Cockroaches are one of the most common sights amongst a majority of households, besides lizards (usually known as geckos) and mosquitoes. They are one of the most resilient creatures, with a long history and a high reproductive rate. They have adapted as per the environment, which coupled with their strong tendency to reproduce make them a force to reckon with in any household. In this article, we will explain, how to kill cockroaches effectively and what kills cockroaches instantly.
They are very resilient with over 70 species of cockroaches. They are among the only few to successfully adapt with time, making them one of the longest surviving species. They are often in pipes and nooks and corners in furniture, with cupboards and cabinets being a favorite spot for these insects. They also possess good peripheral vision and use their antennae to detect sources of food and water and also threatening odors.
Besides being gross and unpleasant to look at, they are also well-known as carriers of diseases. Cockroaches are known to spread a host of diseases- diarrhea, typhoid, gastroenteritis, and dysentery to name a few. A female cockroach belonging to the common cockroach species can lay anywhere from 10 to 90 eggs.
These insects can live for up to 40 minutes without air and can survive freezing temperatures. They can also live for up to a week without their heads. They can survive a month without food and up to 2 weeks without water. Cockroaches are tough and tenacious insects and can survive in almost all conditions. They have a ferocious desire to survive and reproduce.
No one likes to have their house filled with roaches all over the place. It is very important to take early measures before it turns out to be too late. Some of the steps that can be taken in order to restrict the outbreak of cockroaches are as follows:
So What Kills Cockroaches Instantly?
- Boric Acid
Cockroaches can easily be killed using boric acids. It is to be noted that direct contact on the body of the roach must be ensured. When you place a light layer in the areas of infestation, the acid will stick to the exterior body of the pest. The boric acid acts as a dehydrating agent, and the pests are killed within three days due to a lack of water and other bodily fluids.
- Sprays
With the spray, you can kill cockroaches instantly. But you have to be cautious. You should not inhale the smell of the liquid. It can cause damage to your own health. If you can get the infestation in control, then for the future, it is mandatory to look at prevention methods. So do not leave dirty home plates in the sink, or standing water in the restroom. You have to remove the trash. Cockroaches attracted to the trash can get into your home.
- Sugar & Baking Soda
A simple home improvement method. The sugar attracts the cockroaches. When ingested, the baking soda destroys the digestive system. This is also a very effective measure it eradicating the cockroach population and is sure to drastically reduce the total number of pests.
- White Flour and Boric Acid
This is an effective home-made method. You can mix in equal parts, powdered white flour, and boric acid. Convert the mixture to small balls and place them in areas of infestation. You can continue the practice for two weeks until you see the results. Ensure to keep the balls away from pets and children.
- Soap Solution
Your daily bathing soap can also be converted into a deadly weapon against the cockroaches. Prepare in an equal amount of water and soap. Now put the mixture in a spray bottle. When you see a cockroach, spray on their body. The death will be instant. You can also spray the mixture on their infested areas
- Coffee cockroach traps
Coffee cockroach traps can be made with no much hassle. Add water to coffee grounds and put it in a mug or jar where cockroaches are seen in your house. Hence, it’s a brilliant cockroach killer home remedy and a good way to get rid of cockroaches in your house. However, they will try to crawl out of this roach killer. So, try to apply petroleum jelly or a similar liquid (even Vaseline) to the edges of the jar. Coffee is another natural cockroach repellent.
- Lemon Juice
The fresh smell of lemons is often associated with a clean home, and lemon holds importance as one of the world’s most popular household cleaners. There is no denying that lemon juice is a powerful purifying agent that is able to cut through grease and stains, but what many people don’t know is that it can repel roaches, too. The anti-pathogenic properties of lemon, besides other citrus fruits, will keep roaches away. You can do a lot of different things with lemon to keep roaches out of your home. Add lemon juice and spray in hard-to-reach areas of the home where you know roaches reside. You can also grind up lemon peels and place the grounds around the home where roaches are present.
- Neem to Eliminate Cockroaches
Neem has been used traditionally as a bug repellent for years. Neem oil or neem powder contains volatile components that are detrimental to cockroaches. Pour a spoon of neem oil in a regular-sized spray bottle and fill it with water. Spray the mixture in the infested areas at night and repeat the process for as long as you need it. Another way is to sprinkle neem powder across the places where you have noticed cockroaches. Do this at night and repeat the process for as long as required.
- Cucumber
Cucumber, although surprising, is also a very effective method to restrict the movement of roaches. Slices of cucumber are placed in the nooks and corners of the house. Cockroaches are naturally repelled by the odor of cucumber, making it an option.
- Fabric Softener
A spray bottle mixed with three parts of the fabric softener and two parts of water can be an effective way of eliminating cockroaches. The chemicals within the fabric softener suffocate the roaches. This method only works if the cockroaches come into direct contact with the mixture.
- Exterminator
The method is expensive. But if you had a hotel or restaurant where the problem has become immense, then it is advisable to use this method. And it will save money and time. Pest control of cockroaches does not happen in one day. This method can be used to kill cockroaches instantly. This should be your last resort when all other attempts go in vain, as it is not a very healthy body for the human body.
Although following any of the above-mentioned steps is effective, it is advised to take various precautionary measures to prevent the recurrence of such a situation or avoid it in the first place. Some of the precautionary measures are listed below:
How to Avoid Cockroaches Entering Your Home or Kitchen
- Avoid accumulation of food
- Reduce the amount of moisture
- Keep your surroundings clean
- Identify the hiding spots of the roaches and ensure they stay clean
- Brush all cutlery clean to prevent the collection of eggs
- Identify any eggs and spray with boric acid in order to kill them
- Avoid stagnation of water
On regularly using these steps, your house should be safe from cockroaches and their further infestation. I hope you follow these steps and they prove to be fruitful. Wishing you a peaceful and cockroach-free home. Have you tried any other ways to Get rid of Cockroaches? If yes please drop the details below. And also Let us know what else can be added to the “What Kills Cockroaches Instantly” Home remedies list.
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