German roaches around the house can be a great hindrance as they are experts in spoiling food. Here’s how to get rid of German roaches naturally.
Did You Know?
Spraying soapy water directly on German roaches can be helpful to kill them.
Just the thought of these insects can make us anxious. It is little wonder that we tend to panic when we see cockroaches crawling around us. Although cockroaches (also known as roaches) look terribly ugly, they are known for their fastidious nature. Among the different species of cockroaches, the German roaches are the most common type of roaches found in the American households. Having a light brown color and around 1.1-1.6 mm long, they dwell in moist areas such as bathrooms and the kitchen. Their presence cannot be tolerated in places where humans reside. Following are some natural ways to kill German roaches.
Vinegar
Mopping the areas of cockroach activity with a 50-50 solution of white vinegar and water can also help to get rid of these pests. Upon exposure to vinegar, German roaches suffocate to death. You can also spray the solution in infested areas to get rid of these insects.
Baking Soda
Baking soda that is used for cooking purposes can be lethal for German roaches. Mix baking soda and granulated sugar in equal parts and place this ‘killer combo’ in areas where roaches thrive. Within 3 to 4 days, you will notice a sharp decline in their population and after 2 weeks there would be complete absence of roaches.
Diatomaceous Earth (DE)
Consisting of fossilized remains of diatoms (unicellular aquatic plants), DE is a dust that can be lethal to insects with an exoskeleton (hard, outer protective covering). The exoskeleton plays a crucial role in preserving body moisture that is necessary for proper functioning of the internal organs. Insects such as bed bugs, ants, fleas, and cockroaches, have an exoskeleton. If exposed to DE, it cannot survive. This is because DE with its razor-sharp microscopic particles devours through the exoskeleton and soaks up all the internal moisture (body fluids), resulting in death of the insect due to dehydration.
In order to entice these insects, combine flour or cocoa powder with DE in 1:1 ratio and sprinkle it in areas where cockroaches congregate and breed. As soon as these insects pass over it, the particles with razor-sharp edges attach to their body and slice their exoskeleton.
Borax
Commonly used for household laundry purposes, borax (salt of boric acid) can be deadly for the roaches. When the roaches ingest this chemical powder, it can severely disrupt their digestive system, causing instant death. It is advised to mix sugar with borax in equal amounts as this killer combination acts like a bait for German roaches. Simply sprinkle it in the infested areas of your house and within two weeks, you will notice a significant drop in their population. A repeated application of borax may be necessary for complete elimination of German roaches. Instead of borax, one can also use boric acid to kill roaches in the same way.
Rubbing Alcohol
Rubbing alcohol is another way to eliminate these roaches fast. Combine water and rubbing alcohol and spray it in cockroach habitat areas to kill these pests.
Catnip
Although catnip does not kill cockroaches, it can certainly work to keep these insects away from your house. Nepetalactone, a chemical found in this herb acts as a natural deterrent. Recent tests have also shown that catnip has been effective in repelling cockroaches. Just make sachets out of catnip and leave them in problem areas. The natural repellent will certainly help drive the roaches away. You can also place cucumber slices, garlic, and bay leaves in problem areas, as they too act as cockroach repellents.
Keep the House Clean
When your house, particularly the kitchen or bathroom has high levels of filth, it serves like an open invitation to German roaches. If your kitchen is not clean, then no matter what method you use to eliminate German roaches, they will continue to resurface in your house. Keeping the kitchen clean is the first step to get rid of this dirty menace. Here are some tips to prevent German roaches from residing in your house.
◆ Make sure your kitchen is not littered with food scraps. Left over food should go to the dustbin and ensure that your kitchen sink does not house any dirty dishes.
◆ Unrefrigerated food should be stored in airtight roach-proof containers such as glass jars. However, ideally speaking, food should be refrigerated as German roaches do not prefer to access areas of cold storage.
◆ Cockroaches easily get attracted to food residue spilled on the floor. So, sweep and mop the floors and the kitchen counters on a daily basis so as to remove any food particles or crumbs. Weekly vacuum cleaning is also helpful to protect your house from cockroaches.
In case you notice that none of the home remedies work and observe that roach infestation is recurring frequently, seeking professional help is a must. Call a licensed pest control expert who will spray your house with insecticides that are specifically formulated to kill German roaches.