Updated 04/11/25
If there’s one pest that can make a landlord cringe, it’s the cockroach. Roaches are not only unpleasant to see, but they can also spark tenant complaints faster than you can say “exterminator.” The good news is, there are effective non toxic ways to get rid of roaches without putting your tenants, pets, or your property at risk. As landlords, especially in the springtime, we need affordable and safe strategies that work.
Store-bought sprays might offer a temporary solution, but they often introduce toxic chemicals into the home. For landlords managing multi-family properties, that’s a liability you just don’t need. Instead, there’s a better path—natural, cost-effective, and surprisingly simple. Whether you’re new to property management or a seasoned pro, this guide will walk you through homemade roach killer options, highlight the benefits of natural roach repellents, and show you why DIY pest control is one of the best tools in your landlord toolkit.
Table of Contents
- Why Roaches Invade During Spring
- Are Roaches Dangerous to Your Health?
- The Exact DIY Roach Bait Recipe You Need
- Where to Place Your Homemade Roach Bait
- Is Borax Safe Around Kids and Pets?
- How Long It Takes to See Results
- Why This DIY Trick Works Better Than Store-Bought Traps
- Tips for Heavy Infestations
- When to Use Borax vs. Boric Acid
- Preventing Roaches After the Bait Works
- Frequently Asked Questions
Why Roaches Invade During Spring
Springtime brings warmth, moisture, and an abundance of food sources—three things cockroaches love. As temperatures rise, these pests become more active and seek out comfortable homes to reproduce. Multi-unit properties with shared walls, pipes, and communal spaces make perfect roach highways.
Landlords often notice an uptick in spring pest control calls. That’s because roaches, like many other insects, are opportunists. They sneak in through tiny cracks, plumbing gaps, and open doors. Once inside, they settle near warm appliances or anywhere food crumbs collect. Understanding these patterns is the first step in knowing how to get rid of roaches naturally.
Are Roaches Dangerous to Your Health?
Yes, they are. Roaches carry bacteria, allergens, and even parasitic worms. Their droppings, saliva, and shed skin can trigger asthma and allergies—especially in children. In worst-case scenarios, they can contaminate food and surfaces with E. coli or Salmonella.
For landlords, this presents a risk. If tenants experience health issues linked to an infestation, it can lead to complaints, legal exposure, or worse—vacancy. A safe roach killer for homes with pets and kids is essential not only for pest control but also for liability protection.
The Exact DIY Roach Bait Recipe You Need
You don’t need a chemistry degree or an expensive exterminator to fight back. All you need is cornmeal and borax—a combination that has worked for decades. This classic cornmeal and borax roach bait is a cheap roach killer that works without the harsh side effects of chemical traps.
Here’s the magic formula: Mix equal parts cornmeal and borax. Cornmeal attracts the roaches, while borax destroys their digestive systems. It’s simple, yet powerfully effective. You can add a teaspoon of sugar if you want to make it even more enticing.
Many consider this the best DIY pest control solution because it combines accessibility, affordability, and safety—especially when you follow proper placement guidelines.
Where to Place Your Homemade Roach Bait
Roaches aren’t wanderers; they follow consistent paths from their nests to food and water sources. To increase effectiveness, place your non-toxic roach bait in strategic locations. These include behind the refrigerator, under the sink, inside cabinets, along baseboards, and behind toilets.
Focus on areas where you or your tenants have seen roach activity. Don’t forget dark, warm places where crumbs tend to collect. The trick is to create multiple bait stations so the roaches can access the poison easily and carry it back to their colony.
Is Borax Safe Around Kids and Pets?
Borax is generally safe when used properly, but it isn’t completely harmless. While it’s not as toxic as conventional pesticides, ingestion can still be harmful to children and pets. That’s why it’s important to use this homemade roach killer in areas that are out of reach.
As a landlord, it’s best to inform your tenants about the treatment and ensure bait stations are hidden away from curious hands and paws. You might consider using small plastic containers with holes poked in them to house the mixture.
How Long It Takes to See Results
Patience is key. This isn’t an instant fix, but it is a lasting one. Most landlords begin seeing results within 3 to 5 days. Significant population reduction typically occurs within two weeks.
Because you’re using natural roach repellent methods, it may take a bit longer than toxic sprays. But that’s a fair trade-off for peace of mind and safer living spaces. Reapply bait every 7 to 10 days until there’s no visible activity.
Why This DIY Trick Works Better Than Store-Bought Traps
The biggest advantage of this non-toxic approach is its ability to disrupt the entire colony. Unlike glue traps or sprays that only kill what you see, the borax in your bait gets transported back to the nest. Over time, more and more roaches ingest the mixture.
This domino effect wipes out entire populations, not just individuals. Plus, it costs pennies on the dollar compared to commercial products. If you manage multiple units, that savings adds up fast.
Tips for Heavy Infestations
If your infestation is serious, you may need to scale up. Increase the number of bait stations and check them daily. Cleanliness is critical. Make sure all crumbs, grease, and food sources are eliminated. Roaches can survive on soap residue and cardboard glue, so wipe surfaces regularly and seal all food.
You can also supplement with natural roach repellents like essential oils. Peppermint and citronella oils are known to deter roaches. Just remember—repellents push roaches away, while bait pulls them in. Use each tactic in different zones.
When to Use Borax vs. Boric Acid
Borax and boric acid are often confused, but they are slightly different. Borax is a naturally occurring mineral, while boric acid is a refined, more potent form. For homemade roach baits, borax is generally safer and more stable to use.
If you’re dealing with a light to moderate infestation, stick with borax. For severe cases in vacant units where safety is less of a concern, boric acid might offer faster results. Always label any containers and inform tenants of your plans.
Preventing Roaches After the Bait Works
Once the bait does its job, the next step is prevention. Encourage tenants to keep food sealed, take out trash regularly, and avoid leaving dishes in the sink overnight. Fix any plumbing leaks quickly and seal cracks or entry points around the property.
Ongoing inspections can catch problems early. Consider scheduling quarterly pest checks for your properties, especially in warmer climates. Prevention is always cheaper than remediation.
Frequently Asked Questions: Non Toxic Ways to Get Rid of Roaches
What is the safest way to kill roaches naturally?
A mixture of cornmeal and borax is one of the most effective and safest ways to get rid of roaches naturally in homes with pets and children.
How long does homemade roach bait take to work?
Most landlords see results in 3-5 days, with full colony reduction in about two weeks.
Can I use essential oils instead of bait?
Essential oils like peppermint or citronella can repel roaches but won’t eliminate a nest. Use them with bait for best results.
Is borax better than boric acid?
For general use, borax is safer and just as effective for most infestations. Boric acid is stronger but requires more caution.
What if I have roaches in multiple units?
Treat all units simultaneously to prevent re-infestation. Roaches easily migrate between connected units.
