how to get rid of cockroaches
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How to Get Rid of Cockroaches

If there's one thing I have no problem being incredibly dramatic about, it's cockroaches. I still have nightmares about the flying roaches (yes, some cockroach species can fly and it's terrifying) that used to sneak into my childhood home. Even when I'm outside walking my dog I will literally move to the other side of the street if I see a roach. There are various common cockroaches that you'll run into, most notably the American Cockroach. Honestly, they are all pests and all extremely unpleasant to look at.

There's a reason I grew up to be such a neat freak. It's easy to bring a cockroach infestation into your home if you leave dirty dishes in the sink and crumbs on the floor on a regular basis. You're literally just asking for them to come in, feast on your old food (hello, giving them food sources) and make themselves at home under your kitchen sink, floorboards or walls.

If you have cleaned and cleaned and you still can't fix your problem, try one of these cockroach repellents to get your infestation under control.

Roach Traps

Try some roach traps for cockroach control by placing them in potential high traffic areas. Since these are nocturnal insects look for hiding spots like dark crevices, cabinets, etc.

Caulk

Traps can help reduce existing roach populations, but you need to also consider all the coaches trying to break in from outside. Use some caulk to block up any potential entry points, like gaps in walls, floors etc.

Bait

Cockroach bait can be very effective in helping to eliminate your cockroach infestation. Gel bait comes in a tube form and you pretty much need to put it any and everywhere you think would attract these nasty insects. Good starting points would be under baseboards, cracks and crevices where they sneak in etc. You can also position bait stations throughout your home that will lure in the roaches to feed on the poison. The only downside is these bait options are so effective that you'll end up with a bunch of dead roaches lying around. Gross, but at least it gets the job done?

Boric Acid Powder

Boric acid is another home remedy that can be a solid roach killer. It's an active ingredient in common laundry detergents. It's a powder, so it's easy to misapply it throughout your home. You need to be careful it doesn't get in areas where it could get in contact with humans or pets. Though only mildly toxic to pretty much anyone but roaches, it is never recommended as the sole solution so it's best to use this in conjunction with another option.

Professional Pest Control

If you've tried all the above and you still can't fix things you really need to just call a professional. A roach infestation is a big emergency in my book, so reach out and get the job done ASAP because they will just keep coming.

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