Cockroaches are simply the stuff of nightmares for most people. They tend to be wherever humans and food are. These insects consume anything from decomposing animals to feces. They even eat their own kind. Roaches are also effective carriers of diseases. They are difficult to kill and have been known to have lived with the dinosaurs. These tenacious insects have survived extinction-level events and even radioactive fallouts. Repelling them will be the most effective way to prevent contamination in your home.
Fabric softener
These crawlies are intolerant of fabric conditioner scents. Get a spray bottle and fill it with a mixture of water and fabric conditioner. You can spray it on areas with a high cockroach presence. You can use this every day.
Boric acid
This acid damages the exoskeleton and digestive system of cockroaches. It then dehydrates and kills them. You can sprinkle boric acid around your home. You can also mix this with sugar and flour to make a dough. The roaches will feed on these and kill them after. Be careful when handling and leaving boric acid around your home. It is dangerous to children and pets.
Fresh coffee grounds
Cockroaches are attracted to fresh coffee grounds. Caffeine will kill them. You can place fresh coffee grounds around your home and replace them often.
Sugar and baking soda
This combination acts the same way as boric acid. But it is less toxic. You can use this around pets and children.
Catnip
Cats love it, but roaches stay away from it. Sprinkle catnip or plant catnip around your home to deter them.
Onion, cayenne, and garlic powders
You can sprinkle these powders around your home. You can mix them up and then sprinkle them around your home, where cockroach activity is high. Replace the sprinkling every month.
Neem
This is a natural herb from the neem tree. Neem interrupts with the hormones of cockroaches. It prevents the insects from breeding. Neem can kill the young roaches. It can also prevent adults from laying eggs.
Clovite
This is a supplement for horses. It can kill roaches as well. Place clovite in a jar lid and place it where they frequent. Keep this from the reach of pets and children.
Tea tree oil
Mixing ¼ cup of vinegar and ¼ cup of tea tree oil with about two cups of water. Place the mixture in a spray bottle. Spray the mixture in infested areas in the home.
Peppermint oil and cypress oil
These oils can repel cockroaches. Diluting them into sprays can repel the roaches in various areas of the home.
Diatomaceous earth
This is a powder from fossilized diatoms (aquatic organisms). It dries out the cockroaches by absorbing their oils and fats from their exoskeletons. You can sprinkle this around your home or mix it with flour and cocoa powder and use it as bait.
Lemon
You can also use lemon wedges. Place them in a small container in areas where cockroaches are many.
Lavender oil
This is a stress-reducing and relaxing essential oil. At the same time, it can repel cockroaches. Pour lavender oil into small dishes and place them in areas roaches frequent.
Eucalyptus oil
The oil has a strong aroma capable of repelling roaches. Diluting this oil in water and spraying it in areas in your home where cockroaches are many.
Cinnamon
This delicious spice also has a strong smell. It can repel roaches and other insects.
Bay leaves
These leaves make any dish aromatic. The smell also keeps roaches away. It also keeps away other bugs.
Cockroaches will always be in areas where there is food available. They will always stay and even lay eggs in areas where they are not bothered or repelled. The mentioned natural repellents can help your battle against roaches. Natural means are always safer.
