Cockroach
Natural Cockroach Control
Cockroaches are medium-sized to large insects in the order Dictyoptera. They are broad, flat insects with long antennae. Roaches are nocturnal and run rapidly when disturbed. Immature cockroaches (nymphs) look like adults, but are smaller and do not have wings.
Of the five common pest species, German and brownbanded cockroaches inhabit buildings, whereas the oriental, smokybrown, and American cockroaches usually live outdoors, only occasionally invading buildings.
Prevention
The first line of natural defense against cockroaches is prevention. Keep food and water sources as minimal as possible by:
Vacuum and wash the kitchen and bathroom area with a strong soap. Dispose of the vacuum cleaner bag in a sealed container.
Store food in insect-proof containers such as glass jars or sealable plastic containers.
Keep garbage in bags and containers with tight-fitting lids.
Remove trash, newspapers, magazines, boxes, firewood, and other items that provide hiding places and harbor age.
Eliminate plumbing leaks and correct other sources of water.
Natural Cockroach Control Recipes and Products
Boric Acid – Put boric acid behind appliances and on top of kitchen cabinets, cockroaches hide in high areas. The roaches will take the boric acid to their nests, killing all of the nest
Diatomaceous Earth – If you have a cockroach problem, Diatomaceous Earth (DE) can be used to kill cockroaches using a safe, non-chemical method. The DE is sprinkled onto areas where the roaches will travel and the soft areas of the roaches are cut up causing them to dehydrate. diatomaceous earth is safe to humans and pets. It appears like flour to us, but jagged shards of glass to soft bodied insects. Safer® Brand Crawling Insect Killer – 7oz
Herbal Pest Control – Small sachets of catnip can be left in areas of cockroach activity to repel the cockroaches. Catnip can also be simmered in a small amount of water to make a “catnip tea” which can be used as a spray to apply around baseboards and behind counters if you don’t have cats that would be affected. Find catnip plants cheap or learn to propagate your own at http://plant-propagation-shop.com
An effective organic cockroach killer can be made from orange peels. Orange Guard – 1 Gallon with Sprayer
works very well. If you want to use orange extract, it is much cheaper to buy this product than trying to extract the effective chemical yourself.
Natural Roach Bait – Mix: 1/2 cup sugar; 1/4 cup shortening or bacon drippings; 1/2 cup chopped onion; 1/2 cup flour; and 8 ounces baking soda Combine sugar and shortening. Add onion, flour, and baking soda. Mix in just enough water to make a dough-like consistency. Roll into small balls and put into some type of container that will let cockroaches in and out, but be safe around pets. Put mix in roach-infested areas. The bait creates gas in the roach when eaten causing them to eventually explode. This is not a roach poison, but is even better since it is safe to use around humans and pets.
Spraying roaches directly with soapy water cause them to dehydrate, then die.
In an empty one pound coffee can, place 1 or 2 pieces of bread which have been soaked thoroughly with beer. Place in areas known to have roach infestations.
The fruit of the Boise de’ Arc tree, (Osage orange, hedge apple), is a natural roach repellant. Leave one hedge apple per room for effective deterrence up to two months.
Traps - Traps can be purchased or made. Most commercially available cockroach traps are open-ended and contain an attractant substance along with a sticky material that lines the inside. An alternative is to make a cockroach trap from a quart-sized can. The inside top of the can is coated with a petroleum jelly to prevent the roaches from escaping, and a slice of white bread is placed in the can as bait. Traps offer the best way to monitor cockroach populations.
Sticky Pads – There are several brands of sticky pads that work well. You want sticky pads that not only have a sticky glue surface, but more importantly, have a pheremone or other substance that acts as a bait to lure them to the pads. The pads and traps below are professional strength and will be effective.Cockroach Trap – Package of Nine
Sure-CatchTM Cockroach Trap
Electronic Cockroach Control – There are several different types of electronic cockroach control products. There are also ultrasonic pest controllers. There are types that plug into electric outlets, some only for indoors, some with several speakers, and more. The prices for these range from $20 to $200. I suggest checking our page of electronic controls for the product that best suits your needs.
Exclusion and Removal of Hiding Places
During the day cockroaches hide around water heaters, in cupboard cracks, stoves, crawl spaces, outdoor vegetation, and many other locations. Cockroaches invade kitchens and other areas at night. Limiting roach hiding areasand access to living areas is an important part of an effective management strategy. False-bottom cupboards, hollow walls, and similar areas are common cockroach refuges. Prevent access to the inside of buildings through cracks, conduits, and under doors.
There are five species of cockroaches that can become pests: German cockroach, brownbanded cockroach, oriental cockroach, smokybrown cockroach, and American cockroach. Of these, the one that has the greatest potential of becoming persistent and troublesome is the German cockroach, which prefers indoor locations. Oriental and American cockroaches occasionally pose problems in moist, humid areas.
Indoors Bait Station Placements
Flush mounted against an upper corner of closets
Behind television,s stereos, computer monitors
Flush mounted in corner alongside the interior of dresser drawer frames
Under base of couch and/or bed where crumbs accumulate
Underneath hot water heater and/or adjacent to washing machine
Mounted on upper rear corner of toliet tank
Bathroom and kitchen cabinets – flush mounted against an upper corner
Bathroom Sink – alongside pipe collar where drainpipe enters the wall
Between refrigerator and nearby appliance or cabinet
Kitchen sink alongside pipe collar where drainpipe enters the wall
Behind microwave, toaster, blender, coffee maker, etc.
Underneath dishwasher and/or oven
Watch the interesting video below about how roaches and waterbugs infest your lawn and house.
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