How To Treat For Cockroaches

How To Treat For Cockroaches

Cockroaches cause more than 1.5 million building structure fires each year, according to the U.S. Fire Administration. In addition to their firesetting habits, cockroaches are responsible for spreading a slew of bacteria and disease, including salmonella, staphylococcus and streptococcus. If you think an infestation of cockroaches is likely to have a negative impact on your health, it would be beneficial to know how to treat for cockroaches.

There are many different ways that you can treat for cockroaches. One of the most common methods is to use baits and traps. Baiting roaches can work great but it is important to understand that different species of roaches prefer different foods. Whatever bait you decide on, make sure to place it in a spot where the roaches will find it quickly; under your sink or behind the fridge are two common locations.

How To Treat For Cockroaches

How To Treat For Cockroaches

Cockroaches are pests that can be found in homes and businesses. They are nocturnal, which makes them hard to detect. They leave behind a foul odor, as well as droppings, which can be seen on walls or floors. It is important to treat for cockroaches in order to prevent infestations from occurring throughout your home or business.

In order to treat for cockroaches, you will need to make sure that you are using a product that has been designed specifically for this purpose.

A common way to treat for cockroaches is by using a bait. This is done by putting the bait in areas where roaches are known to frequent, such as behind appliances or under sinks. The bait will attract the roaches and when they eat it, they will become poisoned and die.

Another treatment method is through the use of a spray insecticide. This can be used on any surface that you want to keep roach-free and it works by spreading an oily substance that coats the surface and prevents insects from coming into contact with it while also killing them if they do come into contact with it.

Insecticide sprays are the most common way people use to treat for cockroaches. Insecticide sprays contain active ingredients that kill insects by interfering with their nervous system. There are two main types of insecticides used in sprays: pyrethroids and organophosphates (OPs). Pyrethroid insecticides are synthetic analogs of naturally occurring chemicals found in chrysanthemum flowers; OPs are man-made chemicals derived from nerve agents developed during World War II. Pyrethroid-based products tend to be safer than OPs because they do not have a tendency toward long-term chronic exposure; however, they can still cause side effects if used improperly.

How To Treat For Cockroaches

1. Diatomaceous Earth

Diatomaceous earth, or DE for short, is an excellent natural insecticide. Composed of pulverized, fossilized algae, DE’s particles are sharp and dehydrating. When roaches come into contact with DE, it damages their exoskeletons and dehydrates them to death.

Purchase some food-grade DE and sprinkle a light coating on any surface where you’ve noticed roach activity.

Pros: Effective, affordable, safe for kids and pets

Cons: Messy, requires re-application, you will have to locate and dispose of dead roaches after each DE treatment

2. Baking Soda

Baking soda is one of the fastest, easiest ways to get rid of roaches – and it’s probably something you already have in your pantry. To make a DIY roach bait, dice a handful of onions and sprinkle them with baking soda.

Place this appetizer in a shallow dish anywhere you’ve noticed roach activity. When the roaches consume the baking soda, it creates gasses in the roaches’ stomachs, causing them to burst.

Pros: Effective, non-toxic, affordable

Cons: Pets may consume the onion mixture (onions are toxic for dogs), messy, requires you to locate and dispose of dead roaches

3. Boric Acid

Boric acid is a naturally-occurring compound. A mixture of water and boron, it shows up in fruits and plants.

And while it’s harmless to people and pets, it’s deadly for roaches. When cockroaches come into contact with boric acid, it sticks to their legs and wings. When they ingest the powder, it acts on the roach’s nervous and digestive systems – killing it rapidly.

To use boric acid to get rid of roaches, sprinkle a light dusting onto a paper plate. Put an orange peel or spoonful of peanut butter in the middle of the plate and place the whole thing anywhere you’ve noticed roach activity.

Pros: Effective, affordable, natural, non-toxic, easy

Cons: Can be messy, requires several applications or treatments, may not be ideal for homes with pets or young kids, requires you to track down and dispose of dead roaches 

4. Borax

Borax is a readily-available laundry product that’s excellent for killing roaches. For best results, combine equal parts borax and white table sugar. Dust the mixture any place you’ve seen roach activity. When the roaches consume the borax, it will dehydrate them and kill them rapidly.

Pros: Effective, affordable, kills both adult and baby roaches  

Cons: Can be messy, requires re-application, requires you to track down and remove dead roach bodies

5. Citrus

Citrus is a tasty treat for humans, but it’s a repellent to cockroaches. The smell of lemons, specifically, deters roaches. Add a few drops of lemon oil to the water you use to mop your floors. The scent won’t be detectable to people, but it will send roaches packing.

Pros: Effective, affordable, ideal for homes with kids and pets

Cons: Does not kill roaches – only deters them

6. Essential Oils

Essential oils are a great natural roach repellant. For best results, purchase peppermint or lemongrass essential oil and mix it with a bit of water. Spray the mixture anywhere you’ve seen roaches.

Pros: Effective, affordable, safe for kids and pets, non-toxic

Cons: Does not kill roaches 

List Of How To Treat For Cockroaches