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DIY Ways of Getting Rid of Cockroaches

Written by Posted On Monday, 15 April 2019 20:50

There are many DIY ways of getting rid of cockroaches listed below are a few tried and tested ones

a. Insecticide spray, when purchasing this makes sure you buy one which states that it can be used  to eliminate cockroaches. Remember – when using these products always follow the manufacturer’s instructions carefully and keep children and pets out of the way when spraying the necessary areas. Spray the insecticide anywhere that you suspect the roaches may be hiding out or at points you suspect they are entering your property from such as vents, cracks in walls etc.

b. Sprinkle a dusting of a mixture of 1 part boric acid to 2 parts flour and 1 part cocoa. Using this mixture has a couple of distinct advantages. Firstly it is not as toxic as most insecticides – although children and pets should be kept away. Secondly, it is not a repellent for cockroaches, so they quite happily take it back to the nest to feed the young and other residents. All you have to do is put a light sprinkling in “roach areas” such as around vents, around the look, in cupboards, in cracks and crevices and so on. One word of warning as with any chemicals it is not wise to inhale this mixture.

c. Make the cockroaches a special treat – make a mixture using 1 part boric acid powder, 1 part flour and 1 part granulated sugar. Place the mixture in foil trays or on pieces of cardboard (it will set to a solid mass) and put them under refrigerators, stoves, behind cupboards, behind drawers and so on. The cockroach problem will not disappear immediately you can expect them to disappear and re-emerge around three times – each time smaller in numbers. Keep baiting until they are gone completely.

Care is needed when placing your bait; make sure it is out of sight and/or reach of children and pets who may consume the mixture. This stuff is for beasties only!

d. A very simple and completely safe method of getting rid of cockroaches is to use water jars. The theory behind this could not be simpler – lure the roaches into a jar which is standing next to the wall with whatever bait you choose, I found coffee grounds mixed with water worked well. The roaches get into the jar but they can’t get out!

e. Glue traps, these once again simply lure the cockroaches then the pests become trapped on the sticky glue substance, if you place a glue trap at each point where you know there is cockroach activity and wait.

f. In times past it was only professional pest control people who had access to liquid concentrate for killing roaches, now, it can be purchased by the public. Usually it is a poison or some sort of deterrent which you dilute with water. They can be used on pretty much any type of surface and applied using a cloth or spray. On the whole they work pretty well as a preventative measure but will need to be reapplied every 2 weeks or so.

g. This next roach killer may seem a bit of a joke but believe me it works and it doesn’t cost a penny! A solution of water and good old soap. Keep this to hand in spray bottle or some other container. When you spot a cockroach simply spray or splash the soapy solution over it. It doesn’t take a lot to do the job but do try to get it on the roaches head and belly if possible. This will literally kill the pest within 1 minute of making contact but just to be sure remove the roach quickly as sometimes it can survive if the water dries out in a warm climate. How can soapy water kill a roach? Well, they breathe through their skin and when the water and soap forms a fine layer over these pores they cannot breathe this suffocating them!

e. The extreme opposite of roach killer “d” is purchasing professional grade pesticide. You can get this online. It is best if it contains  Cypermethrin. Not only will this kill the roaches but will remain effective for 3 months. Use this as a spray and it is great for doing the job in fairly large areas such as basements and around the outside of your property.
Bring in a professional Melbourne Pest Control company. If you try all of the above it is probably best to get professional help who using their knowledge can apply strong chemical treatments whilst ensuring safety at all times.

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Lois Carson

My name is Lois Carson and work full time as a freelance writer, editor former social worker. I have a number of websites and work for various clients in print and on the web.

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