Having years of experience in the pest control industry, I’ve seen my fair share of cockroach infestations over the years. These resilient creatures have been around for millions of years, and their ability to adapt and survive is truly remarkable.
From borax and fabric softener to bay leaves and other household items, the internet is filled with DIY insecticide recipes promising to banish cockroaches once and for all. But the question remains: can these simple concoctions truly end a cockroach infestation?
In this article, I’ll delve into the world of homemade cockroach sprays, examining the effectiveness of some of the most popular DIY insecticides. With years of experience and knowledge in the field, I’ll separate fact from fiction, and provide you with a comprehensive understanding of what works, what doesn’t and why.
Whether you’re a seasoned homeowner or simply curious about the power of homemade remedies, this article promises to shed light on the age-old battle against these formidable foes.
Do Homemade Roach Sprays Actually Work?
The most common do-it-yourself (DIY) cockroach spray is a mixture of three parts fabric softener and two parts water.
While it might come as a surprise, this mixture will kill cockroaches. Like many insects, roaches breathe through tubes called tracheae, which bring in air through small holes in their carapace called spiracles.
When combined with water, fabric softener can clog the spiracles, suffocating cockroaches in their tracks. However, the common myth that cockroaches hate the smell of fabric softener is untrue, and this spray will not prevent cockroaches.
Next in line for popular DIY cockroach killer is a borax-based mixture. Borax is one of the oldest at-home solutions to roaches and has stood the test of time. When consumed by roaches or exposed to their exoskeletons, borax dehydrates them.
So, all you have to do is apply the borax (as a powder) along baseboards or in other locations cockroaches are seen. More popularly, borax is mixed in with bait, typically honey or sugar water, and laid out as a trap. When consumed, the borax will eat away inside the roach while dehydrating it, giving it a lethal one-two punch.
Are There Any Homemade Roach Killers That Work?
Besides borax and fabric softener, dozens of other popular DIY solutions are touted to terminate roaches. Here is a quick list of the most common would-be insecticides and a rundown of their effectiveness.
Bay Leaves
Rumor has it that crushed bay leaves act as an effective insecticide, killing roaches and keeping them out of the kitchen. This myth is a half-truth, as it does not kill roaches but will deter them. The scent of crushed bay leaves will effectively keep roaches away.
However, it will only repel them from the areas you sprinkle it, which may drive the roaches to other parts of the home. Furthermore, as the scent of the bay leaf powder dissipates, it will become a less effective repellent.
Cayenne Pepper
Cayenne pepper is a well-known general insecticide and pest repellent. While cayenne will keep larger mammals, like rodents or raccoons, away, we suspect it’s less effective on pests like roaches. Some online articles recommend combining garlic, cayenne, soap, and water in a spray bottle to repel roaches.
This mixture does kill roaches and repels them to a minor degree. But I find it likely that the effectiveness of this spray comes from the dish soap and garlic instead of the cayenne.
Dish soap can suffocate roaches just like fabric softeners, and garlic has a strong scent like bay leaves, making it a decently effective deterrent. In combination, these ingredients make an effective spray, but when used alone, cayenne is not effective.
Baking Soda
Baking soda, like borax, is lethally toxic to roaches. Unlike borax, roaches must consume it to be effective. Baking soda tastes and smells unpleasant to roaches, making it less likely for them to ingest it.
Furthermore, baking soda will only harm roaches in its pure, powdered form, so any food or baked good containing baking soda is perfectly safe for them. Your best bet is to combine baking soda with another granulated attractant, like sugar.
Mix equal parts baking soda and sugar in a small dish and apply it to kitchen cabinets, baseboards, crevices, water sources, and other places roaches like to hide. Check these bait stations once or twice weekly to see how many roaches they eradicate. Contrary to popular belief, baking soda does not kill bed bugs.
Cucumber
One of the more perplexing myths we’ve come across is that cockroaches hate cucumbers. As the online legend goes, placing cucumber slices along roach infest areas will deter them from entering. This myth is blatantly untrue. There is no evidence that cucumbers repel roaches; you’ll just be giving them more food and incentive to invade your home.
Boric Acid
Boric acid is a colorless, crystalline, white powder made from boron, hydrogen, and oxygen. It’s used as an antiseptic, flame retardant, and insecticide. Boric acid is harmless to both people and pets, but when consumed by roaches, it damages their nervous system, making it a lethal pesticide.
Diatomaceous Earth
This mineral is a naturally occurring sand extract that is the remnants of fossilized algae and is composed mostly of silica. It sees use in healthcare, construction, agriculture, and even explosives.
Diatomaceous earth is a popular natural remedy for garden pests and often sees further use as a roach killer. It works by destroying their exoskeletons and can be applied outside the home, acting as a perimeter defense, or sprinkled where roaches are known to frequent.
Essential Oils
Countless online sites espouse the insect-killing powers of peppermint oil, claiming it can repel everything from bed bugs to fleas, spiders, and, of course, roaches. The truth is that few essential oils have any impact on insects.
Those oils that are shown to deter pests are short-lived and require constant reapplication, making them unfit as long-term solutions. In general, we don’t recommend using essential oils for cockroach control.
Things to Consider
While homemade cockroach sprays and DIY insecticides can be effective in certain situations, there are several factors to consider before trying to tackle a roach infestation on your own:
- Infestation Level: As mentioned earlier, homemade solutions may work for small infestations, but they are often ineffective against severe or widespread roach problems. If you suspect a significant infestation, it’s best to seek professional help from a licensed exterminator.
- Safety Concerns: Some of the ingredients used in homemade sprays, such as borax or boric acid, can be harmful if ingested or inhaled in large quantities. Exercise caution when handling these substances, especially if you have children or pets in the home.
- Proper Application: Effective application is crucial for homemade roach sprays and baits to work. You need to ensure that you apply them in the right areas and in the correct manner. Improper application can render these solutions ineffective or even exacerbate the problem by driving roaches deeper into hiding places.
- Persistence and Patience: Eradicating a cockroach infestation takes time and persistence, even with professional-grade products. Homemade solutions may require multiple applications and consistent monitoring to achieve desired results.
- Preventive Measures: While homemade solutions can help remove existing roach populations, it’s essential to address the underlying causes that attracted them to your home in the first place. This may involve sealing entry points, removing food sources, and maintaining a clean and dry living environment.
- Legal Considerations: Depending on your location, certain pesticides or insecticides may be regulated or restricted for use by non-professionals. Before using any homemade solution, it’s wise to check your local laws and regulations to make sure compliance.
Remember, while homemade cockroach sprays and DIY insecticides can be cost-effective and readily available, they may not always provide a foolproof solution. If you’re unsure about the extent of your roach problem or feel overwhelmed, don’t hesitate to seek professional assistance from a reputable pest control company.
When Should You Contact a Pest Control Company for Cockroaches?
If you’re experiencing a full-on roach infestation, your best bet is to contact a professional pest control company. While DIY solutions may help eradicate small numbers of roaches, they’re typically ineffective against full-blown infestations. Roaches are hardy, sneaky creatures, often living in homes for extended periods before most residents become aware of them.
Roaches also multiply rapidly, making complete eradication difficult. Furthermore, home remedies for roaches take time to work or require direct applications to kill, making progress slow. As a result, most of the solutions on this list are ineffective at clearing up large-scale roach infestations.
Final Thoughts
As someone who has dealt with countless cockroach infestations over the years, I can attest to the fact that these revolting pests are some of the nastiest and most persistent household invaders that homeowners have to face. They are incredibly difficult to kill, carry dangerous diseases like E. coli and salmonella, multiply at an alarming rate, and can infest entire buildings.
However, the good news is that there are plenty of effective DIY solutions available to help you take down these resilient insects. From borax and fabric softener to baking soda and diatomaceous earth, many common household products can be used to create homemade roach baits, sprays, and insecticides.
It’s important to remember that while these homemade remedies can be effective in dealing with small cockroach infestations, they may not be powerful enough to tackle more severe or widespread infestations. In such cases, it’s best to seek professional assistance from a licensed exterminator.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the most effective homemade cockroach killer?
While borax and boric acid are among the most effective homemade cockroach killers, they may not be potent enough to end a severe infestation. These substances can help reduce roach populations, but for complete eradication, it’s best to enlist the services of a professional exterminator who has access to stronger, commercial-grade insecticides.
Can I make my own cockroach spray?
Yes, you can make your own cockroach spray using common household ingredients like fabric softener, borax, baking soda, and dish soap. However, homemade sprays are generally less effective than professional-grade insecticides, especially when dealing with a large-scale infestation.
What keeps roaches away permanently?
Unfortunately, there is no single solution that can keep cockroaches away permanently. Effective roach prevention and control requires a multi-pronged approach, including:
- Sealing entry points and cracks to prevent roaches from entering your home.
- Maintaining a clean and dry living environment by promptly cleaning up food spills and removing moisture sources.
- Storing food in airtight containers and disposing of garbage regularly.
- Using professional-grade insecticides and baits applied by a licensed exterminator, especially for severe infestations.
While some homemade remedies like bay leaves or essential oils can temporarily repel roaches, they are not a permanent solution and may simply drive the roaches to other areas of your home.
Does baking soda get rid of roaches?
Baking soda can be moderately effective at killing cockroaches if they consume it, as it can cause dehydration and disrupt their digestive system. However, the taste and smell of baking soda often deter roaches, making it less likely that they will ingest it. Additionally, baking soda alone may not be potent enough to remove a significant roach infestation.
For the best results, it’s recommended to combine baking soda with a more attractive bait, such as sugar or honey, and strategically place these baits in areas where roaches are active. Even then, baking soda may only be a temporary solution, and professional extermination services may ultimately be required for complete roach elimination, especially in cases of severe infestations.
