How to Keep Your Home Cockroach-Free without Harsh Chemicals

Dealing with a roach infestation can be bothersome—traumatizing, even. The good news is there are plenty of ways to get rid of these unwanted pests, regardless of the type of roaches you are dealing with—and you can do it all without harsh, harmful chemicals! The next time you’re dealing with unwelcome critters, try these home remedies for a safer and healthier home, family, and planet. 

Preventative Measures for a Roach-Free Home

The first step is always prevention. Roaches are attracted to food, water, and dark places to hide—especially in the kitchen—so it's important to keep these elements out of reach. Clean your appliances, countertops, and floors regularly. Don't leave dirty dishes out all night, and store food in airtight containers immediately. The best way to prevent roaches is to be quick to clean up crumbs and spills.

Moisture also invites roaches. Fix any leaks in your plumbing ASAP and keep good airflow in your bathrooms and kitchen. If you live in a damp area, you might want to use a dehumidifier. By fixing these issues, you can make your home less attractive to roaches, which will help stop an infestation before it begins. 

Importance of Cleanliness and Sanitation

Roaches are really good at finding even the tiniest bits of food, which is why keeping your kitchen clean is very important to keep roaches away. Dirty dishes with food scraps and moisture act like a magnet for roaches, so if you leave them in the sink overnight it invites these pests to come in and feast.

Crumbs on the counters and floors are also easy food for roaches. Even tiny food particles that you can hardly see are enough to tempt them. It's important to sweep and vacuum regularly, especially in spots under appliances and furniture.

Don’t forget your pets! If you have pets, make sure not to leave their food out overnight. Pet food has a lot of protein, which roaches love. Keeping it accessible will just attract them to your home. Store pet food in sealed containers and clean up regularly around where your pets eat.

Innovative Non-Toxic Traps and Baits

Once you have preventative measures locked down, you can think about safe ways to get rid of any roaches. Modern traps and bait options work well without using strong chemicals—just be sure to search for clean cockroach traps and double check any ingredient lists! Many options are available in stores, but if you want a more natural method, homemade solutions can work just as well.

Making Your Own Roach Traps

One of the simplest ways to catch roaches is by making sticky traps at home. You just need to wrap duct tape, sticky side up, around a piece of cardboard. 

Another good homemade method is to create bait traps. Mix equal parts of boric acid and sugar, then add a few drops of water to form a paste. Put small amounts of this paste in spots where you think roaches are active—you can even put some on your homemade tape traps! The sugar will draw in the roaches, and the boric acid will work as a slow-acting poison. They will take it back to their nests, helping to get rid of their colony over time. Though boric acid in small quantities is not necessarily harmful, be sure to keep this solution away from pets or small 

Baking soda is another effective option. Mix baking soda with sugar to create a powder mixture—the sugar lures them in and the baking soda disrupts their digestive system and kills them. Spread small amounts of this mixture in areas where you've seen roaches.

Frequently Asked Questions

Are homemade roach traps effective for serious infestations?

Homemade traps can help keep an eye on small roach problems. Sticky traps and gel baits are effective, but if you have a big roach problem, these might not be enough. In that case, you might need professional pest control for a full solution.