It’s not difficult to find horrifying statistics regarding cockroaches, and they remain one of the most hated pests in America. It’s estimated that 63% of households in the United States have cockroaches in them — quite an alarming number! At the same time, professional pest control costs are high, with the average initial visit ranging from $130 to $350. This, in addition to a shifting focus on our concern for the environment, contributes to a rising interest in alternative forms of natural pest control. With these things in mind, we’re exploring the sugar and baking soda hack that could keep cockroaches out of your home forever.
Believe it or not, it’s the combination of these two ingredients into a powder that can be an effective pest deterrent. This also makes it ideal for those looking for a solution on a budget. The two ingredients are also completely non-toxic, making this particular hack perfect for households with kids and pets. It will take some time for you to see the results of this method, but with some patience, you will notice the cockroaches slowly begin to disappear.
How to use baking soda and sugar to get rid of roaches
To make a mixture appropriate for pest control of cockroaches, simply mix equal parts sugar and baking soda together thoroughly. The sugar smell will attract the roaches, but it’s the ingestion of the baking soda that will kill the insects. Still, one more step is necessary for their elimination — they also need to drink some water, upon which their stomachs will burst, killing them instantly. Therefore, it’s important to follow the rest of the instructions carefully.
Take small jar lids or make small bowls out of aluminum foil and put some of the powder mixture inside each one. Then, place a small saucer or bottle cap of water alongside the powder. Place these bait and water bowls in places you’ve seen roaches, or in places you know they are likely to gather. Every few days, check the bowls and refill them as needed. It’s going to be similar to a routine of feeding and watering pets, but instead of pets it’s pests. Over several weeks’ time, this can eradicate the resident cockroaches once and for all.
Other natural ways to keep cockroaches at bay
One of the most practical methods of natural pest control for cockroaches is through smell. There are a few things they hate the smell of, and you can use these scents to repel them. Tea tree oil is the first, and you can easily use it to make a recipe that will keep these disease-spreading bugs at bay. Simply mix 1 part vinegar with 4 parts water and add a few drops of tea tree essential oil. Then pour the liquid into a spray bottle and spray the areas where cockroaches gather frequently.
In fact, there are multiple other essential oils that you can use as well. Lavender, peppermint, and eucalyptus are all scents believed to repel roaches. You can use these oils to create sprays for the perimeters of your home’s interior to keep the roaches outside, where they belong. Always keep crumbs wiped off of any surfaces inside your home, and put away any leftover foods. Keep dishes and kitchen areas clean, and remember to keep pet food and water bowls off the floor overnight. No one likes having a roach infestation, and these natural preventative measures will help keep your home roach-free without resorting to pesticides.
