Cockroaches are one of the most persistent pests, often making their way into kitchens, cabinets, and other areas of the home. These resilient insects are not only unsightly but can also pose health risks by spreading bacteria and allergens. While professional extermination is an option, many people prefer using home remedies to tackle roach infestations. In this article, we’ll explore various home remedies for cockroaches, including the use of baking soda, onions, and other common household items. We’ll also cover how to get rid of roaches in kitchen cabinets, what to do about roaches coming from a neighbor’s apartment, and the best cockroach killers available.

Home Remedies for Roaches: Baking Soda and Onions

One of the most popular and effective home remedies for getting rid of roaches involves a simple mixture of baking soda and onions. This method works by exploiting the cockroaches' digestive systems. Here’s how it works: finely chop onions and mix them with baking soda. Place the mixture in areas where roaches are commonly seen, such as under sinks, in kitchen cabinets, and along baseboards. When roaches consume the mixture, the baking soda reacts with the acids in their stomachs, producing gas that leads to their demise.

This remedy is not only easy to make but also safe for households with children and pets, as long as the mixture is placed out of their reach. The strong smell of onions also acts as a natural deterrent, keeping roaches away from treated areas.

How to Get Rid of Cockroaches in Kitchen Cabinets

Kitchen cabinets are a common hiding place for roaches, offering warmth, darkness, and easy access to food. To effectively get rid of cockroaches in kitchen cabinets, start by thoroughly cleaning the cabinets and removing any food crumbs or spills. Use a mixture of water and white vinegar to wipe down all surfaces, as the acidity of vinegar can help repel roaches.

For an added layer of protection, consider placing bay leaves or cucumber peels inside the cabinets. Roaches dislike the scent of these natural repellents, making them less likely to inhabit treated areas. You can also use thebaking soda and onion mixture in strategic spots within the cabinets to further deter these pests.

Roaches Coming from Neighbors’ Apartments

Dealing with roaches that come from a neighbor’s apartment can be particularly challenging, especially in shared living spaces like apartments or condominiums. The first step is to seal any entry points that roaches might be using to enter your home. This includes cracks in walls, gaps around pipes, and spaces under doors. Using caulk or weatherstripping can help close these gaps effectively.

To further protect your home, consider using diatomaceous earth, a natural powder made from fossilized algae. Sprinkle it along entry points and areas where roaches are commonly seen. Diatomaceous earth works by dehydrating roaches, leading to their death, and is safe for use around people and pets.

Best Cockroach Killer Options

While home remedies are effective, sometimes a more powerful solution is needed, especially for large infestations. There are many commercial cockroach killers available, including gels, baits, and sprays. One of the most effective options is gel bait, which attracts roaches with its scent. When roaches consume the gel, they carry the poison back to their nest, effectively spreading it to other members of the colony.

Another highly effective product is boric acid, which can be sprinkled in areas where roaches frequent. When roaches come into contact with boric acid, it clings to their bodies and is ingested when they groom themselves, ultimately killing them.

Additional Home Remedies for Cockroaches

In addition to baking soda and onions, there are several other home remedies for cockroaches worth trying. For instance, a mixture of equal parts sugar and borax can be used as bait. The sugar attracts the roaches, while the borax acts as a poison. This mixture should be placed in small containers and kept out of reach of children and pets.

Another simple remedy is using essential oils like peppermint or eucalyptus. These oils have strong scents that repel roaches and can be used as a natural spray by mixing a few drops with water in a spray bottle. Spraying this solution in areas where roaches are seen can help keep them at bay.