Simple Methods to Eliminate Cockroaches
Cockroaches are not only unpleasant to deal with, they can also carry a wide number of diseases that are very dangerous to human health. If you see one cockroach, you probably have many more hiding in your home that you cannot see. These annoying pests can hide in basements, under sinks, and even in your kitchen cupboards. Here are some simple ways you can eliminate the little pests without using harsh chemicals and pesticides.
Boric Acid and White Flour
Boric acid, also known as Borax, can be found in most retail stores and is very inexpensive. You will need to mix the product with some white flour and a pinch of white granulated sugar. Add a few drops of water until the mixture has a dough-like consistency. Place it in areas where the cockroaches tend to hide. If you know where they're coming from, you definitely want to make sure you put a good amount there. The sugar will lure them in, and as they approach and attempt to eat it, they will be killed by consuming the boric acid. The process to completely kill them off can take up to two weeks, so patience is key. You can also use cocoa powder in lieu of the sugar if you choose to do so since this is also a good, tempting bait.
Water Traps
You can use water to trap and kill cockroaches as long as it contains some kind of bait to lure them in. Set a jar of water with a funnel at the top near the nest if you can locate it. For bait, you can put coffee grounds in the water. This has been shown to attract cockroaches, although scientists are not sure exactly what is is about coffee that attracts them to it. When the roaches approach, they will attempt to climb up and into the jar. As the roaches go over the top, they'll fall into the water-filled jar through the funnel where they'll drown, unable to escape.
Fabric Softener
This method of killing cockroaches is unconventional, but it works. The pests breathe through organs found on their lower bodies. When fabric softener is sprayed directly on them, it blocks the organs that allows them to breathe, killing the roaches. You'll need to make a homemade spray using three parts liquid fabric softener and two parts water. Thoroughly mix them together, then spray the cockroaches directly with the mixture when you see them. While this may not get rid of them where they live in larger numbers, it's an effective and safe way to kill them whenever you spot one.
If these methods aren't working, contact an exterminator like Ace Walco & Sons Termite & Pest Control.