9 Ways To Ensure Cockroaches Don’t Move Into The House
June 26, 2018
source: Shutterstock / My Earth Garden
Similar to bedbugs, cockroach populations are steadily increasing as the years go on. With warmer winters and many mainstream pesticides being banned, these yucky critters are becoming more common in our homes. These tips will help you ensure that cockroaches (and other pests) don’t start calling your house their home.
1. Tea Tree Oil
Cockroaches absolutely hate tea tree oil. You can wipe some on floors, in cupboards, cracks, and crevices where you suspect cockroaches might be hanging out. Just be aware that tea tree oil (and other essential oils) can be harmful to pets, so watch where you use them!
2. Peppermint And Cypress Essential Oils
Speaking of essential oils, cockroaches also despise these ones. Mix 8-10 drops of cypress oil with 8-10 drops of peppermint oil, then add to a spray bottle with warm water. Spray the solution in any insect-prone areas.
3. Lemon Rinds
Cockroaches hate anything that has a super acidic odor or taste. If you leave some lemon rinds in a jar with water, they will be sure to steer clear of the area.
4. Coffee Grinds
Coffee is another substance that cockroaches cannot stand. Take your old coffee grinds and add them to a container with warm water. The scent will act as a deterrent.
5. Bay Leaves
According to many people, cockroaches hate bay leaves. You could plant some in your garden, or keep some potted inside your house. The smell will keep cockroaches from sticking around.
You can also make this mixture. It is simple and can be done with pantry items you likely already have.
Ingredients:
- Dried bay leaves
- Whole cloves
Instructions:
- Place the bay leaves and cloves in a small bowl or a cloth bag.
- Put the bowl or sachet in areas where you see flies, mosquitoes, or cockroaches, such as kitchen counters, near windows, and entryways.
- For better coverage, make several sachets and place them around your home.
6. DIY Cockroach Bait
Mix together three parts boric acid with one part powdered sugar. The sugar will attract the cockroaches while the boric acid kills them. You can sprinkle this underneath the sink, fridge, or in any other nooks and crannies they could be hiding.
7. Baking Soda And Sugar
Don’t have boric acid? Not to worry. You can make the exact same mixture as #6 using baking soda as a substitute. Easy!
8. Diatomaceous Earth
Sprinkle the food-grade version of diatomaceous earth in any spots where you suspect roaches are hanging out. This stuff is powerful and will kill them pretty quickly.
9. Fabric Softener
Although this may not be the most natural method (even though you can buy natural fabric softeners!), you can mix together some fabric softener and water in a spray bottle to spray on any roaches you happen to catch scurrying by.