Non Toxic Ways to Get Rid of Roaches

According to AAFA (Asthma and allergy Foundation of America), 63% of homes in the U.S have or have had a roach problem. Calling a professional exterminator will always be the best solution to a roach infestation. Although it’s not always an infestation problem, you may also find occasional roaches here and there.

Most people rely on over-the-counter products to deal with a minor problem with roaches. However, one of the biggest concerns when dealing with a roach problem is the safety of kids, pets, and plants.  Most contain toxic chemicals like Organophosphates, which pose high acute toxicity to humans, especially children and iu8ooooanimals, even in low concentrations.

Additionally, sprays are often just an emergency measure since it must be in direct contact with the roach for it to be effective. So it might be worth considering long-term solutions that are friendly to everybody home.

Cleanliness

The first thing to do before using any non-toxic products is a painstaking cleaning. Roaches are nocturnal creepers that hide during the day, making it hard to understand how big of a problem you may have. 

Make sure that you also block any possible access to roaches like the kitchen, bathroom, and sink drains. Roaches may enter your house in your sleep and spread germs around your kitchen or sink.

Unfortunately even an impeccably clean house may attract roaches in search of shelter, or water, so you may want to try non-toxic ways to keep roaches away from your home.

Diatomaceous Earth

Diatomaceous Earth is made of diatoms, a tiny aquatic organism that when fossilized becomes a natural desiccant called Silica or silicon dioxide. It is one of the safest ways to deal with the unwanted crawlers, since it is practically non-toxic to humans or animals, but deadly to roaches.

Food-grade diatomaceous Earth is used to control roach problems. It can be bought at any Walmart, Home-Depot, or Super-market. 

It’s commonly used in a mix with flour, sugar, or cocoa powder and lightly sprinkled in areas where you suspect there may be roaches. 

You may also dust a little bit of pure diatomaceous earth around places where roaches may access your home, it also kills in contact with the roach. The roach may even take some of it to its hiding. As a general rule, if you can see it, so can the roaches, so don’t over sprinkle it.

Keep in mind that it’s possible to observe an apparent uptick in roach activity due to Diatomaceous Earth. This may be taken as a signal that the powder is working, silica may take up to 48 hrs to kill roaches.

Essentials Oils

Essential oils and kitchen vinegar are used as a repellent more than an exterminator of unwanted visitors. Some smells like peppermint or mint oils are effective as a precautionary measure that will not only keep roaches aways but also will give your home a fresh scent.

Mix 10 drops of mint or peppermint oil on two parts water with one part of kitchen vinegar and spritz it in the corners of your house and in places where you have seen roaches. The smell will create an uncomfortable environment for roaches to live, so they will naturally stay away.

Catnip

Having a feline friend is already a great way to get rid of bugs, cats have a natural instinct to hunt down roaches, spiders and even small rodents. And chances are, that if you love cats, you also buy or grow some catnip. Your furry friend’s favorite herb contains a chemical called nepetalactone that keeps roaches at bay. 

Place small satchels of catnip in closets, drawers and kitchen to create a hostile environment for roaches to hide.

Catnip, just like peppermint, will not kill roaches but rather help you prevent roaches from entering your home, so make sure to use it as a secondary measure to thorough cleaning and Diatomaceous Earth.

These measures will help keep your home safe for your kids and pets while providing protection against these tough bugs. However, consider consulting with an exterminator should the problem persist.

We hope you try these non toxic ways to get rid of roaches. If you have any other ways you can recommend, please let us know by contacting us!