1. Peppermint Essential Oil
Cockroaches detest the smell of peppermint essential oil. Mix the oil with water and spray it directly on sinks, kitchen corners, bathrooms, or any other place where cockroaches tend to hide. While peppermint oil may not act as fast as chemical pesticides, it is a natural and safe alternative that does not compromise your health.
2. Orange and Lemon Peels
This method not only adds a subtle fragrance to your indoor environment but also effectively repels cockroaches and ants. You can either dry the peels of oranges, lemons, or grapefruits and place them in areas where these pests frequently appear, or you can extract the juice and mix it with water before spraying it in places they tend to frequent.
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3. Garlic
Garlic is a well-known nemesis of cockroaches. The pungent aroma of garlic helps drive them away. Simply place or sprinkle garlic powder in the paths cockroaches travel; they will seek to escape your home to avoid the overpowering scent. It’s important to note that garlic powder can be easily dispersed by wind, so be sure to place it in enclosed areas.
4. Onions
Similar to garlic, onions have a distinctive pungent and spicy aroma that cockroaches find repulsive. Thinly slice an onion and place it in areas where food is frequently present; the cockroaches will be repelled by the strong smell.
5. Alum
The distinctive smell of alum will keep cockroaches at bay. Simply dissolve some alum in a bucket of warm water and use the solution to mop the floors. As the floor dries, the alum water will seep into the cracks and crevices, leaving behind a scent that cockroaches detest. With consistent application, you’ll notice a significant reduction in the cockroach population in your home.
6. Coffee Grounds
While the aroma of coffee may attract cockroaches, the caffeine present in coffee grounds can actually kill them. To utilize this method, mix coffee grounds with water and divide the mixture into small jars with lids. The cockroaches will be lured by the scent and crawl into the jars. Once they’re inside, secure the lids and wait for them to perish.
7. Bay Leaves
Bay leaves are large, hardy leaves commonly used as a culinary herb. While they have a mild fragrance to humans, cockroaches find their scent repulsive. You can purchase bay leaves from grocery stores and place them in areas like walls and cracks to deter cockroaches. You can also grind fresh or dried bay leaves into a fine powder for ease of use.
8. Laundry Detergent and Fabric Softener
Sprinkle laundry detergent in areas where cockroaches congregate, or mix detergent and fabric softener with water and spray it in wall corners, beds, and other infested areas. With consistent application, the cockroaches will perish due to ingestion and inhalation of the detergent mixture.
9. Baking Soda
In addition to its cleaning properties, baking soda is also effective in eliminating cockroaches. To get rid of these pests, mix baking soda with a small amount of cake batter, food, or sautéed shallots to lure the cockroaches. The baking soda will cause toxicity and eventual death after ingestion.
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10. Adhesive Tape and Shallots
Cockroaches are attracted to the smell of shallots, so using them as bait is an effective strategy. Simply place a few slices of shallots on a moderately sized piece of adhesive tape and set the trap in an area frequented by cockroaches. When they come into contact with the tape, they will become stuck and unable to escape. It’s important to use a tape that is wide enough and has strong adhesive properties to securely trap the cockroaches.
11. Mouthwash
Mouthwash is a familiar household item, but aside from its dental hygiene purposes, it can also be used as an effective cockroach repellent. The alcohol content in mouthwash can swiftly kill cockroaches.
To use mouthwash for cockroach control, you can either pour it directly onto the insects or create a more potent mixture by combining it with detergent and water. Applying this solution directly onto cockroaches or their nests will ensure that your home becomes a cockroach-free zone.
According to VOV