Cockroaches are something many Australians have to face at some time and there is not much worse than having one scurry across the floor or even fly right at you! You will need to look at the best approach on how to get rid of cockroaches as these are not just something you do not want to see, they bring with them harmful bacteria and can worsen breathing issues like asthma. Here is a look at what cockroaches are drawn to and some options for dealing with them when you have them!
Understanding cockroaches and what draws them in
Globally there are more than 4000 species of cockroaches. There is a good reason for the idea that when there is a global catastrophe there will still be cockroaches left. In Australia, we have around 450 species but the most common ones reported are the Australian cockroach, the German cockroach and the American cockroach. The Australian is large and brown and near its wings, there are yellow stripes. The German is small and a light brown colour. The American is large and more reddish-brown.
When you understand what attracts them to a home or even a business it helps to prevent an infestation and leads to more successful removal. It all comes down to easy access to food. They eat human food and pet food but they also will eat things like soap, glue and cardboard. So make sure your garbage lids are tightly on, clean under cupboards and appliances, do not leave dirty dishes till the next day and pick up pet food dishes overnight. Below is a look at some natural and shop-bought treatment options.
How to get rid of cockroaches using natural methods
There are a few natural or homemade deterrents and cockroach killing methods to consider and they can give varying results, though none usually as good as a professional cockroach control service. Here are a few where you likely have the ingredients already in your home;
- Trapping cockroaches with baking soda and sugar – You can take a mixture of baking soda and apply it to areas that are hard to reach where the cockroaches like to hide like under and behind appliances, and any other places that are damp and dark. The mix is half baking soda and half sugar or something sweet like syrup or honey. The sweetness attracts them and the baking soda kills them. The great thing about this natural remedy is that it is safe for pets and young children too.
- Using boric acid and sugar – Another thing that can be mixed with sugar is boric acid. As with the above option, the sweetness attracts them and then the boric acid kills them. However, this is not safe for pets and children as boric acid is a poison. Place it out of reach of either if they live in the home or choose another treatment option. Mix one part sugar to three parts borax. This works quickly on the infestation and creates no problematic fumes.
- Mix fabric softener with distilled water – Another one to get rid of cockroaches is mixing fabric softener with water in a spray bottle to spray into areas the cockroaches head to and at any that you see.
- Crush bay leaves – Crush them into a powder and place it where they might come in and in those hidden spaces. They do not like the smell but they are non-toxic so safe for pets and children.
- Use lemon peels and a lemon spray – You can leave lemon peels down in the right places and you can also make a lemon spray mixture and regularly spray those areas to repel cockroaches.
How to get rid of cockroaches using other methods
If you are looking for over the counter options to try out you can choose from;
- Traps and baits – When looking for the best way to get rid of cockroaches for store-bought options, the traps and baits tend to be a good choice. They are meant to work for up to three months but if you have a larger problem you might find that is at the lower end. They help break the cockroaches’ life cycle with a feed from the bait as they return to their nest and contaminate other roaches and the eggs. These are a danger to pets though if they can reach them and they chew on them.
- Bombs – If you do not see where the infestation is coming in, or you do not know where the nest could be you can use a cockroach bomb. You need to leave the area for two hours after you deploy it though to leave it to work and ventilate the area well after. Do not use a bomb if you are sensitive to smells and chemicals as they leave a residue for up to three months.
- Sprays – Sprays are useful for when you see an individual cockroach and some can be used as a protective barrier.
- Repellents – There are different types of repellents like sands and sprays that you can use in your home where you think the cockroaches are getting in to stop them. These options tend to not be as effective as a professional approach though.
Choosing the best way to get rid of cockroaches
While the above methods can help you lower the numbers and have some success, the best way to have completely effective removal and prevention of cockroaches is to find a professional pest control service you can trust. Look for a service that offers safe and green options to get rid of cockroaches.