Cockroach infestation is a common problem, especially in Indian homes. They are not only a nuisance but can be the cause of several diseases, including asthma, respiratory disorders, and skin allergies. While severe infestations require professional cockroach control services, there are natural methods that will give you quick relief from cockroaches in the house. In this article, we will discuss home remedies that help to deter cockroaches from the house.
Sugar and Borax
Borax is an effective cockroach killer as it dries the exoskeleton of the insect, and they eventually die due to dehydration. Mix three parts of borax with one part of sugar with some flour. Make a dough of this. Now make small balls and strategically place them in areas where you frequently see cockroaches crawling. They will feed on them and get killed. Make sure to keep these balls out of the reach of children and pets.
Dish Soap
Another home remedy to kill cockroaches is dish soap. It not only cleans your dishes but also helps in removing cockroaches. A mixture of soap and water can suffocate and kill cockroaches. Mix 4 tablespoons of detergent in 1 bottle of water and spray it in areas where you spot cockroaches in the house.
Peppermint Oil
Peppermint oil is another safe and natural repellant for cockroaches that is easily available. It not only deters cockroaches, but it can also be used to repel other pests. Mix a few drops of peppermint oil in a cup of water and spray it in the infested areas. It is also safe for children and pets.
Baking Soda and Onion
Cut a few slices of onion and sprinkle some baking soda on them. Place it strategically in different corners of the house, especially near the sink pipe, kitchen counters, and cabinets. Cockroaches will consume them and get killed.
Lemon Juice
Lemon possesses pest-repellant properties that keep cockroaches away. Just squeeze one or two lemons in the water and mop or clean the floor with it. You can also wipe off the surfaces and countertops with this solution to bar cockroaches from crawling over them.
Coffee Grounds
You can also use coffee grounds to deter cockroaches from your house. Cockroaches are attracted to the aroma of coffee, and it can create a perfect trap for them. Put coffee grounds in small paper cups and place them in the affected areas. The smell of coffee will lure them, and they will get trapped inside them. You can dispose of them the following day. You can also just simply sprinkle some coffee powder in areas frequented by cockroaches in your home.
Diatomaceous Earth
DE is also an effective natural cockroach repellant. Sprinkle some mixture of diatomaceous earth with powdered sugar in the infested areas. Sugar will lure them, and they will consume the mixture. DE will damage the exoskeleton of the cockroaches and dehydrate them to death.
Bay Leaves
Bay leaves are also an effective cockroach repellant. Cockroaches do not stand the fragrance of bay leaves and leave the place. Place some bay leaves in kitchen cabinets, closets, and on kitchen surfaces. This will prevent cockroaches from invading your space.
Vinegar
Vinegar does not kill cockroaches, but it will repel them. Mix equal parts of vinegar with cedar oil or tea tree oil. This will become an effective cockroach-repellant solution. Spray it in areas where you frequently see cockroaches crawling or below the sink and drains.
Related: 5 Most Common Household Pests and How to Control Them
Neem
Neem powder, Neem oil, and its leaves have been used over the years to repel all types of pests. Dilute neem oil in a cup of water and spray it on the affected areas. This solution can be used whenever you spot a cockroach in the house. Similarly, you can sprinkle some neem powder in the areas where cockroaches are more likely to crawl. Keep some neem leaves in kitchen cabinets to deter cockroaches from there.
Keep Your Home Clean
Cockroaches thrive in places where they find food and water. If there are cockroaches in your home, there is a high possibility that your home is dirty and has spills of food particles and moisture in it. You must keep your home clean, especially the kitchen and dining areas, to deter cockroaches from the house. In addition, you must take care of trash disposal. Use garbage bins that have lids on them, and dispose of the garbage bins regularly. Make sure to clean the garbage bins periodically to remove any accumulated food particles.
Conclusion
Though eliminating cockroaches from the house can be challenging, with the tips and tricks outlined in this article, you can repel them and prevent them from entering your home. The above-mentioned remedies are safe and effective to use. However, if there is a severe infestation, home remedies may not provide you with the desired results. You must hire a professional Kolkata pest control to eliminate severe infestations. They will assess the situation and, accordingly, provide you with the best treatment. They will also implement preventive measures that will help you to stop future infestations.
