I know this is a touchy subject for many but today we are going to tackle it head on. We will first cover some tried and true methods, and then move toward some of the more exotic ways.
Before spending any money on expensive insecticides, calling the exterminator or moving out, determine where the roaches are coming from. Cockroaches typically enter a home from an opening to the outside. If cockroaches are your problem, locate and seal any openings to the outside. Apply a barrier to the bottom of all the exterior doorways and around any windows.
Roaches will enter from the bottom not the top so ensure that basement windows and openings around the exterior piping are adequately sealed. In all cases ensure there is no standing water. This includes leaking pipes, faucets and upon counter tops. Keep all exterior vents closed when not in use.
We typically wait for garbage day to take out our trash. Maintain an area outside the home to store trash and keep trash within the home to a minimum. Ensure no food or food residue is left remaining on counter tops or floors. Only after completing the steps should we use insecticides.
A tried and true home remedy consists of a mixture of boric acid sugar and white flour. Mix equal parts and grind them into a fine powder. Although boric acid is not particularly toxic pets will eat this sweet mixture so it should not be applied to open areas where pets can easily get to it. Apply the powder along the inside edges of cabinets and drawers. Re-apply the powder every two weeks.
We typically apply foggers to the middle of a room. But this greatly reduces the concentration. Instead, when using foggers, place them in the basements, within interior vents and cabinets preferably lower to the ground. This will greatly increase the concentration delivered to where the roaches live within the walls.
When using insecticide sprays, note that due to health guidelines the active ingredient of insecticides has been greatly reduced from that of years past. The strongest insecticides on the market typically are the wasp and hornet sprays. Spray the entire contents of the hornet spray into a plastic spray bottle and lightly dilute it with a water and boric acid solution.
Plastic spray bottles having a cord spray nozzle can be found cheaply at any hardware store. Or you can simply use an empty cleanser or window cleaner bottle. Apply the solution to all inside corners of cabinets, drawers, basements and behind the stove and refrigerator.
Note that while greatly less toxic than a professional insecticide, this is a more toxic solution than typical roach sprays and should never be sprayed in areas where children or pets can get into it.
This is a safe and very cost effective, efficient way to rid your home of roaches and keep them out.
Previously Posted on FullofKnowlege.com
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