11 Surefire Methods to Eliminate Cockroaches

Are your home invaded by unwanted insects like cockroaches? If so, check out these easy tips to repel them and keep them away.

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1. Peppermint Essential Oil

Cockroaches detest the smell of peppermint essential oil, so mix some with water and spray it directly on your sink, kitchen corners, bathroom, or anywhere cockroaches tend to hide. Peppermint oil might not work as fast as chemicals, but it is a natural, safe, and non-toxic way to get rid of these pests.

2. Orange, Lemon, or Lime Peels

This method not only helps freshen up your indoor environment with a subtle citrusy scent but also effectively repels cockroaches and ants. You can either dry the peels and place them in areas where these insects frequently appear or directly mix lemon juice with some water and spray it in places they often visit.

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3. Garlic

Garlic is a well-known repellent for cockroaches. The pungent smell of garlic can help drive them away. Simply place or sprinkle some garlic powder in the paths cockroaches take, and they will find a way to escape your house. Note that garlic powder can be easily scattered by wind, so be sure to place it in enclosed areas.

4. Onions

Similar to garlic, onions have a strong, distinctive smell that cockroaches find unpleasant. Slice some onions thinly and place them in areas where food is often present, and the cockroaches will stay away.

5. Alum

The distinct smell of alum is what keeps cockroaches at bay. Simply dissolve some alum in a bucket of warm water and use this 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, your home will be cockroach-free in no time.

6. Coffee Grounds

While the aroma of coffee may attract cockroaches, the caffeine in coffee is actually toxic to them. To use coffee as a cockroach repellent, 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. You can then seal the lids and wait for them to perish inside.

7. Bay Leaves

Bay leaves are large, hardy leaves commonly used as a culinary herb. While they have a mild scent to humans, bay leaves are effective at repelling cockroaches. You can purchase these at your local grocery store and place them in areas where cockroaches tend to gather, such as walls or cracks. You can also grind fresh or dried bay leaves into a fine powder for easier application.

8. Laundry Detergent and Fabric Softener

Sprinkle laundry detergent in areas where cockroaches congregate, or mix it with fabric softener and water to create a spray solution. Apply this directly to cockroaches or their hiding spots, and they will perish after ingesting the detergent.

9. Baking Soda

In addition to its cleaning properties, baking soda is also effective in killing cockroaches. To get rid of them, mix baking soda with a small amount of flour, bait food, or sautéed shallots. The cockroaches will be attracted to the bait and ingest the toxic mixture, leading to their demise.

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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 trap. Simply place a few slices of shallots on a piece of adhesive tape and set the trap in an area where cockroaches are prevalent. When they come into contact with the tape, they will get stuck and be unable to escape. It is recommended to use a wide and highly adhesive tape to ensure the cockroaches are securely trapped.

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 quickly kill cockroaches.

To use mouthwash as a cockroach killer, you can either pour it directly onto the insects or mix it with detergent and water to create a spray solution. Applying this mixture directly to cockroaches or their nests will help eradicate them from your home.

According to VOV

Frequently asked questions

Mix peppermint essential oil with water and spray it directly on areas where cockroaches hide, such as your sink, kitchen corners, and bathroom. While it may not work as fast as chemicals, it is a natural and safe alternative.

Orange, lemon, or lime peels, as well as the juice of these fruits, can be used to freshen the indoor environment with a pleasant citrusy scent while also repelling cockroaches and ants. Place the dried peels or a mixture of juice and water in areas where these insects frequent.

Garlic has a strong pungent smell that cockroaches find repulsive. By placing garlic powder in the paths cockroaches take or in enclosed areas they frequent, you can drive them away from your house.

Onions, similar to garlic, have a distinct and strong smell that cockroaches dislike. Thinly slice onions and place them near food or in areas where cockroaches are likely to be present to keep them at bay.

Dissolve alum in a bucket of warm water and use this solution to mop your floors. As the floor dries, the alum water will seep into cracks and leave behind a scent that cockroaches hate, effectively deterring them from your home.

While the aroma of coffee may attract cockroaches, caffeine is toxic to them. Mix coffee grounds with water and place the mixture in small jars with lids. Cockroaches will be lured by the scent, crawl into the jars, and eventually perish.

Yes, bay leaves are effective at repelling cockroaches despite their mild scent to humans. Place these hardy leaves in areas where cockroaches tend to gather, such as walls or cracks, or grind them into a fine powder and sprinkle it in those areas.

Mix laundry detergent with fabric softener and water to create a spray solution. Apply this directly to cockroaches or their hiding spots, and the detergent will kill them upon ingestion.

Baking soda is effective in killing cockroaches. Mix it with a small amount of flour, bait food, or sautéed shallots to create a toxic bait that cockroaches will be attracted to and ingest, leading to their demise.

Place slices of shallots, which cockroaches are attracted to, on a piece of adhesive tape. Set this trap in cockroach-infested areas, and they will get stuck on the tape and be unable to escape.

Yes, the alcohol content in mouthwash can quickly kill cockroaches. Pour it directly onto the insects or mix it with detergent and water to create a spray solution to apply directly to cockroaches or their nests.
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