Roaches are among the most ancient species that inhabit the Earth. They have been around for 300 million years, maybe more. Their superb adaptive ability has helped them survive the conditions that made other species extinct.
There are over 400 roach species at present. However, cockroach infestation in most regions of our planet is due to one species, which is called the German cockroach. One cockroach is easy to kill, but it is really hard to eradicate them once they infested your home. Over time cockroaches have adapted to resist most poisons. For this reason, homemade remedies that people use to remove cockroaches from their home often prove more effective.
Contents:
Facts about Cockroaches
- An adult roach has a flattened oval body about 1.5 cm long and long antennae. It has 6 legs covered with spines. Some cockroaches possess fully developed wings but they do not use them for flying.
- A female roach lays eggs contained in egg cases. There are about 20 -30 eggs in each case. When the eggs hatch young insects emerge. These young roaches are called nymphs. A nymph takes up to 125 days before it becomes an adult cockroach.
- A female roach lives about 200 days. It reproduces up to 6 times throughout her lifespan.
- Cockroaches are attracted to warm and humid places – kitchens, bathrooms and suchlike. The most likely hiding locations are spaces under the kitchen sink and the drawers, places in the vicinity of plumbing fixtures, in all sorts of cracks, in the kitchen cupboards and so on. They often settle in the sewage and sink drains.
- Cockroaches are omnivorous. It means that they can feed on virtually anything, including soap, leather, bindings of books, toothpaste and even glue.
- They can do without food over a month and remain alive more than a week without water.
- Cockroaches leave their shelter at night. In the dark, they abandon the places in which they hide during the day to avoid light. Research shows that they are confused and completely disorientated when subjected to light.
A cockroach has 6 legs.
- Cockroaches have the ability to withstand high levels of radiation. It is believed that they would be among very few creatures to remain alive after a massive nuclear war, should there be one. They are a lot less vulnerable to radiation than most other species.
Signs of infestation
- At night cockroaches become active and crawl out of their shelters. A roach crawling during the day is a clear sign that your home has become infested.
- Look out for their droppings. They may look like pepper, coffee grounds or cylindrical droppings.
- Sometimes, cockroaches produce musty odour.
Are they dangerous?
Needless to say, it is vital to take measures to get rid of cockroaches as quickly as you can. They are a nuisance. They are revolting. But most importantly, cockroaches are far from harmless. In fact, they may be a considerable health hazard.
Cockroaches crawl out from his hiding place at night.
How to get rid of cockroaches?
The German cockroach is a very common pest. This is why there are a number of over-the-counter products for killing cockroaches, and German roaches in particular.
However, quite a few of these remedies for roach extermination often prove useless. Cockroaches adapt incredibly quickly to poisons and chemicals and become resistant to such products.
Most of commercial and professional products for pest control may be dangerous for humans, especially kids. They may also be harmful for pets.
This is why homeowners often turn to home remedies which are believed to eliminate pests
Home remedies for cockroaches
1. Sugar and boric acid roach killer
Put together one part of sugar and 3 parts of boric acid. Put this remedy in the places where they are likely to crawl. This acid has proved to be a highly effective roach killing agent. It dehydrates the cockroach’s exoskeleton, while sugar lures the insects. Since you need to dehydrate the pests, make sure they have no access to water. Make sure also that there are no leaking taps. All kitchen surfaces and the sink have to be dry.
Even though boric acid is a never failing cockroach killer, this method sometimes proves ineffective as a remedy for getting rid of roaches. Why? Cockroaches are incredibly adaptable, and some species have developed aversion to sugar, which tastes bitter to them. If this is the case, try to use starch instead of sugar.
2. Bay leaves
This common cooking ingredient proves to be a surprisingly effective home remedy that helps to fend off cockroaches. It does not kill the pests. They simply dislike the smell of bay leaves and leave the place. Crush some bay leaves and put them on cupboard shelves, on bookshelves and other places where roaches are likely to make their nests.
3. Garlic and onion roach repellent – effective home remedies for cockroaches
Mash up some garlic and an onion and add this mixture to about one litre of water. Sprinkle this smelly solution on bathroom and kitchen surfaces where cockroaches are likely to crawl at night. You can also wash the floor using this water. The pests hate this smell. Do it regularly. Chances are that the pests will leave your place forever.
4. Lemon
Cockroaches are afraid of the smell of lemon.
5. Mint Oil
Mint is another smell that repels cockroaches. Put some mint oil in the locations where cockroaches are likely to settle. It’s a non-toxic and nice smelling remedy.
Preventive measures
Store food in designated containers.
Although we should never say never to cockroaches, there are simple ways how to make your home unattractive to them:
- Cockroaches cannot remain alive without water more than about a week. Fix all the leaks and keep all the surfaces dry at all times.
- Clean your home regularly. Give a particularly thorough cleaning to the corners of your cupboards.
- Wash the dishes and all kitchen utensils immediately after a meal.
- Keep your food in sealed containers.
- Do not keep trash at home. Take it out daily.
