No one wants cockroaches invading their kitchen, especially after spending time cooking. The kitchen is one of their favorite hiding spots, and they love to sneak around, particularly in places like the oven, behind appliances, and in small crevices. If you’re dealing with these unwanted guests, it’s important to know how to find their hideouts and eliminate them.
Identifying Cockroach Hideouts
Cockroaches are attracted to dark, tight spaces where food or organic matter is present. Common hiding places include:
- Cracks and gaps in walls and floors
- Behind kitchen appliances
- In storage boxes and paper materials
- In places with grease buildup
The kitchen is especially enticing to cockroaches due to its abundance of food and grease.
Two Foolproof Methods to Eliminate Cockroaches
We’re sharing two proven home remedies that will help banish these pests from your kitchen.
Trick 1: Onion and Borax Powder
Materials:
- 2 tbsp Boric acid
- 1 Onion
- 1/2 cup Wheat flour
- A small amount of water
Procedure:
- Peel and chop the onion into several pieces.
- Place each onion piece on a lid, adding a small amount of borax, flour, and water.
- Strategically place these lids in areas where cockroaches are likely to pass.
Why Borax?
Boric acid, a natural alkaline compound, is commonly used as an antiseptic and insecticide. When used in combination with onion, it acts as a cockroach killer, slowly eliminating the pests when they ingest it.
Trick 2: Sugar and Baking Soda
Materials:
- 3 tbsp Sugar
- 2 tbsp Baking soda
- 4 Plastic container lids
Procedure:
- Mix sugar and baking soda on a plate.
- Place small portions of the mixture on plastic container lids.
- Position the lids inside and outside your kitchen to lure cockroaches.
How It Works:
The sugar attracts the cockroaches, while the baking soda kills them when ingested.
Preventative Measures for Cockroach Control
The National Pesticide Institute recommends maintaining a clean kitchen to keep cockroaches at bay. Regularly disinfect your floors, clean spills immediately, and inspect for cracks or openings where pests can enter. Sealing these gaps is crucial in preventing future infestations.
How Harmful Are Cockroaches to Our Health?
While cockroaches don’t bite, they can cause health problems. Their presence is linked to asthma, allergies, and skin issues, often due to their waste products. Additionally, their droppings, saliva, and shed skin can trigger allergic reactions and worsen respiratory conditions.
Cockroaches are a clear sign that your home may need a deeper cleaning and disinfection. Act promptly using these methods to protect your health and home.