10 Homemade Remedies That Will Efficiently Rid Your Home Of Cockroaches

Pest control doesn't have to be a difficult task. It can be as straightforward as making your very own pest repellent, using everyday household items! Even better, most of these are 100% natural, and so pose no risk of harm to human health like common insecticides may.

Here are our 10 favorite DIY cockroach repellents:

1. Neem

This natural herb is a potent cockroach repellent as it interferes with their hormones and prevents them from breeding. You can make neem baits from neem seed extract, which have been proven to destroy young roaches and inhibit egg laying in adult roaches.

2. Lemon

Roaches are also repelled by the scent of lemons. To use lemons as repellents, all you have to do is section them into wedges and place them in a small container. You can then place this container in infested areas around your home.

3. Mint

Much like lemons, the pungent aroma of mint works as a natural cockroach repellent. To prepare the repellent, mix 8 drops of cypress essential oil with 10 drops of peppermint essential oil in 1/2 cup of salt water. Then spray the mixture in and around infested locations.

4. Tea Tree Oil

To use tea tree oil as a cockroa h repellent, pour 1/4 cup of tea tree oil in a bowl, stir in 1/4 cup of vinegar and 2 cups of water. Transfer the mixture to a spray bottle and apply to affected areas in your home.

5. Boric Acid

Boric acid is one of the most efficient tools for destroying cockroaches. It works by dehydrating the roaches, damaging their digestive system and outer exoskeleton, ultimately killing them. There are different ways to apply this potent chemical:

Pour the boric acid on the lid of a jar and place it around infested areas.
Sprinkle the acid directly under and in the back of cabinets.
Mix equal parts boric acid, flour, and sugar to make a dough that can be set around your home for roaches to feed on.

WARNING: Boric acid is dangerous to pets and children so skip this method if you have either of them in your home.

6. Diatomaceous Earth (DE)

Diatomaceous Earth is a powder made from the fossilized remains of diatoms (tiny aquatic organisms). When applied on roaches, they absorb fats and oils from their exoskeletons, causing them to dry out and die. You can either sprinkle the DE around your home or create a bait by mixing it with cocoa powder and flour.

7. Fabric Softener

Another famous cockroach repellent are fabric softeners. To apply, mix the softener with water in a spray bottle and spray it anywhere you see roach activity. This is mild and can therefore be used daily.

8. Fresh Coffee Grounds

Cockroaches love fresh coffee grounds, but the caffeine is harmful to them. So all you have to do is pour the coffee grounds around areas where you have observed cockroach activity.

9. Baking Soda and Sugar

Baking soda is similar to boric acid and perfos similar actions. It is, however, less toxic than boric acid and can be used in homes with small children and pets.

10. Cayenne, Garlic, and Onion Powder

Roaches hate the smell of these spices and will avoid any areas with this mixture. Sprinkle any or all of these powders around your home and replace them each month.

There you have 10 potent cockroach repellents sure to help rid your home of the pesky pests. Other notable repellents include bay leaves, catnip, clovite and clove oil. If the infestation persists despite using these repellents, seek the assistance of an exterminator.