How to Get Rid of Cockroaches Naturally, According to Expert Entomologists

Have you ever switched on a light to the sight of a cockroach running for cover? Usually, one or two roaches being spotted in any home means it's time to take action. “Living colonies of cockroaches and their residues cause health hazards, both in contaminating food and causing lifelong allergies and asthma for people in their proximity,” explains award-winning entomologist Dr. Tracy Ellis. Enter these natural roach repellents that come recommended by pest control experts.

It's perfectly understandable not to want to introduce synthetic chemicals into your home to remedy a buggy situation. Below, entomologists and pest experts offer advice on how to spot the signs of cockroaches in the home, along with natural solutions and prevention methods to rid them once and for all. 

Signs of a Cockroach Infestation

Cockroaches are nocturnal and can move at speeds up to three miles per hour, making them difficult to spot. Therefore, the best way to identify an infestation is to look for signs they leave behind, says Daniel Baldwin, board-certified entomologist at Hawx Pest Control.

• Droppings: Cockroaches leave behind black feces that may resemble coffee grounds or grains of rice. You’re most likely to find droppings in typical hiding spots such as the corners of your floors, under sinks, around appliances, and inside and around kitchen cabinets. You may also see brown or black smear marks on your flooring, which could indicate cockroach feces that have been walked through or disturbed. 
• Musty smells: The pheromones found in cockroach droppings and carcasses emit a musty odor, which can then attract other cockroaches to that particular area of your home. 
• Skin sheddings: Cockroaches shed their skin five to eight times as they grow, leaving behind light brown oval-shaped casings that look like bodies.
• Egg casings: Cockroach eggs are protected by capsules called ootheca. Once the eggs hatch, the ootheca is left behind. Colors vary from black-brown to amber to reddish-black.
• Visible damage: Cockroaches won’t wreak havoc on your home’s structure, but may destroy packaging in your pantry or wallpaper in the kitchen. Large infestations may also cause visible damage to floors and walls.
  

Why Use a Natural Roach Repellent?

It’s important to note that pesticides used in conventional pest control are usually toxic to all insects (not just cockroaches) and can harm humans and pets if used incorrectly. "The pesticides in these foggers can leach into the ground, contaminate water sources, or get ingested by non-target animals," explains Baldwin.

Meanwhile, several DIY methods, such as ultrasonic devices, rarely work, says Lee Maddocks, owner of Richards Pest Control. "Harsh DIY sprays like bleach can be more harmful to people and pets than to the cockroaches themselves," he says.

You're best off sticking to a trusted-and-true natural remedy, like the ones listed below.

Natural Roach Repellents

One of the most effective methods for ridding your home of cockroaches—without the use of toxic chemicals—is simply by eliminating their access to food, water, and shelter. Ensure fresh foods and packaging are properly stored and sealed.

Our experts also recommend the following natural roach repellents.

Sticky Traps

Sticky traps are a solution for homeowners who want to get rid of cockroaches without the use of synthetic chemicals. “Laying sticky traps around areas of the home that you’ve seen cockroaches can stop them in their tracks and prevent them from spreading to other areas,” says Baldwin.

“Whilst this can help capture a small number of cockroaches, greater measures might be needed to eliminate larger infestations within the home,” Baldwin adds. They are typically not recommended if you have small children or pets—and should be disposed of thoughtfully so they don't injure wildlife that may encounter a trap once it's been tossed.

Diatomaceous Earth 

“Diatomaceous earth is a fine natural powder that dehydrates cockroaches on contact,” says Maddocks. Harmless to people and pets, the powder can be sprinkled in dry areas of the home, including on carpeting and upholstered furniture, says Maddocks.

Note: It's typically recommended that diatomaceous earth is only vacuumed up using a filterless or wet-dry vacuum, as the abrasive quality of the powder can damage filters.

Essential Oils

For those looking for a non-toxic, eco-friendly method of deterring pests, consider peppermint oil. “The scent of peppermint is strong and is often disliked by cockroaches, which can deter them from living in areas where it’s present,” explains Baldwin. 

Dilute a few drops of peppermint oil with water in a spray bottle, then spritz the solution where roaches have been spotted. "This can be reapplied every few days to continue to deter cockroaches from living in these areas," according to Baldwin.

That said, peppermint oil is only likely to repel cockroaches from the area, rather than getting rid of the infestation entirely. “They could even find alternative places to live around the home,” he warns.

Boric Acid 

Boric acid can be an effective way of killing cockroaches and other household pests that live in the home, as the compound will dehydrate them upon ingestion. Homeowners can create a simple bait made up of equal measures of boric acid, flour, and sugar that'll attract (then attack) cockroaches.

"Sprinkle small amounts of the mixture in the areas where you’ve seen cockroaches or you suspect they’re living, such as behind appliances in the kitchen, cabinets, and near cracks in walls," says Baldwin. "Closely monitor the area over a few days to see whether the mixture has been effective and replenish if necessary."

Cockroach Prevention Tips

It's unlikely that roach remedies will be effective against an infestation without correcting the factors that allowed one to happen in the first place. Therefore, it’s imperative to follow these preventative measures as well.

• Eliminate water sources: Promptly repair leaks and wipe up any standing water. 
• Keep things tidy: Wipe down kitchen and bathroom counters and dining tables every day and sweep hard flooring daily to remove debris. Vacuum at least once or twice per week, using an attachment to clean tight spaces where dirt and dead insects may be hiding.
• Seal entry points: Regularly inspect your home for potential entry points (such as cracks and gaps around pipes, doors, windows, and baseboards) and seal these openings thoroughly to prevent access.
• Practice proper food storage: Make use of airtight containers to store dry foods and ingredients, and ensure that no pests can break in. Clean up any food particles and do the dishes on a daily basis to cut off food sources for cockroaches. 
• Be careful with trash: Use trash cans and wastebaskets with a secure lid to reduce the chances of cockroaches breaking in.
• Inspect boxes and bulk items: It’s not uncommon to find pests hiding in storage boxes and those that contain bulk goods, particularly if you store them in a garage, basement, or attic. Make sure you check boxes every so often for cockroaches and other pests that might be hiding in them, especially if you’re moving them to a different location to prevent an infestation in multiple areas of your home. 
• Purge excess items: Routine decluttering, especially in storage areas, reduces potential hiding spots for cockroaches.