Cockroaches are one of the most hated and feared insects. They are known for their ability to thrive in even the most unappealing conditions. While they prefer staying hidden and out of sight, you may have found evidence of them running around your home at some point. Perhaps you’ve spotted a cockroach on the wall or caught a glimpse of one running away from you fast. These resilient pests can infest almost any location and wreak havoc on homes and businesses everywhere. If you’re wondering, “What do cockroaches hate?” The answer is simple: anything that repels them. Fortunately, there are natural solutions to drive them away for good. If you’re struggling with cockroaches in your home or business, keep reading for our best tips on how to get rid of cockroaches once and for all!
What do cockroaches eat?
A cockroach’s diet is broad and can include anything from food remnants to paper, leather, and even other insects. These pests are attracted to harsh and moist environments where there is plenty of food and shelter. That’s why roaches can be found in kitchens, bathroom sinks, and sewers. Most roaches feed on plant and animal matter. They are scavengers that feed on leftover food, animal feces, and other waste. These pests also feed on living and dead insects, rotting wood, cardboard, and other decaying matter. Cockroach feces, saliva, and shed skins can also cause allergic reactions in humans. The allergens in these biological materials can cause symptoms like watery eyes, itchy skin, sneezing, coughing, and wheezing. These pests can also transfer pathogens, like Salmonella, E. coli, and Streptococcus, which can cause serious illnesses.
How to get rid of cockroaches?
Given their ability to reproduce quickly, expel an array of toxins, and spread harmful bacteria, getting rid of cockroaches once they’ve made their way inside your home or business can be challenging. Cockroaches are most active at night, feeding on anything they come across. They can squeeze through cracks and holes as small as the tip of a pen, making it crucial to fix any gaps or openings they can use to enter your property. If you don’t take proper precautions, these pests can quickly turn into a major infestation. The best way to get rid of roaches is to prevent them from entering your space in the first place. Roach-proof your home Clean up food scraps and other crumbs. Store food in sealed containers and place them in the refrigerator. Wash dishes promptly and keep your kitchen clean. Check for leaks in your plumbing, paying special attention to the pipes behind the wall. Repair broken windows and doors. Seal cracks and holes in walls, floors, basements, and attics. Inspect trees and shrubs near your home for signs of roaches.
Natural roach repellents
When pests like roaches invade your space, it’s important to use natural roach repellents. These products are less toxic to humans, friendly pets, and the environment. They also won’t cause lasting damage to different surfaces in your home. However, some home remedies can drive away pests without harming them. These non-toxic solutions can help repel a wide variety of pests, including roaches, spiders, ants, and even mice. You can make an aromatic roach repellent by adding peppermint or cedar oil to water. Or, you can make a citrus-based repellent by mixing orange, lemon, or grapefruit peel with water. You can also use essential oils to repel roaches, such as lavender, eucalyptus, peppermint, and rosemary.
Boric acid
Boric acid has been used as a home remedy to get rid of roaches for years. It is one of the most effective and safest roach killers on the market. This substance is found naturally in soil, which is why it works so well. Cockroaches consume the boric acid and it is transferred to their digestive system. The acid destroys their stomach and causes dehydration. The best part is that the roaches die outside of the home, keeping the infestation from spreading. Make sure to purchase the food-grade version of boric acid. This is non-toxic to humans and pets. Boric acid can be used both indoors and outdoors. Be sure to keep it away from children, pets, and open windows and doors to avoid accidental ingestion. Boric acid doesn’t kill roaches immediately. It can take a few weeks for it to show results. It is best applied in a place where roaches gather, like inside a wall or under the sink.
Dry ice
Dry ice is another great option for repelling roaches. It can be used both indoors and outdoors. Dry ice is solid carbon dioxide, which sublimates into a gas at room temperature. You can purchase dry ice at grocery stores, pharmacies, and ice cream shops. You can also order it online. Make an ice barrier by placing dry ice in a container, such as a cardboard box, and placing it along the edges of the wall. Keep in mind that dry ice is extremely hot (over -109 degrees Fahrenheit), so keep it away from children and pets.
Instant coffee
Roaches hate the smell of coffee, and it can be used to make your home less appealing to these pests. Spraying coffee grounds and coffee grounds can help repel roaches from your space. The caffeine in the coffee is toxic to roaches and can be used to repel them naturally. It is recommended to use instant coffee because it lasts longer than brewed coffee. Instant coffee contains more caffeine than brewed coffee, is cheaper, and is easier to use. It is best to grind coffee beans in an electric coffee grinder and store the coffee grounds in a sealable container. You can sprinkle the coffee grounds around your home to repel roaches. It is recommended to place the coffee grounds in areas where roaches are known to frequent, such as under sinks and in pantries. Coffee grounds can also be used as a natural insecticide to kill cockroaches.
Mixing borax and sugar
Borax is another great natural roach killer. It is a naturally occurring mineral that is used to kill pests like roaches, ants, fleas, and termites. Borax kills roaches by dehydrating them. Mix borax with sugar and place it in areas where roaches are known to frequent. Sugar attracts roaches and baits them to the borax mixture. Borax is completely safe to use around your pets, children, and plants. It can be sprinkled or mixed with sugar, placed in a jar, and sprinkled around the home. Borax is a slow-acting roach killer. It can take a few weeks to show significant results. Keep in mind that borax is not toxic to humans. However, it can be harmful to pets, so keep it away from animals and children.
Baking soda
Borax is also an effective tool against roaches. It can be used to kill roaches and repel them from your home. Mix borax with baking soda, place it in a jar, and sprinkle it around the home. Borax is a slow-acting roach killer. It can take a few weeks to show results. It is important to keep borax away from pets and children because it can be harmful if ingested.
Conclusion
Cockroaches are resilient pests that can thrive in almost any environment. They spread harmful bacteria and allergens and can wreak havoc on homes and businesses. Luckily, there are many natural roach repellents that can help repel these pests without harming humans and pets. Boric acid, dry ice, and instant coffee are three of the best roach killers on the market. They are natural and safe for humans, pets, and plants. These products are easy to use and have a lasting effect on pests. Boric acid, dry ice, and instant coffee are easy to find at your local hardware store. Keep these products away from children and pets and use them along with other natural pesticides to drive away roaches naturally.