5 Natural Solutions to Treat a Cockroach Infestation
Just about everyone has heard the old saying that cockroaches can survive a nuclear blast. That alone tells you how resilient and difficult these pests are to kill. If you notice a few cockroaches in your home, you are in for quite a battle. The good news is that there are plenty of natural remedies you can use to treat your home’s cockroach infestation. Rather than reach for dangerous chemicals, try these natural home remedies first, you’ll be amazed at the results. Keep in mind that one solution will not treat your whole infestation, and the best approach is to combine a variety of these treatments.
Keep a Clean Home
Like any pest prevention tip, keeping a clean home is the first step you should take to keep pests out. Cockroaches are drawn to a home in search of food and a warm place to reproduce. If your home is cluttered, not only will cockroaches be drawn into your home, but they will be nearly impossible to detect once they arrive. To prevent cockroaches from infesting your home, make sure to store and seal all food, remove your trash on a regular basis, and pick up any loose clutter that could serve as a hiding place.
Create Your Own Repellent
Cockroach repellents are great for two reasons. First, they ward off any cockroaches that are currently living in your home, and second, they will prevent future infestations from occurring. Rather than rely on a chemical-based repellent that can harm your family and pets, try this natural repellent . Mix a handful of cloves with a handful of Epsom salts in a shallow bowl. Place the mixture near any hiding spots or points of travel you see cockroaches using in your home. Common areas where you will find cockroaches include behind appliances, in cupboards where you store food, and around your garbage can. These two products are excellent cockroach repellents.
Essential Oils
One of the best cockroach repellents that don’t include chemicals is using therapeutic grade essential oils. The three best essential oils to use are cypress, peppermint, and citrus hystrix. Apply the oils to a cotton ball and place in areas where you see cockroaches in your home. For the best results, be sure to use therapeutic grade oils as they will have the highest concentrate to repel the pests.
Bay Leaves
Cockroaches hate the scent of bay leaves, making them an excellent natural repellent you can use in your home. Crush up the leaves and sprinkle them in cupboards, behind appliances, and near possible entry points to your home. The cockroaches will avoid the scent at all costs and will find a different place to call home. You can buy bay leaves in the spice aisle of your local grocery store, making it one of the most inexpensive solutions to your cockroach problem.
Baking Soda and Sugar
This cockroach repellent concoction is unique in that it baits and kills the pests rather than just repel them. Mix equal parts sugar and baking soda and set the mixture in areas where cockroaches frequent in your home. The sugar serves as a bait that draws the cockroaches to eat the mixture. Once the cockroaches eat the baking soda in the mixture, it kills them from the inside out. This concoction is great when other repellents don’t seem to keep the cockroaches out of your home.
Cockroaches can be one of the most difficult pests to get rid of, and just when you think you have seen the last of them, more will creep from the cracks of your home. Cockroaches can thrive on very little food and water and can multiply at incredible rates. The best way to avoid an infestation in your home is to use these proactive tips as soon as you see the first signs of cockroaches. Keep in mind that cockroaches are nocturnal and if you’ve seen one, there is definitely more out of sight. Don’t hesitate to have your home treated for cockroaches, the sooner you treat them, the less likely you will have an infestation on your hands.
About the Author:
Daniel Mackie, co-owner of Greenleaf Pest Control , is a Toronto pest control expert well-known as an industry go-to guy, an innovator of safe, effective pest control solutions, and is a regular guest on HGTV. Mackie, along with business partner Sandy Costa, were the first pest control professionals in Canada to use detection dogs and thermal remediation for the successful eradication of bed bugs. In his free time, he is an avid gardener.
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