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Here’s how to get rid of roaches once and for all
Every homeowner needs to know how to get rid of roaches. Even if you spot just one of these pesky insects, it can signal an infestation and if left untreated will become a big problem. Roaches carry and spread disease, and can crawl into almost any space around the home, so it’s imperative that you deal with them quickly.
The problem is, roaches are infamously difficult to kill, and getting rid of them is more tricky than dealing with other kinds of pests, such as when you want to get rid of ants. Thankfully, there are methods you can try, both homemade remedies and chemical-based. Here, we will take you through what you can do to get rid of roaches and how you can prevent them from coming back in the future.
Are you dealing with unwelcome guests in your yard as well? Here’s how to get rid of moles without hurting them.
Before you attempt to get rid of cockroaches using any of the following remedies, it’s imperative that you first clean your home and remove anything which may be attracting the insects. That includes food left on the countertop, dirty dishes and overflowing garbage cans.
Get rid of any clutter which may be sheltering the roaches as well, particularly cardboard boxes, which these insects love.
1. Baking soda — While it’s well-relied on for everyday cleaning, baking soda is very effective at killing cockroaches too. All you need to do is mix it with something the roaches will likely consume — diced onions work well, as does sugar and cheese.
Divide the solution between a couple of plates and place them in high traffic roach areas, such as on the kitchen and bathroom floors. Once the roaches eat the baking soda, they will die quickly. The only drawback with this method is you will need to find and get rid of the dead roaches. May sure any curious pets don’t come across this home remedy either. 
As the roaches eat the dough, they will ingest the boric acid, which will kill them. Once again, you will need to find and dispose of them after. It’s worth flagging that boric acid is poisonous to pets though, so this method should not be attempted if you have any furry family members. Don’t let any young children find and eat the dough balls either.
3. Borax — Borax is made from the same chemical compound as boric acid, and while it’s more often used for cleaning, it’s just as effective at getting rid of roaches. Simply combine the powder with something sweet that will attract roaches, much like the above method with baking soda.
Just make sure your pets stay clear of the mixture once again. It can cause stomach upset and irritation if ingested. It can also be potentially dangerous in large doses. Once the roaches ingest the Borax it will kill them, and you will need to find and clear what remains. 
You can use lemon-scented cleaning products, or combine lemon oil with water as you clean your floors. If you want to go even further, you can leave citrus peels around your home, although you will need to remember to replace these every few days.
5. Diatomaceous Earth — Also known as DE, Diatomaceous Earth is a natural insecticide that will dehydrate the cockroaches on contact. It sticks to them as they walk through it and will kill them later on by dissolving the exoskeleton.
You simply need to sprinkle it in areas of high traffic for best effect. You will need to dispose of the bodies after they’ve died though, which may be back at the nest. This method is safe for pets and humans, but you need to make sure you use food-grade DE.
1. Glue strips and traps — Glue strips and traps can be purchased at local hardware stores and they’re widely available online as well. We recommend Harris Roach Glue Traps ($5.48, Amazon). These can be used to determine high traffic areas.
They essentially attract the cockroaches with a sweet scent and then the glue traps them in place. You will need to monitor the strips though and replace them as and when necessary.
These traps are often placed under sinks, large appliances and next to garbage cans, but they should be kept out of reach of pets and children. You will also need to reapply the bait as often as necessary and be prepared to find and clear the dead roaches yourself.
3. Liquid concentrates — Liquid concentrates are a well-known roach deterrent and are widely available. You essentially dilute the solution with water and spray it in any areas which roaches frequent, such as cracks and crevices. You can apply the solution to surfaces around your home as well.
If all else fails, it’s time to call in a professional. Sometimes an infestation can be so extreme that this is the best method.
Cockroaches are attracted to any source of food and water. That means if you’re guilty of leaving dirty dishes in the sink, or you don’t keep on top of crumbs in the kitchen, roaches are likely to be the result. Any standing water will invite cockroaches in as well, which includes leaky pipes or pet water bowls. That’s why it’s imperative that you keep a clean home to limit its interest to roaches. 
These pests will often enter your home through any cracks or crevices they can find. So if your front door doesn’t shut and seal completely, there’s a potential entryway for roaches. They often find their way in via windows as well.
Once in, cockroaches will typically live in hidden spaces such as under appliances, or behind the toilet. They can be quite difficult to spot until they’ve grown in numbers. Being nocturnal, they’re easiest to find at night when you enter a dark room and flick a light on. You might also notice a sweet, unpleasant smell when there’s a heavy infestation.
First, it’s always best to keep a clean home, getting rid of any clutter and cardboard boxes — roaches thrive in these. While this won’t guarantee a cockroach-free future, it certainly helps your chances. You should also seal off any obvious crevices where the roaches may have previously entered from. So take a look around your doors and windows and caulk any gaps.
You should also check your faucets and pipes regularly for leaks as these too can attract roaches. If you spot one, here’s how to fix a leaky bathtub faucet for guidance.
You might also want to check out how to get rid of fruit flies quickly if you find any at home. Also find out the 10 things you didn’t know you could clean with baking soda and also can I use malt vinegar for cleaning? — here is the best vinegar to clean with.
Katie looks after everything homes-related, from kitchen appliances to gardening tools. She also covers smart home products too, so is the best point of contact for any household advice! She has tested and reviewed kitchen appliances for over 6 years, so she knows what to look for when finding the best. Her favorite thing to test has to be stand mixers as she loves to bake in her spare time.
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