6 Natural Ways to Get Rid of Cockroaches

Are you interested in using natural ways to get rid of cockroaches from your home?

There are a plethora of options to dabble with, and this article explores some of the natural selections you have at your disposal.

However, before diving into the subject at hand, let’s digress a bit and consider why some resort to natural ways to get rid of cockroaches.

Why Resort to Natural Way­­s to Get Rid of Cockroaches

Many persons are environmentalists.

They exhibit a high level of awareness when it touches on matters concerning the environment and pollution.

You might not be an environmentalist (at least not on paper), but you likely have your concerns and prefer to use minimal chemicals in and around your home.

That’s understandable.

While you might use the occasional bug spray, it’s not something you want to rely heavily upon. Exploring natural ways to get rid of cockroaches allows you to slash an infestation at home, while reducing the rate at which you expose yourself and your family to chemicals.

Although some chemicals can be used safely when done according to labeling, we all have preferences.

That’s the beauty of choice, right?

Let’s explore those natural ways to get rid of cockroaches.

6 Natural Ways to Get Rid of Cockroaches

This isn’t an exhaustive list, but the suggestions to follow are some of the most used natural ways to get rid of cockroaches.

Borax and Boric Acid

According to a quick Internet search, borax is a “white compound which occurs as a mineral in some alkaline salt deposits.”

This white powdery substance is widely used in the glass and ceramic making business but has been explored over the years as a promising agent against insects and pests.

While borax is a natural mineral, boric acid is created by combining this substance with other naturally occurring ones. Both can be used in your fight against cockroaches, according to research.

For example, one research showed that a mixture containing sugar as a bait or lure with boric acid was more effective than sodium tetraborate (borax).

Hence, setting traps around the home that contain boric acid or borax, combined with a bait that will lure these pests in, is a natural way to get rid of cockroaches.

Note: Boric acid and borax can be used on their own to kill roaches. These substances kill cockroaches by affecting their digestive system when ingested.

Once the powder is laid out and cockroaches crawl all over it, it sticks to their exterior. Once cockroaches begin cleaning themselves, this is later ingested.

An added benefit of using borax and boric acid is the residual or ripple effect they cause. Cockroaches may take the substances back to the intrusion (group of cockroaches) where it may affect the others negatively.

In addition, these powdery substances work by damaging the exterior of cockroaches, which may later lead to desiccation.

Products Made Containing Borax and Boric Acid:

Note: Some products may contain other compounds that aren’t natural.

• HARRIS Boric Acid Roach and Silverfish Killer Powder w/Lure
• Boric Acid Roach & Ant Killer
• Zap Boric Acid Roach & Ant Killer

Silica Gel

Silica gel is a “noncrystalline form of silica”. It’s mainly used as a drying agent to remove moisture and humidity from items.

As a desiccant, silica gel is used as an insecticide and pesticide. This agent works through a dehydration process. As insects are protected by an exoskeleton, the dust sticks to the insect and damages its exterior. Once this exterior is damaged, the insect will likely die from dehydration.

Silica gel is best used in cracks and crevices and other difficult-to-reach areas where cockroaches crawl and scurry to hide.

Products Made Containing Silica Gel:

Note: Some products may contain other compounds that aren’t natural

Rockwell Labs CXID032 Cimexa Dust Insecticide

Essential Oils

Essential oils are highly concentrated compounds extracted from various plant parts. As these oils contain volatile and powerful phytochemicals, they are often formulated in commercial products to use against cockroaches and other insects.

While more research needs to be done to determine the viability of certain essential oils’ impact on different cockroach species, one particular study concluded that Citrus hystrix essential oil may be used as a repellent.

It’s always an option to create DIY formulations for cockroaches using essential oils, but a few criteria need to be met. Not all essential oils are made equally, which means you’ll need to identify cockroach-repelling or killing oils to use. Dilution and appropriate ratios are also points to consider.

If you’re not equipped to create your essential oil-based products for cockroaches, using a commercially formulated product is the next option.

Products Made Containing Essential Oils:

Note: Some products may contain other compounds that aren’t natural

• NATURAL OUST Peppermint Oil Spray
• Mighty Mint 16oz Cockroach Repellent Natural Peppermint Oil Spray
• Raid Ant and Roach Killer, Aerosol Spray with Essential Oils

Diatomaceous Earth (DE)

Diatomaceous earth is a product of the fossilized remains of aquatic organisms called diatoms. DE isn’t a poisonous substance, and it does not have to be ingested by cockroaches to have an impact.

Once it latches on to the insect’s exoskeleton, it’ll cause the cockroach to dry out through absorption of the oils and fats. Once the insect dries out, it’ll die.

With increased resistance to various commercial formulations, a study using DE for cockroach nymphs and adults suggests that the desiccant substance can be used for cockroach control.

Products Made Containing Diatomaceous Earth:

Note: Some products may contain other compounds that aren’t natural

• Safer 51703 Diatomaceous Earth-Bed Bug Flea, Ant, Crawling Insect Killer
• Bonide (BND121) – Diatomaceous Earth, Ready to Use Crawling Bug/Roach Killer
• DEsect Diatomaceous Earth Insecticide for Home & Garden, Kills Ants, Roaches, Aphids

Neem Oil

Neem oil is an extract of the neem tree. As a derivative, it has been indicated for use on various fungal skin conditions, and as an insecticide to kill cockroaches.

If you haven’t seen the detailed article I covered about using neem oil for cockroaches, I’d suggest you read it here.

Products Made Containing Neem Oil:

Note: Some products may contain other compounds that aren’t natural

• Organic Neem Bliss 100% Pure Cold Pressed Neem Seed Oil

• Neem Oil Fungicide Miticide Insecticide Concentrate

Camphor

Although a lesser-used option, camphor is said to have a repellent and lethal impact on cockroaches. For more information on how to use camphor for cockroaches, consider reading about it here.

Natural Ways to Get Rid of Cockroaches, Conclusion

Now that you have these natural ways to get rid of cockroaches at your disposal, go out there and knock them dead.

Note: Cockroaches are difficult to kill. They’re equivalent to annoying mosquitoes that just keep coming back, despite your best effort.

Even if what you’re doing does not seem to give the results you want, keep at it. Fighting cockroaches is a game of consistency.

Also, be mindful that not everything is foolproof. You may need to use an integrated pest management system to fully rid your home of them.

That includes scouting out the smallest holes or cracks that could allow cockroaches to enter your home, and seal them off.         

This is a lot of work. If you ever want to shake things up and explore other ways to get rid of cockroaches, you may want to read this article. Be warned, I did include some options that aren’t so ‘natural’.

Simply use the methods that resonate with you.

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