7. Find the ant nest
Be careful: Some ants are aggressive and have painful bites! They also play an important part in our ecological system, so only destroy the nest if other methods have failed. Pour boiling water into the entry point of the nest; it will flow throughout the tunnels and kill the colony. You can also use a solution of camphor oil and methylated spirits. Your aim should be to kill the queen, who is responsible for reproducing in the colony.
8. Starve roaches
Roaches can’t live for more than a week without water, so make sure that you don’t have any leaks in your house. This way they’ll be more keen to nibble on any liquid baits you leave out for them. The same goes for food: Make sure that your kitchen is totally clean, without crumbs or food splatters anywhere. Roaches love grease, so give that stovetop a thorough wipe.
9. Deter roaches
As with ants, there are natural chemicals and scents that roaches can’t stand. Some of these include bay leaves, mint oil, Listerine, cedar, cucumber and lemon. Mix your own solutions and spray in the affected areas of your house to keep away the roaches.
10. Use roach bait
There are many types of store-bought bait, but you can also make your own. One recipe uses boric acid, flour and sugar. This method takes a few weeks to work, and you need to kill a few generations of roaches before the numbers decline significantly, but it is effective if you’re patient.
11. Make your own roach spray
How? Just using soap and water. Spray the mixture directly onto roaches. It forms a layer over their shells, effectively suffocating them. This method works quickly and doesn’t require any harmful chemicals, but be sure to dispose of the roach immediately because it could recover if the mixture dries too quickly.
12. Make a roach trap
Roaches need water, so they’ll go to great lengths to get it. Partially fill a jar with water and place it where you’ve seen frequent roaches. They’ll climb in for the water and won’t be able to get back out. You can also make a great “soda bottle trap” based on the same principle. Try putting coffee grounds in with the water; the roaches are attracted to coffee.
A bad infestation is a health hazard, and at some point you may need to use a chemical bug spray or insecticide bomb, or even call in the professionals. But try these natural home remedies first; they’re better for your family, your pets and the environment.