Top Ways to Eliminate Cockroaches

And so, I asked her, how do you feel when you see cockroaches littered in every corner of your house?

This friend of mine whom I asked this question is an entomologist, very dark in complexion. Tall and gigantic in reasoning, she tends to command knowledge with her experience in her field of study.

She replied to me, cheerfully! “To me, seeing cockroaches in my apartment or someone's home indicates one thing. My house encourages dampness! Therefore, I will feel terrible seeing cockroaches in my house”.

She continued, these creatures are damp lovers. Meaning, they love moist places. 

However, cockroaches are not just unpleasant to look at; they’re also known to carry germs and allergens, making them a real nuisance in any household.

You don't have to worry if you experience the same thing. I promise you that, I will break down why cockroaches end up in our homes and share practical, effective ways to show them the door for good.

How do Cockroaches Find Their Way into Our Homes? 

It's simple, she replied! They can find their way into your home if you are careless about a leaking sink in your kitchen or bathroom.

So, if you don't pay attention in finding a way to seal up your leaking sink. You are inviting them indirectly.

Secondly, when it takes you time to sweep behind fridges, or arranging cluttered cupboards, this is also an invitation.

More so, I want you to know that they are particularly drawn to leftover crumbs, pet food, dirty dishes, and even damp tea towels.

Why do cockroaches invade our homes?

I asked her again, do you know why?

Here is her earnest reply, I don't want to jump into the solutions immediately, but this particular question will help you understand what interest cockroaches to invade homes.  

She continued, these resilient little insects are on the lookout for three things: food, water, and shelter. And once they find a cosy spot, they settle in and start multiplying. 

Now that you know what they want, you can make your home a lot less inviting to them.

Can we talk about the solutions? 

“Yes, please! She replied. We have many ways to solve these problems, but we will deeply take a look at 6 ways. The first thing you should do to solve these problems are to: 

1. Seal Up Their Entry Points

Cockroaches are sneaky in nature, and they are cable of flattening their bodies and squeeze through the tiniest possible gaps they see. This is the first earnest steps to keeping them out, is by sealing up any potential entry points, like:

• Checking out for cracks in walls and skirting boards. Can be a solution.
• Inspecting areas around pipes, especially in the kitchen and bathroom.
• Installing door sweeps and repair torn window screens.
• Using silicone sealant or steel wool to plug gaps.

She added, this may seem like a small task, but it can make a massive difference in reducing their access.

2. Keep Your Home Clean and Tidy

Cleanliness is absolutely key in the battle against cockroaches. These pests are scavengers, so even the tiniest crumb can be a feast to them. Here’s how to stay on top of things:

• Wipe down kitchen counters after every meal.
• Don’t leave dirty dishes in the sink overnight.
• Sweep or vacuum floors regularly.
• Take out the rubbish daily and keep bins tightly sealed.
• Store food in sealed containers (yes, even pet food!)

So, try to get into a daily cleaning routine, especially in high-risk areas like the kitchen and bathroom. She advised me.

3. Use Natural Cockroach Repellents

Using natural cockroach repellent is suitable for those who prefer to keep things in a chemical-free state. There are some natural remedies you can try:

• Bay Leaves: I have tried bay leaves severally and their scent is said to deter cockroaches. All you need to do is scatter a few in cupboards or drawers. The scent is not pleasing to cockroaches. They find their way immediately.
• Baking Soda and Sugar: she said, baking soda and sugar are double edged sword to cockroaches. Mix equal parts in a shallow dish and place it where cockroaches might pass. The sugar attracts them, and the baking soda reacts with their digestive system. Which causes them to die eventually.
• Essential Oils: Peppermint and eucalyptus oils are also known for repelling bugs. All you need to do is to add a few drops to water and spray around baseboards, under sinks, and behind appliances. 

These methods may not kill cockroaches instantly, but they can be part of a wider prevention strategy.

4. Use Baits and Traps

If you're ready to take stronger action, cockroach baits and sticky traps are widely available at supermarkets and hardware stores. 

• Baits work by luring the cockroach in with food, which is laced with a slow-acting poison. The idea is that the cockroach brings the poison back to the nest, which helps eliminate others.
• Sticky traps, on the other hand, catch roaches on contact. They’re best placed along walls, under sinks, or in corners where you've seen activity. Be sure to check and replace them regularly.

5. Eliminate Moisture Sources

Cockroaches need water just as much as food, so it’s important to fix any leaks and control humidity:

• Repair leaking taps and pipes promptly.
• Don’t leave standing water in sinks or mop buckets.
• Use a dehumidifier if your home tends to be damp.
• Wipe up spills and splashes right away.

By cutting off their water supply, you’re making your home a lot less comfortable for these unwelcome guests.

6. Declutter Your Living Space

Cockroaches love to hide in clutter. Old newspapers, cardboard boxes, and unused items can quickly become roach hotels if left unattended. Regularly decluttering your home will not only make your space feel better but also reduce potential hiding spots for pests.

Rounding up the session, she described cockroaches as stubborn little creatures. With the right combination of cleanliness, prevention, and treatment, you can absolutely get the upper hand. Start with sealing and cleaning, add some natural or store-bought traps, and don’t hesitate to call in experts if the situation calls for it.

Know today that your home is your sanctuary—not a place for pests. With a bit of consistency and care, you can keep it roach-free and comfortable for everyone who actually belongs there.

Are you ready to try out these simple practical methods? Tell us, in the comment box.