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19 Effective Homemade Roach Killer Tips That Work Instantly!

Homemade roach killer tips

Are roaches taking over your place? A homemade roach killer is your secret weapon to fight back and reclaim your space!

These tiny invaders are unable to withstand simple, natural solutions that are safe, effective, and budget-friendly.

Whether you’re dealing with stubborn German roaches or sneaky ants it’s time to get away with apartment pests for good.

Say goodbye to chemical sprays and hello to a cleaner, healthier home. Ready to take control?

Let’s dive in and kick those pests out with homemade roach killer!

 

Discover What's Inside

Why Choose Homemade Roach Killers?

Before diving into the recipes, let’s talk about why homemade roach killers are a game-changer:

roach killer that is prepared in home
By Wavehooks
  1. Cost-Effective: Save money by using household items.
  2. Eco-Friendly: Reduce your carbon footprint by avoiding toxic chemicals.
  3. Safe for Kids and Pets: No harmful residues left behind.
  4. Customizable: Instant solutions to your specific roach problem.

 

How To Prepare & Use Homemade Roach Killer: 10 Top Picks!

Here are the way tricks on how to prepare and use homemade roach killer:

1. Homemade Roach Killer With Baking Soda (Cheap & Effective)

Why it works: Roaches can’t resist sugar, but baking soda is their kryptonite.

When they eat the mixture, it reacts with their stomach acid, and well, let’s just say it doesn’t end well for them.

What you’ll need:

  • 1 part baking soda
  • 1 part sugar

Your action plan:

  1. Mix equal parts baking soda and sugar in a bowl.
  2. Sprinkle the mixture in roach hotspots (under the sink, behind the fridge, and along baseboards).
  3. Sit back and let the roaches do the rest.

Pro Tip: Add a few drops of water to turn the mix into a paste. Place it on bottle caps for easy cleanup later.

 

2. homemade roach killer with borax & Peanut butter

Why it works: Borax is a roach’s worst enemy, it dehydrates them from the inside out. And peanut butter? It’s like a five-star meal they can’t resist.

home made cockroach killer ingredients
By Wavehooks

What you’ll need:

  • 2 tablespoons borax
  • 2 tablespoons peanut butter

Your action plan:

  1. Mix borax and peanut butter into a thick paste.
  2. Dab small amounts onto pieces of cardboard or bottle caps.
  3. Place the bait in areas where roaches hang out (dark corners, under appliances, etc.).
  4. Check back in a few days and prepare to be amazed.

Warning: Keep this mixture away from pets and kids—borax isn’t safe for consumption.

Suggested Read: How Long Does It Take To Get Rid Of Roaches Completely!

 

3. Essential Oil Spray – A Natural Homemade Roach Repellent

Why it works: Roaches hate strong smells, especially peppermint and eucalyptus.

This spray not only repels them but also leaves your home smelling fresh.

What you’ll need:

  • 10-15 drops of peppermint or eucalyptus essential oil
  • 1 cup of water
  • A spray bottle

Your action plan:

  1. Mix the essential oil with water in a spray bottle.
  2. Shake well and spray around entry points, baseboards, and cabinets.
  3. Reapply every few days to keep roaches at bay.

Bonus: This spray doubles as a natural air freshener. Win-win!

Suggested Read: 15 Indoor Plants That Keep Roaches Away: The Ultimate Fix!

 

4. Diatomaceous Earth – The Silent Homemade Roach Killer

preparing homemade pesticide for pests

Why it works: This fine powder might look harmless, but it’s deadly to roaches. It scratches their exoskeletons, causing them to dehydrate and die.

What you’ll need:

  • Food-grade diatomaceous earth

Your action plan:

  1. Lightly sprinkle DE in areas where roaches travel (along walls, under appliances, etc.).
  2. Leave it for a few days, then vacuum and reapply as needed.

Pro Tip: Use a duster for hard-to-reach areas.

 

5. Soap and Water Spray – The Instant Homemade Roach Killer

Why it works: Soap clogs the roaches’ breathing pores, suffocating them on contact.

What you’ll need:

  • 2 tablespoons dish soap
  • 1 cup water
  • A spray bottle

Your action plan:

  1. Mix soap and water in a spray bottle.
  2. Spray directly on roaches when you see them.
  3. Use this as a quick fix while setting up other traps.

Warning: This is a contact killer, so you’ll need to catch the roaches in the act.

Suggested Read: How To Get Rid Of Earwigs: 27 Quick Fixes You Can’t Miss!

 

6. Bay Leaves – The Natural Homemade Roach Deterrent

Why it works: Roaches hate the smell of bay leaves. It’s like their version of garlic to vampires.

roach killer solution with bay leaves

What you’ll need:

  • A handful of dried bay leaves

Your action plan:

  1. Crush the bay leaves to release their scent.
  2. Place them in cabinets, pantry shelves, and other roach-prone areas.
  3. Replace the leaves every few weeks to keep the scent strong.

Bonus: Your kitchen will smell like a Mediterranean herb garden.

Suggested Read: Why Is It Necessary To Clean Vent Hoods For A Safer Kitchen? 

 

7. Coffee Trap – The Sneaky Homemade Roach Killer

Why it works: Roaches are attracted to the smell of coffee, but once they crawl into the trap, they can’t escape.

What you’ll need:

  • A glass jar
  • Wet coffee grounds
  • Water

Your action plan:

  1. Place wet coffee grounds at the bottom of the jar.
  2. Add a little water to create a slippery surface.
  3. Place the jar near roach hotspots.
  4. Roaches will crawl in but won’t be able to climb out.

Pro Tip: Add a drop of dish soap to make the water even more slippery.

 

8. Cucumber Peels – The Surprising Homemade Roach Repellent

Why it works: For some reason, roaches can’t stand the smell of cucumber peels.

cucumber peels to repel the roaches
By Wavehooks

What you’ll need:

  • Fresh cucumber peels

Your action plan:

  1. Place cucumber peels in areas where roaches are active.
  2. Replace the peels every few days to keep the scent fresh.

Bonus: This method is 100% natural and safe for kids and pets.

Suggested Read: 15 Quick & Easy Home Organization Hacks For Busy People!

 

9. Onion & Baking Soda Homemade Roach Killer

Why it works: Onions attract roaches, while baking soda takes care of the rest.

What you’ll need:

  • 1 small onion (chopped)
  • 1 tablespoon baking soda

Your action plan:

  1. Mix the chopped onion with baking soda.
  2. Place the mixture in a shallow dish near roach hotspots.
  3. Watch as roaches are lured in and eliminated.

Warning: This method can get smelly, so use it in well-ventilated areas.

Suggested Read: How To Get Onion Smell Out Of Apartment: 15 Fresh Solutions!

 

10. Catnip Sachets – The Unlikely Homemade Roach Repellent

Why it works: Catnip isn’t just for cats—it’s a natural roach repellent too.

catnip indoor plants to get away with roaches
By wavehooks

What you’ll need:

  • Dried catnip
  • Small sachets or cheesecloth

Your action plan:

  1. Fill sachets or cheesecloth with dried catnip.
  2. Place them in cabinets, under sinks, and other roach-prone areas.
  3. Replace the sachets every few weeks.

Bonus: If you have a cat, they’ll love you for this!

 

homemade roach killer pet safe

I think most of us here reading this article have pets, not he home and some methods are not so safe for them.

So, here are the preparation tips to keep this roach killer more pet-safe:

11. Lemon Juice and Water Spray

lemon and vinegar

Roaches hate the smell of citrus, and lemon juice is a natural, pet-safe repellent.

Mix equal parts lemon juice and water in a spray bottle, then spritz around entry points and roach hotspots.

It’s safe for pets and leaves your home smelling fresh!

Suggested Read: 15 Homemade Roach Killer Safe For Pets That Works Like Magic!

 

12. Cornstarch and Plaster of Paris

This non-toxic mix is deadly to roaches but harmless to pets.

Combine equal parts cornstarch and plaster of Paris, then sprinkle it in areas where roaches roam.

They’ll ingest it and be unable to digest it, effectively eliminating them.

 

13. Salt and Water Solution

epsom bath salts to help bathroom smell like a spa
source:www.pixels.com

A simple yet effective pet-safe option, mix 2 tablespoons of salt in a cup of water and spray it in roach-prone areas.

The salt dehydrates roaches on contact, making it a safe and natural solution.

Suggested Read: How To Prepare DIY Vinegar Cleaning Spray: The Ideal Solution!

 

homemade roach killer with eggs

This is how you can prepare homemade roach killer with eggs:

homemade roach killer made from egg
By Wavehooks

14. Eggshell Powder Barrier

Crush dried eggshells into a fine powder and sprinkle it in roach-prone areas.

The sharp edges deter roaches from crossing, making it a natural barrier.

 

15. Egg Yolk and Boric Acid Bait

Mix 1 egg yolk with 2 tablespoons of boric acid to form a paste.

Place small amounts in roach hotspots. The yolk attracts them, while boric acid eliminates them.

 

16. Egg White and Sugar Trap

Combine egg whites with sugar to create a sticky bait. Place it in shallow dishes near roach hideouts.

Roaches will be lured in and trapped.

Suggested Read: How To Get Rid Of German Cockroaches: 12 Powerful Methods!

 

homemade roach killer with toothpaste

Toothpaste is one of the strong ingredients used to prepare homemade roach killers. Here is how to use it effectively:

home made roach killer with toothpaste
By Wavehooks

17. Toothpaste and Baking Soda Paste

Mix equal parts toothpaste and baking soda to create a thick paste.

Apply it in cracks and crevices. The minty scent repels roaches, while baking soda disrupts their digestion.

 

18. Toothpaste and Borax Bait

Combine toothpaste with a small amount of borax to create a bait.

Place it in roach hotspots. The mint attracts them, while borax kills them.

 

19. Toothpaste and Water Spray

Mix 2 tablespoons of toothpaste with 1 cup of water in a spray bottle.

Shake well and spray in roach-infested areas. The strong scent drives them away.

Suggested Read: Does Vinegar Kill Roaches Fast? 10 Surprising Facts You Need!

 

20. Homemade Roach Killer With Cloves

If you’re wondering how to prepare a homemade roach killer with cloves, here’s the truth: cloves can help, but they’re not a complete solution.

I personally use cloves to freshen my mouth, and the same strong aroma works against roaches too.

Their sharp scent repels them, but it doesn’t always reach deep corners where roaches hide.

That means cloves are great as a short-term repellent, perfect for shelves, cupboards, or under the sink.

But for lasting results, it’s best to combine them with stronger homemade remedies like borax or baking soda.

 

What is the best homemade roach killer?

best homemade roach killer
By Wavehooks

Out of all the roach killers I’ve experimented with, the one that shocked me the most was a mix of coffee grounds and baking soda.

Strange combo, right? But here’s why it’s genius, roaches are coffee addicts; the smell lures them instantly, while baking soda quietly does the real job.

I discovered this when I couldn’t stand the stingy smell of borax one night.

I sprinkled this mix near my sink, and by morning, silence. No crawling sounds, no nasty surprises.

Also, pair this combo with blue light to keep away tiny roaches in the kitchen drawers.

 

How to make homemade roach killer spray?

homemade roach killer spray
By Wavehooks

The above sections already give you a glimpse of how to prepare a homemade roach killer spray!

But let me share the one spray that’s close to my heart, because it came straight from my grandmother’s kitchen.

Back in her old apartment pests ruled every corner until she found this simple trick.

She would boil neem leaves and bay leaves together, let the water cool, then mix it with a splash of vinegar in a spray bottle.

The strong herbal scent lingers in cracks and corners, and roaches simply vanish.

 

What is the best homemade roach killer with vinegar?

homemade roach killer with vinegar
By wavehooks

Homemade DIY vinegar spray is honestly one of my favorite roach killers because it works double duty.

Not only does it help me deal with these stubborn insects, but I also use it to clean my kitchen countertops.

I love the trick of mixing vinegar with lemon juice and salt in a spray bottle.

It keeps roaches away, breaks down grease, and makes my kitchen smell sharp and clean.

How To Make A Homemade Roach Killer with Borax?

roach killer with borax
By Wavehooks

Borax not only helps you get rid of moles from your garden, but it can also work wonders on roaches inside your home.

The other day, when I was dealing with a sudden wave of roaches near my pantry, I remembered this trick: mixing borax with powdered sugar in equal parts.

The sugar lures them in, while the borax silently does its job.

I sprinkled it along the baseboards, and within days, the creepy crawlies completely disappeared from sight.

what smell keeps roaches away?

what smell keeps roaches away
By Wavehooks

Do you know there’s a smell that roaches absolutely hate?

Just try keeping crushed bay leaves or peppermint oil around your kitchen corners, and you’ll notice the difference.

The strong, refreshing scent may be pleasant to us, but it’s like a nightmare for roaches; they’ll avoid those spots completely.

I usually tuck a few dried bay leaves inside my drawers or spray diluted peppermint oil near the sink.

This keeps my kitchen smelling fresh while driving the pests away.

Suggested Read: 12 Expert Hacks For How To Get Rid Of Cluster Flies Easily.

How To Prepare homemade roach killer with eggs?

Do you know eggs are secret nutrients for repotted plants? On a similar note, their shells can also be turned into a powerful roach deterrent.

I usually collect dried eggshells, crush them into a fine powder, and then mix the powder with a little baking soda.

When sprinkled in corners or under the sink, it works like magic; roaches can’t stand crawling over it.

Plus, it’s natural, cost-free, and doubles up as a bonus fertilizer when it eventually mixes with soil.

 

Homemade Roach Killers Compared: Effectiveness, Safety & Speed

Roach comparision chart
By wavehooks

 

Homemade Roach Killer Infographic

Homemade Roach killer Tips
By Wavehooks

How To Prepare Homemade Roach Killer Balls

I still remember the night I found cockroaches racing across my kitchen. The sprays failed, and traps caught only a few, but then I discovered homemade roach killer balls.

This trick was passed down by my grandmother. Mixing borax, sugar, and flour into tiny dough balls felt too simple to work, yet within a week, the roaches were gone.

The sugar lured them, the borax did its job, and peace returned. If you’re desperate, homemade roach killer balls truly reclaim your home.

Suggested Read: 15 Indoor Plants That Keep Roaches Away: The Ultimate Fix! 

 

How To Prepare Homemade Roach Killer With Pine-Sol

One night, when baby roaches invaded my study table, my aunt showed me a stronger version of her Pine-Sol trick.

She mixed ½ cup Pine-Sol, ½ cup vinegar, and a few drops of dish soap in a spray bottle, then added water to fill it.

The Pine-Sol suffocated roaches, vinegar cut through grease trails, and soap made the mix stick to their bodies.

A quick spray of homemade roach killer with Pine-Sol wiped them out instantly!

 

What Are Homemade Roach Killers That Are Safe for Pets

shower glass cleaning recipe
By Wavehooks

My dog has this funny habit of sniffing every single corner of the house, especially under the sink and behind the fridge.

Honestly, that’s exactly why I’ve always been extra cautious about the kind of roach killers I use.

Chemicals were never an option for me. So, here are two homemade roach killers that are completely safe for pets:

1. Food-Grade Diatomaceous Earth

I sprinkle a thin layer wherever I suspect roach traffic. It looks like harmless white powder, but for roaches it’s a death trap; it dries them out from the inside.

The best part? My dog can sniff around all day, and it won’t harm him a bit.

 

2. Bay Leaf & Lemon Peel Sachets

This one feels like a secret weapon from nature itself. I crush bay leaves and mix them with dried lemon peels, then tuck the little sachets into cabinets and corners. My kitchen smells fresh, my dog is safe, and the roaches keep their distance.

Suggested Read: Is Eucalyptus Safe For Cats? Why Experts Are Panicking!

 

FAQS: homemade roach killer

homemade roach killer ingredients
By Wavehooks

1. how to get rid of cockroaches in the kitchen permanently?

Keep your kitchen spotless by wiping counters, sweeping floors, and storing food in airtight containers. Seal cracks with caulk and use natural repellents like bay leaves or diatomaceous earth to block and deter roaches for good.

2. How to prepare homemade german roach killer?

Mix boric acid with sweetened condensed milk to create bait balls and place them in roach hotspots. Alternatively, use a soap and water spray (2 tbsp dish soap + 1 cup water) to kill roaches on contact.

3. How to prepare homemade ant and roach killer?

Combine 1 cup vinegar, 10 drops of peppermint oil, and 1 cup of water for a repellent spray. For bait, mix 1 part borax with 2 parts sugar and place it near infested areas. Both methods are effective for eliminating ants and roaches naturally.

4. What’s the cheapest homemade roach killer?

A mix of boric acid and sugar is the cheapest roach killer you can whip up at home. Roaches can’t resist the sweetness, but the boric acid does the deadly work for pennies.

5. What is the best homemade roach killer that really works?

Homemade roach killer balls made of borax, flour, and sugar top the list. They don’t just kill; they wipe out entire colonies when roaches carry the poison back.

6. What is a safe homemade roach killer for pets?

Use baking soda mixed with sugar; it’s safe for pets but lethal to roaches. When ingested, it causes gas in roaches’ stomachs, finishing them off quietly.

7. Do homemade roach killers really work?

Yes, when used right, they work surprisingly well. Many households swear by them because they’re cheap, effective, and avoid harsh chemical sprays.

8. What is the fastest homemade roach killer?

Soap spray works instantly by suffocating roaches on contact. For longer-lasting results, boric acid bait balls are the fastest route to wiping out nests.

9. What is a natural homemade roach killer?

Essential oils like peppermint or eucalyptus can repel roaches naturally. Bay leaves, cloves, and vinegar also send these pests running without chemicals.

10. What smell keeps roaches away naturally?

Roaches absolutely hate the smell of peppermint and eucalyptus oils. Sprinkle some drops around cabinets or corners and watch them steer clear.

11. What’s a homemade roach killer trap I can make at home?

Try a jar trap: coat the rim with Vaseline, add sugar water inside, and watch roaches get stuck. It’s cheap, quick, and weirdly satisfying.

12. What homemade roach killer do people recommend on Reddit?

Most Redditors rave about borax and sugar balls for long-term success. Others swear by baking soda for a pet-safe yet powerful roach fix.

Suggested Reads:

How To Get Rid Of Ants In The Bathroom: No More Ants Allowed

How To Get Rid Of Drain Worms In Shower: 19 Creative Tricks!

 

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