Roaches can be killed using various methods, including natural remedies, chemical treatments, and professional pest control approaches.
Natural and DIY Methods
- Boric Acid: Kills roaches by disrupting their digestive system and nervous system, leading to dehydration and death. It also contaminates other roaches when they groom each other, spreading the effect. Boric acid is often applied as a powder or mixed with attractants like sugar or peanut butter to lure roaches
- Diatomaceous Earth (DE): A powder made from fossilized algae with microscopic sharp edges that pierce the roach exoskeleton, causing dehydration and death. It is slower acting but effective over time
- Baking Soda and Sugar: The sugar attracts roaches, and baking soda reacts inside their digestive system, killing them quickly. This is a common household remedy
- Other Natural Repellents: Essential oils such as peppermint, lavender, citrus, and eucalyptus can repel roaches but do not kill them. Maintaining cleanliness to remove food and water sources also helps deter infestations
Chemical Treatments Used by Exterminators
- Pyrethrin and Pyrethroids: Common insecticides that paralyze and kill roaches. These are derived from chrysanthemum flowers and are widely used by professionals
- Fipronil: A pesticide that disrupts the nervous system of roaches, used in sprays or powders by pest control experts
- Indoxacarb: Used in gel baits, it kills roaches and contaminates others through contact with poisoned droppings and corpses, affecting multiple generations
- Gel Baits: Professionals apply gel baits containing these chemicals in cracks and crevices where roaches hide. Roaches consume the bait and die quickly
- Tent Fumigation: Used in severe infestations, fumigation penetrates all hiding places and kills roaches and their eggs, but requires vacating the premises for days
Summary
- For home use, boric acid , diatomaceous earth , and baking soda are effective roach killers.
- Essential oils and cleanliness help repel but do not kill roaches.
- Professional exterminators use stronger chemical insecticides and methods like gel baits and fumigation for thorough eradication
These methods combined can effectively kill roaches and control infestations.
