Simple Household Items That Can Help You Get Rid of Cockroaches for Good

With just a few simple items already available in your home, you can easily drive away those annoying cockroaches and keep your living space clean and safe.

Cockroaches often live in places like sewers, garbage areas, and dark, damp corners. Because of this, they carry a variety of harmful pathogens and can contaminate food and utensils when they crawl over them. In addition to being a nuisance, they also tend to chew on fabric, causing damage to clothing, bags, and household items.

Cockroaches pose a serious threat to human health. They act as carriers of many bacteria and viruses that cause diseases such as diarrhea, dysentery, cholera, leprosy, plague, typhoid fever, and even poliovirus. Moreover, they can carry parasitic worm eggs and trigger allergic reactions, itching, dermatitis, swollen eyelids, and various respiratory problems depending on exposure levels. For children with asthma, cockroach allergens are considered one of the leading factors contributing to flare-ups and increased hospital visits.

Because of their rapid reproduction and ability to hide in tiny cracks, cockroaches can be extremely difficult to eliminate completely. Fortunately, several simple and natural methods can help you manage this problem effectively.

1. Using Garlic

The strong, pungent smell of garlic is one of the reasons it can repel many insects, including cockroaches. You can place small bowls of garlic-infused water or sprinkle garlic powder in areas where cockroaches are frequently seen. Over time, they will avoid these locations due to the strong odor.

2. Onion

Cockroaches are highly sensitive to the sharp, acrid smell of onions. Simply placing a plate of sliced onions inside your pantry, kitchen cabinets, or food storage areas can force cockroaches to relocate. An added benefit is that onions can help slow down the spoilage process of certain foods, keeping your kitchen fresher for longer.

3. Soapy Water

A simple mixture of soap and water can act as a lethal weapon against cockroaches. Spraying soapy water directly onto them or into their nests can cause them to suffocate quickly because the soap film blocks their breathing pores. This is a fast, accessible, and non-toxic solution for households with children or pets.

4. Dried Citrus Peels (Orange or Lemon Peels)

Dried citrus peels are not only natural deodorizers but also effective cockroach repellents. Place dried orange or lemon peels in cabinets, drawers, or near trash bins. Alternatively, burning dried citrus peels releases an aroma that freshens the home and keeps cockroaches away. Cockroaches dislike the natural oils in citrus, making this both a fragrant and eco-friendly method.

5. Choosing the Right Cockroach Control Products

For stubborn infestations, using commercial cockroach control solutions may be necessary. Spraying insecticides in areas where cockroaches usually hide—such as under sinks, behind refrigerators, or in bathroom corners—can significantly reduce their population.

For German cockroaches, which are notoriously difficult to eliminate, bait gel is considered the most effective method. Apply small pea-sized amounts of bait directly into cracks, gaps, or warm, dark hiding places. This species often eats the feces and bodies of dead cockroaches, allowing the bait to spread within the colony. Results can last up to three months and are generally safe for humans and the environment when used as directed. This method is especially effective in restaurants, hotels, and industrial kitchens.