Cockroaches and cockroaches are unpleasant pests capable of reproducing at breakneck speed. If you notice one or more roaches roaming around your home, it’s important to act quickly.
This is all the more important as cockroaches can transmit serious diseases to humans, such as dysentery, tuberculosis and typhoid fever (among others). So the risks are very real, and there’s only one thing to do to eliminate them: get rid of cockroaches in your home for good.
Here are some of the best tips for doing just that.
How to stop the proliferation of cockroaches?
If you’re worried about cockroaches taking over your home, there are a few things you can do to change your habits and keep them out. Here’s a brief overview:
- Air your home every day for at least 10 minutes.
- Thoroughly clean all your kitchen furniture, going into every nook and cranny several times a month.
- Always clean your gas stove or hob after use.
- Store all foodstuffs in airtight jars.
- Never leave food out in the open (including bread and fruit).
- Never leave dirty dishes in the sink.
- Empty garbage cans regularly and clean the container before replacing it with a new bag.
- Vacuum regularly and disinfect floors and surfaces.
These actions are designed to prevent cockroaches from appearing and returning after disinfestation. If you already have a few roaches in your home, here are the best ways to get rid of them.
1 – Anti-cockroach insecticides
Cockroach insecticides are particularly effective. However, these chemicals are highly toxic to health. Their use must therefore be supervised and in strict compliance with the manufacturer’s instructions.
They come in various forms: powder, aerosol or spray. The latter are the most effective, as they can reach the smallest nooks and crannies where cockroaches may have taken refuge. After use, it’s imperative to thoroughly clean dishes and kitchen utensils before re-use.
Note: gel insecticides are also available. These should be applied in small dots using a syringe throughout the house, particularly in wet areas.
2 – Cockroach traps
Cockroach traps are a very effective way of getting rid of these insects when the infestation is still relatively manageable. There are several different types of trap:
- Insecticide traps: these contain a bait capable of attracting cockroaches and cockroaches, as well as an insecticide designed to kill them. This type of trap eliminates colonies, as contaminated specimens return to their nests, where they die and contaminate their fellow cockroaches.
- Glue traps: in this case, the trap contains a bait that attracts cockroaches, which stick to it and become trapped. The advantage of this type of trap is that you can estimate the level of infestation in your home. On the other hand, you’ll need to take care to change them regularly, or as soon as they’re full of cockroaches – an unpleasant gesture, but one you should avoid.
Note: if you’ve used an insecticide to get rid of a cockroach infestation, installing a glue trap will let you know whether or not there are still bugs hiding in your home.
Natural cockroach solutions
There are a number of natural products available to get rid of cockroaches in the home. If you don’t like chemicals, these solutions are for you.
1 – Diatomaceous Earth
Diatomaceous earth is a powerful insecticide that is highly effective in killing cockroaches. The silica contained in this powder kills cockroaches by dehydration.
It’s easy to use, as all you have to do is apply the powder to any nooks and crannies likely to be frequented by cockroaches.
2 – Boric acid (Borax)
Boric acid is highly effective in eliminating cockroaches. All you need to do is make baits in paste form using sweetened condensed milk and boric acid.
Equip yourself with gloves and form pellets, which should then dry for around 30 minutes. Place them in a few strategic places around the house and repeat the operation after 3 weeks.
3 – Baking soda
Baking soda kills cockroaches by dehydration. To do this, make a 1:1 mixture of sugar and bicarbonate.
This mixture is then poured into small saucers to be placed over areas where cockroaches pass through.
4 – Wine
Wine is an excellent repellent for cockroaches and roaches. To do this, create a trap by filling jars halfway with wine.
Simply place these traps in the areas affected by the cockroach infestation. To help them climb into the jar and fall into the trap, simply place a cloth around them.
5 – Eucalyptus essential oil
Eucalyptus essential oil has a smell that cockroaches hate. It is therefore highly effective as a cockroach repellent. However, it cannot be used on its own as a curative treatment.
To use it correctly, simply soak cotton balls in it and place them in closets, bathrooms and other areas potentially affected by cockroaches.
In conclusion:
Eliminating cockroaches and roaches from your home is essential, and should be done quickly once you’ve noticed their presence. If the infestation is relatively manageable, you’ll have no trouble using these tips.
On the other hand, if, despite your best efforts, you find that cockroaches are still roaming around your home, you’ll need to call in a professional pest control company.
