How to Get Rid of Roaches Naturally

Cockroaches are one of the most resilient pests that can infest homes and businesses. Getting rid of roaches is important to maintain a clean living environment and prevent the spread of bacteria and disease. While chemical pesticides are commonly used, many prefer natural roach control remedies that avoid toxic chemicals. Fortunately, there are many highly effective, all-natural methods to get rid of roaches and keep them away.

Understand Roach Behavior and Biology

To get rid of roaches naturally, it helps to understand some basics about their behavior and biology:

Roaches prefer warm, humid environments with access to food and water sources. They are especially attracted to clutter, cracks and crevices.
Cockroaches are nocturnal and avoid light. They will hide in dark areas like under sinks, behind appliances, inside cabinets, etc.
Roaches can survive a month without food but only a week without water. Limiting water sources is key.
Females produce egg cases called oothecae that each contain up to 50 eggs. Just one ootheca can lead to thousands of roaches.
Roaches can squeeze into incredibly small spaces, as thin as a dime. All cracks must be sealed.
Cockroaches can detect chemicals and may avoid treated areas. Natural methods are less likely to repel roaches.

Prevent Roaches by Denying Access

The best roach control starts with prevention. Make your home inhospitable to roaches by denying access to food, water and shelter:

Store all food in tightly sealed containers. Avoid exposed crumbs.
Clean dirty dishes and wipe counters before bedtime. Roaches forage at night.
Fix leaky pipes and don’t let water accumulate anywhere.
Seal cracks, crevices and holes with caulk. Even tiny openings allow roaches entry.
Eliminate clutter like stacks of newspapers, boxes and bags.
Move appliances away from walls and counters. Reduce hiding spots.
Inspect packages, grocery bags and secondhand items for roaches or eggs before bringing them inside.
Take out the garbage frequently. Roaches feed on decaying organic matter.
Vacuum and sweep often to remove food particles and debris.
Keep indoor plants in containers that prevent soil contact and moisture buildup.

Use Natural Roach Repellents

Certain strong scents repel roaches and prevent infestations. Try these effective natural repellents:

Essential Oils

Potent essential oils like peppermint, tea tree, bay leaves and cloves repel roaches.

Make your own roach-repelling spray by adding 10-15 drops of essential oil to water in a spray bottle. Mist around baseboards, under appliances and on shelving.
Place cotton balls soaked with essential oils in corners, cracks and entry points. Reapply oils weekly.
Mix a few drops of oil into a spray bottle filled with soapy water. The soap helps the oil stick to surfaces longer.

Vinegar

White vinegar emits a strong scent that drives roaches away.

Spray undiluted white vinegar along baseboards, behind appliances and under sink pipes.
Mix equal parts vinegar and water for a nightly counter-spray.
Wipe vinegar on shelves inside cabinets and pantries. Also spray inside trash cans.

Bay Leaves

Bay leaves contain laurus nobilis, an ingredient roaches hate.

Place dried bay leaves in cabinets, drawers, pantries and anywhere roaches hide.
Scatter bay leaves under large appliances and inside sinks or drains.
Make bay leaf tea, let it cool and pour into a spray bottle. Mist in cockroach hot spots.

Baking Soda

Baking soda is abrasive and dehydrating to roaches’ exoskeletons.

Sprinkle baking soda along baseboards, under refrigerators, around pipes and inside cabinets. Reapply after sweeping.
Mix powdered sugar and baking soda for a sweet bait that lures roaches which then die from dehydration.
Make baking soda “bombs” by adding a little water to baking soda in a container until a paste forms. Place in roach hideouts.

Diatomaceous Earth Kills Roaches

Diatomaceous earth (DE) is a natural mineral dust that can eliminate roach infestations. It works in two ways:

The sharp edges of DE cut and abrade the waxy coating on roaches’ exoskeletons, causing dehydration and death.
Roaches covered in DE carry the dust back to their nests where it kills other roaches. This continues the cycle.

Apply a fine layer of food-grade DE along baseboards, under large appliances, and anywhere roaches traverse. Wear a mask while spreading.
Mix DE with flour or sugar to make a roach bait. The sugar attracts roaches while the DE slowly kills them.
Coat cracks and crevices with DE. It works for weeks until absorbing moisture. Reapply after sweeping.
Lightly coat cardboard egg cartons with DE and place them out as roach traps. DE in the cartons will kill roaches inside.

Use Borax for Roach Control

Borax contains sodium borate that’s highly toxic to roaches when ingested. Borax works as a slow-acting stomach poison.

Mix equal parts borax and flour as a roach bait. Sprinkle near sinks, appliances and shelving. Keep out of pets’ reach.
Combine borax with sugar water or maple syrup for a sweet liquid bait roaches will eat. Put in shallow dishes in hidden areas.
Coat strips of cardboard with borax glue and place behind appliances to trap roaches.
Dust a thin layer of borax powder along baseboards, under sinks, around pipes and in cabinets. Wear a mask when applying.

Traps Catch Roaches for Monitoring

Traps help catch roaches while also monitoring the size of the infestation:

Adhesive glue traps catch roaches traveling at night. Place along walls, under appliances and anywhere roaches are seen.
Make flour and borax bait traps by mixing the ingredients in a shallow dish. Position them out of sight behind appliances.
Lure roaches into jars partially filled with sugary liquid like juice or maple syrup. Use a ramp or board to allow easy entry.
Set flour and yeast dough traps – the CO2 emitted attracts roaches who then get stuck.
Check all traps daily and discard any caught roaches. Monitor to see if the population decreases over time.

Apply Boric Acid for Precision Roach Control

Boric acid powder is a low-toxicity mineral that kills roaches slowly but effectively. The fine particles stick to roaches who then ingest it while grooming. Applying boric acid into precise roach hideouts is key:

Lightly dust boric acid into cracks and crevices. Get into tight spaces like under stove burners. Inside electrical outlets is ideal.
Puff boric acid behind fridge, washer and dishwasher using a bulb duster. Target areas touching walls that roaches travel along.
Place boric acid under sinks by drilling small holes into the cabinet dividers. Puff boric acid into the holes. Seal holes afterwards.
Apply lines of boric acid powder around pipe entries, along baseboards, above cabinetry, and around appliances. Focus on potential ingress points.
Wear a mask and gloves when applying boric acid. Avoid inhaling it. Keep boric acid out of food prep areas.

Clean With Ammonia to Repel Roaches

Ammonia is a strong smelling cleaning agent that roaches avoid. When paired with cleaning, it leaves surfaces uninhabitable.

In a spray bottle, mix 1 part ammonia and 3 parts water. Spray counters, along baseboards and anywhere roaches are frequently spotted.
Add 1/2 cup ammonia to a gallon of warm water in a bucket. Use this to wash cabinets inside and out, shelving, walls and floors in infested areas.
Pour a small amount of ammonia down drains at night to deter roaches entering through pipes. Cover the drain afterwards to contain the fumes.
Soak old rags or towels in an ammonia solution. Place them under large appliances and inside cabinets to repel roaches from hiding. Remove after a few hours.

Use Desiccant Dust for Residual Roach Control

Desiccant dusts like silica aerogel and diatomaceous earth destroy the waxy coating on exoskeletons, causing roaches to die from dehydration after contact. They provide long-lasting residual control when applied correctly:

Focus application in out-of-sight areas like inside wall voids and electrical outlets. Avoid open areas.
Puff desiccant dusts into cracks, crevices, holes and closed spaces where roaches hide and breed.
Drill small holes above baseboards, under cabinets, and into walls. Inject desiccant through holes using a bulb duster. Seal holes afterwards.
Remove outlet covers and lightly coat interior surfaces with dust. Don’t cover plates in visible powder.
Apply a barely visible layer of desiccant along baseboards, bottoms of cabinets, and on shelving. Reapply regularly.

Stop Roaches Entering Through Drains

Drains provide an ideal entry point from sewers into kitchens and bathrooms. Stop roaches coming through drains using these methods:

Pour boiling water down sinks and shower drains at night to kill roaches inside pipes. Avoid splashing yourself.
Grind lemon peels in the garbage disposal to make drains smell unpleasant. Run water after grinding.

-Plug drains after use. Consider sink stoppers or screen covers to block pipe access when not in use.

Apply petroleum jelly on sink and tub drains to make surfaces too slippery for roaches to climb. Reapply occasionally.
Sprinkle borax / boric acid powders down drains followed by water. It coats pipes where roaches travel. Avoid excess powder in functional drains.
Use caulk or expandable foam to seal cracks around drain plates and pipe entries. This blocks access from walls and cabinets.

Stop Roaches Climbing with Slippery Surfaces

Roaches easily climb most surfaces. Greasy slippery barriers can stop them scaling areas and reaching food.

Apply a light coat of vegetable oil above stove backsplashes and around counter edges to prevent climbing. Reapply weekly.
Petroleum jelly rubbed on fridge and pantry sealing strips creates slippery barriers roaches avoid. Reapply monthly.
Fold and stick self-adhesive shelf liner outward on shelves and drawers. Roaches get stuck on the ultra-smooth surface.
Attach soft plastic corner guards to the inside of cabinets and pantries. The guards make corners unclimbable.
Apply polysiloxane sealant around baseboards and pipe entries. The ultra-smooth surface prevents climbing.

Vacuum Roaches and Egg Cases

Frequent vacuuming removes roaches and destroys egg cases before they hatch:

Use the hose crevice tool to vacuum inside cabinets, along edges, and anywhere roaches may hide
Vacuum cracks and gaps in appliances, cupboards, and furnishings where roaches may nest
Focus on areas like under the fridge, stove, microwave and inside drawers
Empty the vacuum immediately after use. Eggs can survive and hatch inside if not discarded
Look for small tan capsule-shaped oothecae while cleaning. Vacuum to destroy developing eggs.

Clean Roach-Infested Areas Thoroughly

Sanitizing areas helps destroy germs roaches carry and makes areas inhabitable:

Discard clutter and food debris that attract roaches
Vacuum carpets, floors, and furnishings thoroughly
Use soapy water to wash walls, floors, counters. Scrub stubborn grease stains
Clean inside cabinets and pantries thoroughly, removing all food scraps and dust
Steam clean appliances, kitchen and bathroom cabinets to sanitize surfaces
Use disinfectant spray on shelving, drawers, sinks and areas where roaches hide
Fix water leaks so roaches aren’t attracted to moisture
Increase ventilation and air circulation. Roaches prefer stale air.

Stop Roaches Entering the Home

To prevent roaches gaining a foothold, make your home entrance points roach-proof:

Install weatherstripping under doors and seal gaps with caulk
Cover vents with fine mesh wire screening to block roaches but allow airflow
Seal utility pipe and cable entry points with expandable foam or concrete
Replace damaged window screens that have holes roaches could enter through
Keep exterior doors shut and use door sweeps / draft stoppers at night
Install inner flap “airlock” doors at entrances to utility rooms
Inspect packages and grocery bags for roaches before bringing them inside
Vacuum vehicles that transport items from warehouses or distribution centers

How to Get Rid of Roaches Naturally – Conclusion

Roaches can be difficult pests to eliminate, but using natural methods can control infestations without toxic chemicals. By denying roaches access to food, water and shelter, applying desiccant dusts in areas they nest, keeping surfaces clean, and preventing entry from outdoors, you can get rid of roaches and keep them away for good. Consistent trapping, sanitizing and exclusion practices are key to getting lasting relief from roaches naturally.

Frequently Asked Questions About Getting Rid of Roaches Naturally

What home remedies kill roaches instantly?

There are no instant kills for roach infestations. Natural methods like diatomaceous earth, boric acid and desiccant dusts require roaches to make contact and ingest particles. Sticky traps also capture live roaches. The most instant natural option is boiling water poured directly on large roaches which kills them rapidly.

Does baking soda and sugar kill roaches?

Yes, baking soda and sugar can kill roaches effectively. The sugar lures roaches to consume the mixture, while the sharp texture of baking soda dehydrates their exoskeleton. The abrasive caking action on their shell and joints eventually kills roaches after continuous exposure.

Does vinegar repel roaches?

Vinegar is an effective natural repellent for roaches. The acetic acid in white vinegar emits a strong odor that roaches avoid. Spraying or wiping vinegar along baseboards, counters and in cabinets helps deter roaches from infested areas due to the smell. Vinegar on its own does not kill roaches however.

Is garlic a natural roach repellent?

Yes, garlic contains a strong odor that can repel roaches and prevent infestations. Crushing fresh garlic cloves and leaving them in roach hideouts deters them from those areas. Garlic powder sprayed like a pesticide also works. The potent sulfurous compounds in garlic are offensive to roaches’ chemical senses.

What scent keeps roaches away?

Strong scents from essential oils like peppermint, thyme, tea tree, clove and lemongrass oil repel roaches. Bay leaves and dried citrus peels also contain roach-repelling compounds. Spreading these natural scents wherever roaches hide and travel encourages them to avoid those areas and prevents infestations.

How do you make natural roach killer?

Some effective DIY natural roach killers include borax powder, diatomaceous earth or boric acid combined with flour and sugar. These mixtures attract roaches who consume the powders which kills them slowly. Essential oil sprays, vinegar, sticky glues and boiling water can also be used to make natural roach killers at home.

What home items kill roaches?

Many common household items can kill roaches:

Baking soda damages their exoskeletons
Bay leaves contain laurus nobilis which is toxic to roaches
Borax acts as a slow-acting stomach poison when ingested
Diatomaceous earth cuts their waxy coating causing dehydration
Flour and yeast dough traps suffocate roaches
White vinegar and ammonia deter roaches due to strong odors
Boiling water poured directly on roaches cooks and kills them

Can roaches survive a nuclear bomb?

This is a common myth. Cockroaches do have higher radiation tolerance than humans, but they cannot survive a direct nuclear event. Their habitats in buildings would offer some shielding, but the extreme heat, shockwaves and intense radiation would quickly kill all roaches at ground zero. Being underground would not ensure survival.

Why do I see more roaches in summer?

Roach populations grow faster in summer as the warmer, more humid conditions are optimal for them to breed and become active. Summertime behaviors like opening windows and doors also allow outdoor roaches greater entry access. Increased humidity provides the higher moisture roaches need to reproduce. Maintaining thorough hygiene and exclusion methods is important during summer.

How can you safely get rid of roaches while pregnant?

Borax and food-grade diatomaceous earth are low-toxicity options. Take care to wear a mask when applying. Essential oil sprays and vegetable oil barriers also work well. Hygiene like frequent vacuuming, cleaning and taking out trash are safe methods. Avoid most pesticide sprays and foggers which contain chemicals potentially harmful in pregnancy. Consult a doctor before using any roach treatments while pregnant.

Key Takeaways on Getting Rid of Roaches Naturally

Deny roaches access by sealing cracks, eliminating food and water sources, and trapping
Apply desiccant dusts like diatomaceous earth into hiding spots to dehydrate and kill roaches
Use natural repellents like essential oils, bay leaves and vinegar where roaches travel
Set roach traps with sticky glue or baits to monitor the population size
Thoroughly clean and sanitize infested areas to eliminate roach allergens
Stop roaches climbing up surfaces