To get rid of roaches fast, you can use several effective methods that combine immediate killing and longer-term prevention:
Fast-Acting Methods to Kill Roaches
- Baking Soda and Sugar Trap: Mix baking soda with sugar and place it in areas where roaches are active. The sugar attracts them, and the baking soda causes fatal digestive reactions
- Contact Sprays: Use insecticide sprays containing ingredients like cypermethrin or imiprothrin for instant knockdown. Spray directly on visible roaches, keeping away food and pets during use
- Fabric Softener Spray: A mixture of fabric softener and water can suffocate roaches by blocking their breathing pores when sprayed directly
- Foggers: Insecticide foggers fill a room with insect-killing fog that penetrates cracks and crevices to kill roaches hiding there
- Coffee Grounds Trap: Place coffee grounds in a jar of water to lure and drown roaches
Effective Baits and Powders
- Boric Acid: Sprinkle boric acid in dark, damp corners. It dehydrates and kills roaches when they walk through or ingest it. It can be mixed with sugar or flour to attract roaches
- Borax: Similar to boric acid, mix borax with sugar and place it where roaches frequent. It kills both adult and baby roaches by dehydration
- Diatomaceous Earth (DE): Food-grade DE sticks to roaches and dehydrates them, killing them over time. Sprinkle in high-traffic areas
Natural Repellents and Preventive Measures
- Lemon Juice or Citrus: Roaches dislike citrus scents. Mop floors with lemon juice or lemon oil mixed in water to repel them
- Neem Oil or Powder: Neem has natural pesticidal properties and can be used as a spray or powder in infested areas
- Petroleum Jelly Trap: Coat the inside of a jar with petroleum jelly and place bait inside. Roaches can enter but cannot escape
Additional Tips
- Seal Entry Points: Block cracks around doors, windows, and pipes to prevent roaches from entering
- Sanitation: Keep your home clean, remove food crumbs, and manage trash properly to reduce roach attraction
- Professional Pest Control: For severe infestations, professional services use advanced treatments for complete elimination
Using a combination of these methods-immediate sprays or traps for visible roaches and powders or baits for ongoing control-will help you get rid of roaches quickly and keep them from returning
