Ditch the Chemicals: Natural Ways to Get Rid of Cockroaches

Cockroaches are the uninvited guests that never get the hint. You flick on the light, and there they are—scuttling like they pay rent. But before you reach for that industrial-strength chemical spray that smells like a science lab exploded, let’s talk natural cockroach control.

You can get rid of cockroaches naturally. You don’t need hazmat suits, just some baking soda, essential oils, and a bit of stubbornness. This guide is your go-to plan to send roaches packing—without poisoning your kitchen or your cat.

Why Go Natural?

First off, cockroaches are survivors. Like, end-of-the-world, post-apocalyptic survivors. So tossing chemicals at them is often like yelling at your Wi-Fi router—satisfying, but not always effective.

Natural remedies do two things:

1. They repel and kill cockroaches without turning your home into a gas chamber.

2. They’re safe around kids, pets, and your late-night snack stash.

Baking Soda & Sugar: The Classic Bait

This DIY remedy is the peanut butter and jelly of natural pest control. Here's what you do:

Ingredients:

• 1 part baking soda

• 1 part sugar

Instructions:
Mix equal parts and sprinkle the blend in corners, under the fridge, and anywhere you’ve seen activity. The sugar attracts them. The baking soda—well, let’s just say it creates a chemical reaction inside their guts that ends poorly (for them).

It’s cheap, easy, and doesn’t smell like the inside of a chemical plant.

Essential Oils: Smell-Good, Bug-Bad

Believe it or not, cockroaches hate spa vibes. Certain essential oils mess with their nervous systems, making your home smell better and become roach-repellent at the same time.

Top Oils to Use:

• Peppermint oil

• Eucalyptus oil

• Tea tree oil

• Lavender oil (smells good, freaks them out)

How to Use:
Mix 10–15 drops of essential oil with a cup of water in a spray bottle. Spritz around entry points, baseboards, and dark corners. Bonus: Your house now smells like a forest retreat instead of a bug battleground.

Cucumber Slices: The Weird Grandma Trick That Actually Works

Old-school trick—but cucumbers can repel cockroaches. Especially bitter varieties. Place a few slices in aluminum tins in places roaches frequent. The combination supposedly gives off a smell roaches hate.

Does it work like a charm? Maybe not every time. But it’s worth a try while you eat the rest of the cucumber in a salad. Or let it rot in your fridge drawer like the rest of us.

DIY Roach Traps (Yes, You Can Build These)

If you’re feeling crafty, here’s a simple trap you can build in under 5 minutes.

What You Need:

• An empty glass jar

• Petroleum jelly

• A piece of banana peel

Steps:

1. Smear petroleum jelly inside the top rim of the jar.

2. Drop the banana peel inside as bait.

3. Leave the jar in a problem area overnight.

Roaches climb in, slip down, and can’t get out. It’s like Hotel California for bugs.

Clean Like You’re Hosting Royalty (Daily)

Cockroaches don’t need much: crumbs, water, and a warm spot. So daily cleaning makes your home less of a roach Airbnb.

Quick Daily Checklist:

• ✅ Wipe all counters at night

• ✅ Take out the trash

• ✅ Don’t leave dirty dishes in the sink (yes, even that one spoon)

• ✅ Check under appliances for crumbs

• ✅ Fix any leaky pipes (roaches love a damp sink cabinet)

Once you start thinking like a roach, you realize how five random crumbs under the toaster = buffet.

Myth Buster: “Do Roaches Die from Light?”

Nope. They hate light, sure. But they don’t burst into flames when exposed to it. They just wait you out. That’s why you see them scurrying when the lights flip on—they’ve been partying in the dark all night.

Light alone won’t kill cockroaches, but consistent cleanliness and natural deterrents will.

Prevent, Don’t Just React

If you only react after seeing a roach, you’re already late. Prevention is where the real magic happens.

Top Tips:

• Seal cracks and crevices with caulk

• Use mesh screens over drains and vents

• Store food in airtight containers

• Don’t forget about pet food—roaches love Fido’s kibble too

• Keep your home dry—dehumidifiers can help

And yes, check your microwave. One time, someone (okay, me) left a pizza slice in there overnight, and by morning it was like a roach rave. Lesson learned: even the microwave isn't sacred.

Final Thoughts: You Got This

Cockroaches aren’t invincible. They’re just stubborn little bugs that think they own the place. With a bit of persistence, natural baits, and strategic cleaning, you can kick them out for good—no chemicals needed.

It’s like sending a message in roach-language: “This is MY kitchen. Not a bug buffet.”

FAQs

How long do natural remedies take to work on cockroaches?
Most natural methods don’t work overnight—but give it a few days to a week. Roaches may be slow to notice the bait, but once they do, results follow. Patience = fewer bugs.

Can cockroaches come back after I get rid of them?
Sadly, yes—especially if you don’t seal up entry points or keep food areas clean. Think of natural remedies as both a cure and a long-term maintenance plan.

Now go mix that baking soda, spray that peppermint oil, and reclaim your space.
Your kitchen deserves better roommates.