches, acting as a repellent. Azadirachtin, a compound found in neem oil, disrupts the hormonal balance of cockroaches, hindering their ability to lay eggs, especially. To use it effectively, dilute neem oil with water in a spray bottle and apply it to cockroach-prone areas such as under sinks, behind appliances, and into the cracks where cockroaches hide.

9/9

Get rid of these creatures today!

Remove all food crumbs, grease, and standing water (especially at night). Empty trash daily, and clean under appliances where food particles hide. Don't forget to use these tips today!

Top Comment
O
Onseyseyon Ensley
315 days ago
I try to indicate places they can be at, places for me, & let them live here in this apartment. It might be possible to be rid of them altogether, I don't know. Maybe fire?
Read allPost comment
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