Cockroaches are one of those pests nobody wants to find in their home. They’re tough, hard to get rid of, and can quickly turn a small problem into a much bigger one. Once they find food, water, and a place to hide, they tend to stick around.
Many homeowners reach for chemical sprays at the first sign of roaches, but there are plenty of natural options that can help keep them under control. A few common household ingredients, along with some simple prevention habits, can make your home far less inviting to these unwanted guests.
Here are 13 natural ways to help get rid of cockroaches and keep them from coming back.
Essential Oils
Essential oils such as peppermint, lavender, and eucalyptus have a strong scent that repels insects. Mix a few drops in water and spray around areas where cockroaches are likely to hide. Place cotton balls soaked in essential oil near entry points or cabinets to keep the pests at bay.
Baking Soda and Sugar
This simple but effective combination lures the roaches with sugar while baking soda kills them when consumed. Sprinkle equal parts of both ingredients near cracks or crevices where you suspect roach activity.
Catnip
Catnip is not only beloved by cats but also repels cockroaches—place sachets of dried catnip around your house, especially near entrances or cockroach hotspots. Catnip contains nepetalactone, which drives away roaches but does not harm humans or pets.
Lemon
Cockroaches dislike the smell of lemons and their acidic properties. To repel them, squeeze lemon juice and mix it with water in a spray bottle. You can also place lemon peels or slices near cockroach entry points.
Bay Leaves
Bay leaves are another herb with a strong aroma that repels roaches. Place dried bay leaves in cupboards, cabinets, and other areas where cockroaches may hide. Replace them every few weeks to maintain their effectiveness.
Diatomaceous Earth
Diatomaceous earth is a natural powder made from fossilized algae that kills insects with its abrasive texture. Sprinkle it in areas where roaches are likely to walk, and as they crawl over it, the powder will abrade their exoskeleton, dehydrating and eventually killing them.
Soapy Water
A simple mixture of water and soap is an effective way to kill cockroaches. Spray it directly on the pests or pour it in areas they frequent, such as drains or entry points. The soap will suffocate them by blocking their breathing pores.
Cucumber
The smell of cucumbers repels cockroaches. Place cucumber slices or peels near cockroach hotspots, and they will avoid those areas. You can also blend cucumber with equal parts water and spray it around your house.
Coffee Grounds
Coffee grounds are acidic and emit a strong smell that roaches dislike. Place them where you suspect cockroach activity, and they will avoid those places. You can mix coffee grounds with water and spray it directly on the pests.
Garlic
Garlic is known for its pungent smell, which can drive away cockroaches. Crush cloves of garlic and mix them with water in a spray bottle. You can also sprinkle garlic powder near roach hideouts.
Borax
Borax is a natural mineral toxic to insects but safe for humans and pets. Mix equal parts of borax and sugar, then sprinkle the mixture in areas where cockroaches are likely to be found. The sugar will attract them, while the borax will kill them.
White Vinegar
White vinegar has acidic properties that repel cockroaches and disrupt their sense of smell. Mix white vinegar and water, then spray it around your house. You can add a few drops of essential oil for a more potent solution.
Onions
Much like garlic, onions have a strong odor that repels cockroaches. Place onion slices or peels near cockroach entry points; they will avoid those areas. You can also blend onions with water and spray them around your house.
