Cockroaches are some of the most reviled pests in homes and businesses. These small, brown insects are known for their ability to thrive in even the filthiest environments. If you’ve got cockroaches in your home, it’s probably because there is something about your property that they find very appealing. Cockroaches can be a challenge to exterminate and often require more than one treatment to eradicate an infestation. Keeping cockroaches out of your home or business is much easier than getting rid of them once they’ve taken up residence. Below you will find helpful tips on how to kill cockroaches and keep them from coming back.
Clean up your home
Cockroaches love filth and they love to eat crumbs and other food particles on floors, counters, and appliances. The first step in how to kill cockroaches is to clean up your home. Wash all dishes immediately and pick up any crumbs on the floor.
Vacuum frequently, especially in areas where crumbs accumulate like near the kitchen sink, your refrigerator, and dining areas. Store food in airtight containers and wipe down surfaces regularly. Using these simple cleanliness tips can make a big difference in how to kill cockroaches.
Cockroaches hate these 3 things
There are a few things that cockroaches absolutely hate. These things can be used to make your home less appealing to the pests and may even kill them.
Cinnamon – There are many reports of cockroaches being repelled by cinnamon and researchers have determined that it is due to the high levels of cinnamaldehyde. You can sprinkle cinnamon on your floors and countertops, but be careful to not overdo it. Too much cinnamon can be detrimental to humans and pets.
Citrus – The next thing on the list of how to kill cockroaches is citrus. Most types of citrus are highly effective at repelling cockroaches. You can buy sprays containing citrus or try squeezing the juice from an orange or lemon and spraying it around the areas where you see roaches the most.
Coffee Grounds – Roaches don’t like the smell of coffee grounds, so using them to make roaches leave your home is a smart choice. Unfortunately, you can’t just throw coffee grounds around your home. You have to put them in containers that the insects can crawl into.
Use chemical cockroach killers
Cockroaches can be hard to kill with natural substances, but there are plenty of chemical options to choose from.
Cockroach sprays – These sprays are designed to repel and kill cockroaches on contact. They contain ingredients that are designed to be effective on lots of different types of pests, so you can use them in lots of different situations.
Spray the areas where you see cockroaches most often and be sure to spray underneath appliances. These sprays are very easy to use, but be aware that they are also easy to overuse.
A few sprays will be enough to keep your home free of roaches. Spray the roach nymphs with a short burst of spray so they can’t climb. This will not kill them. Wait until they are adults before spraying them.
Install roach-repelling devices
If you want to know how to kill cockroaches, you can try installing roach-repelling devices. There are a few different types of roach repellents on the market and you may want to purchase a few of each to make sure you get good coverage in your home.
Bug zappers – These devices emit an electrical current that kills insects that walk through it. They are very effective at killing flying insects like cockroaches and are often used in yards and gardens. Be aware that they can also kill other bugs, including beneficial insects.
Electronic insect killers – These repellents kill roaches by emitting a high-pitched sound that is unpleasant for them. Some brands also contain a pesticide that kills the insects that are affected by the sound. You can place these devices near areas where you’ve seen roaches and they will likely leave the area as soon as they hear the sounds. Be sure to read the instructions to find out how long you should leave the device on before turning it off.
Be aware of non-chemical alternatives
You don’t have to use chemicals to know how to kill cockroaches. There are a few natural repellents that are very effective. You can put bay leaves in the places where you see roaches the most. Roaches don’t like the smell of bay leaves, so they will leave.
You can also put cinnamon, cloves, or orange rinds in areas where you’re seeing roaches. You can also sprinkle baking soda or diatomaceous earth in areas where you’ve seen roaches. These substances will cut the roaches’ exoskeletons, causing them to dehydrate and die.
The best roach-killing products
There are many products that can help you to know how to kill cockroaches. These products are designed to be used in specific areas and will kill roaches quickly.
Glue traps – These sticky traps are designed to catch roaches and are very effective in the kitchen and other food areas.
Roach baits – These bait stations contain a slow-acting poison that will kill roaches when they eat it. These are often used in areas like the kitchen, bathroom, and basement where you don’t want to put glue traps. Make sure to read the label to find out what species the bait is meant for, as not all of them will kill roaches.
Conclusion
Cockroaches are some of the most unwanted pests in the world. They are often found in homes and commercial buildings. Thankfully, there are ways to get rid of them. All you have to do is take some time to clean up your surroundings, and these pests will be gone within a few weeks.
But if you want to know how to kill cockroaches, you should start by cleaning up. The best way to do this is by using eco-friendly cleaning products. If you do this, you will be able to kill the roaches without having to use harmful chemicals.