How to Kill Roaches Naturally

Nobody likes a guest who overstays their welcome. But what's more, no one likes an unwelcome guest who was never invited. And that's exactly what cockroaches are to many homeowners. But the toxic chemicals that rid the home of these unwanted guests certainly aren't welcomed into a body that thrives on good health. Rather than compromise the health of you and your family, try these natural, nontoxic alternatives for getting rid of cockroaches.

Difficulty: Moderately Easy

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• shoe
• boric acid
• small paper cups
• petroleum jelly
• paper towel
• water
• baking soda
• flour
• sugar
• essential oils of rosemary, peppermint or eucalyptus
• washcloth

1. The first way may or may not be your initial reaction when you first spot the cockroach. It depends on your scare factor when it comes to these buggers. But stepping on the roach or swatting it with a newspaper is the most natural way to get rid of them because no substances are introduced to the home

2. Boric acid is excellent nontoxic insecticide. The powder can be placed around baseboards, in cracks and crevices, and other inconspicuous areas. Boric acid penetrates the roach's protective shell, and once that happens, the shell begins to dry out, causing the roach to dehydrate and ultimately die. Another way to use boric acid is to make a paste by mixing it with flour or sugar, and water. This makes the substance more attractive to the roach because it's more food-like.

3. Another all natural insecticide can be made using baking powder and sugar. Simply mix equal parts baking soda and sugar and create bait traps using baby food jar lids or juice or milk lids. Put another dish of water next to the bait trap because the combination of water and baking soda creates a deadly substances that causes the bug to die.

4. Create a homemade trap using small paper cups, wet paper towels and petroleum jelly. Roaches eat pretty much everything and anything and are attracted to warm, humid places. Stuff the wet paper towel into the bottom of the cup and coat the inside walls with petroleum jelly. Place the trap in warm areas such as in the bathroom, under the refrigerator or stove. The roach will be attracted to the yummy paper towel but won't be able to escape because of the petroleum jelly. Be sure to check periodically and dispose.

5. Another natural alternative comes from the plant world. Use the essential oil of either one or all of the following: rosemary, peppermint or eucalyptus. Dip a washcloth in a bowl of warm water with a couple drops of the oil and use it to wipe down shelves, floors, and any area where roaches might inhabit.

Tips & Warnings

• In general, cockroaches are an incredibly hardy group of insects, which is why it’s so hard to kill them. Be sure to switch up your ridding techniques so the bugs don't build up a resistance.