Effective and Natural Ways to Get Rid of Cockroaches in Your Home

There are few things more unnerving than spotting a cockroach scurrying across the floor in a home you work so hard to keep clean.

Anybody who has ever had a cockroach infestation knows they are extremely tough to get rid of!

Our natural removal tips may just be the key.

 

 

So, let’s begin our journey on how to get rid of cockroaches naturally once and for all!

5 Creepy Cockroach Facts

Before we begin on treatment methods, here are a few things you may (or may not!) want to know.

Creepy Fact #1 - They're literally everywhere

Did you know that there are more than 4,500 species of cockroaches worldwide, with 450 of them found in Australia?

 

Creepy Fact #2 - They're not just a nuisance but a health risk

These pesky insects are not just a nuisance, they also pose a health risk. Cockroaches can spread different types of bacteria, carry parasitic worms, and transmit salmonella.

 

Creepy Fact #3 - They can survive for a week without a head

One of the most surprising facts about cockroaches is that they can survive for a week without a head! They breathe through little holes throughout their body, so not being able to drink water through their mouth is what eventually kills them.

 

Creepy Fact #4 - Voted most likely to survive a nuclear blast

Contrary to popular belief, cockroaches would not necessarily survive a nuclear blast. While they may last longer than humans, they would still be severely affected.

 

Creepy Fact #5 - They have impressive speed and agility

Cockroaches are also fast runners, capable of reaching speeds of up to 4.8km per hour, which is impressive given their size. This is why they can be so difficult to catch.

How to Identify Signs of a Cockroach Infestation

If you haven’t spotted cockroaches in your home, it doesn’t necessarily mean they aren’t partying in your kitchen while you sleep.

These are some of the sure signs there’s a cockroach infestation hanging around.

Signs You Really Have Roaches

• Droppings along kickboards, cabinet hinges, and inside drawers.

• Oothecae (oval egg cases) near warm motors such as fridges and dishwashers.

• Shed skins in corners and under sinks.

• Musty odour in heavy infestations.

• Daytime sightings usually indicate high pressure.

7‑Day Action Plan

Day 1: Inspect and map

• Place 8–12 sticky monitors in a grid across kitchen, pantry, laundry, and bathroom. Label with locations and date.
• With a torch, check under sinks, behind fridge and dishwasher, inside cupboard corners, and around pipe penetrations.

Day 2: Starve and dry them out

• Degrease cooktop surrounds and kickboards.
• Store all dry goods in sealed tubs or jars. Put pet food away overnight.
• Fix drips. Dry the kitchen sink and plugholes before bed.

Day 3: Seal the entry points

1. Caulk gaps around pipes, splashbacks, skirting boards, and benchtop cut‑outs.

2. Install a door sweep on the external door that opens to the kitchen or garage.

3. Mesh weep holes and large wall vents with stainless steel mesh where appropriate.

Day 4: Targeted baits and dusts

• Baking soda + sugar bait: mix 1:1, place teaspoons of bait on small pieces of card inside cabinets and under appliances.
• Optional borax bait: 1 part borax to 4 parts icing sugar. Keep away from children and pets. Do not use on food‑contact surfaces.
• Food‑grade DE: using a puffer, apply a whisper‑thin layer into cracks, kickboard voids, and under the fridge. Avoid breathing the dust and keep it off benchtops.

Day 5: Traps and hygiene loop

Add a jar trap: smear petroleum jelly around the inside rim of a jar. Bait with a sultana or a dab of peanut butter. Place near the fridge motor cavity.

Vacuum crumbs from drawers and behind the toaster. Empty the vacuum outside.

Day 6: Re‑inspect and top up

Check sticky monitors. Note which zones are busiest and focus bait there. Replace dry baits. Lightly re‑dust DE if disturbed.

Day 7: Review

Check all traps and monitors. Vacuum up any dead insects. Continue inspecting weekly and refresh baits monthly to prevent reinfestation.

Cockroaches can spread a variety of disease-causing bacteria, including salmonella and E. coli. They can also trigger asthma and other respiratory problems, as well as allergies. Cockroaches can contaminate food with their droppings and saliva, leading to foodborne illnesses.

Additionally, they can cause damage to the structure of a home, as they can chew through fabrics, paper, and other items. For these reasons, it is important to get rid of cockroaches in the home as soon as possible.

Natural Homemade Cockroach Killer Recipe

Getting rid of cockroaches is a difficult task and takes time and patience.

There is a range of insecticides available on supermarket shelves that you could grab on your next weekly shop.

While using store-bought insecticides can be effective, successful removal of cockroaches means multiple applications and many toxins can be harmful to your health. Baits left around the home can be harmful to small children or pets if consumed.

A more natural approach means that you can persevere on your mission to eliminate cockroaches without bringing unnecessary chemicals into your home. Here is our recommended method.

What you'll need:

• Borax
• Baking soda
• Icing sugar

Directions: Combine equal amounts of baking soda and icing sugar in a bottle, shake together and sprinkle across either entry points to your home or in areas you’ve spotted cockroaches. You could also place some in shallow dishes.

The roaches are attracted to the sweetness of the sugar, while the baking soda will kill the roaches.

You could also use Borax (purchased from the supermarket for around $4) with the icing sugar instead of baking soda – it is more potent, so you only need a tablespoon or so per half cup of sugar. Please note, you should keep Borax away from pets or small children as it can be harmful if ingested.

If you’re reading this during lunch, put down your fork. An added bonus of this method is that cockroaches will eat their dead. You can use this gross fact against them, as their cannibalistic tendencies mean they will eat the poisoned cockroaches and likely be affected, too.

5 Ways To Naturally Keep Cockroaches Away

They say prevention is better than cure, and that is certainly the case when it comes to avoiding cockroach infestations. Here are 5 great tips to keep cockroaches away naturally:

1. Keep your home clean and free of clutter

Cockroaches thrive in dirty and cluttered environments. Therefore, keeping your home clean and tidy is an essential step in getting rid of them. Make sure to sweep and mop regularly, especially in the kitchen and bathroom, as these areas are the most attractive to cockroaches.

Don't leave dirty dishes or food out on the counters, and make sure to take out the rubbish regularly.

2. Seal up cracks and holes

One of the best ways to keep cockroaches out of your home is to seal up any cracks and holes they can use to enter.

Check the exterior of your home and seal up any gaps or holes around windows, doors, and pipes with caulk or another suitable sealant. This will not only help keep cockroaches out, but it can also prevent other pests from entering your home.

3. Keep your home cool and well ventilated

Cockroaches love warm and humid environments, so it's important to keep the temperature in your home as cool as possible to avoid creating a breeding ground for these pests.

The ideal temperature for most cockroaches is between 20 and 29 degrees Celsius. Make sure your air conditioning is working properly or use fans to circulate the air and keep the temperature down.

4. Use essential oils and scents

Essential oil scents such as peppermint, tea tree and eucalyptus are great roach deterrents. Combine 10 or so drops with water in a glass spray bottle and spray in high-traffic areas and cockroach entry points.

5. Our secret special remedy

Looking for a non-toxic cockroach repellent? Our final natural remedy is an old wives’ tale, but some people swear by it. Try sprinkling cinnamon along any entry points you have identified – cockroaches and other bugs won’t cross it.

 

Common Mistakes That Make Infestations Worse

• Spraying strong repellents everywhere. This drives roaches deeper into walls and can contaminate bait, making it less effective.

• Leaving pet bowls filled overnight or storing kibble in open bags.

• Placing baits in bright, open areas instead of tight, warm crevices where nymphs feed.

• Skipping leak repairs. Water is often the limiting resource.

How do cockroaches affect our health?

Cockroaches are one of the most common pests in the world and can be a major nuisance for homeowners. Not only can they be a major nuisance, but they can also pose significant health risks to humans.

Final Thoughts

Getting rid of cockroaches naturally is a safer and more eco-friendly alternative to using chemical insecticides.

Remember to be patient, as it may take a few weeks to see the full effects of these natural methods. With persistence and diligence, you can enjoy chemical-free cockroach removal.

However, some infestations are just too severe for home remedies to work their magic. If nothing seems to be working, it may be time to call in professionals.

A professional pest control technician can determine precisely where the infestation is to provide targeted and long-lasting treatment.

Choosing a Professional Pest Control Treatment Service

Electrodry is a family-owned business with over 40 years of experience in the home services industry and provides reliable and affordable pest control services.

You can trust us to keep your home safe and pest-free, without compromising on convenience.

If you would like to schedule pest control treatment for your household, please do not hesitate to get in touch with us.