Cockroaches are more than just unpleasant—they’re resilient pests that can invade even the cleanest homes. Once they settle in, they multiply fast, contaminate food, and trigger allergies. While calling a professional exterminator is one option, many homeowners turn to DIY methods to fight back—and with the right strategy, it can absolutely work.

Why Cockroaches Are So Hard to Kill

Cockroaches are built for survival. They can live for weeks without food, hide in tiny cracks and crevices, and even survive a decapitation for a short time. That’s why a casual approach won’t work. To win the battle, you need a plan that’s thorough, consistent, and targeted.

Start With a Deep Clean

The first step in any DIY cockroach control effort is eliminating what attracts them:

• Clean food spills immediately, especially crumbs around stoves and sinks.
  
  
• Seal all food in airtight containers, including pet food.
  
  
• Take out the trash daily and use trash cans with tight-fitting lids.
  
  
• Fix leaks—roaches love moisture and often hide near water sources.
  
  
• Declutter. Piles of newspapers, cardboard, and bags make ideal hiding spots.
  
  

Seal Their Entry Points

Cockroaches often sneak in through cracks in walls, gaps around pipes, or under doors. Seal those gaps with caulk or weather stripping to reduce access points. Pay special attention to:

• Baseboards
  
  
• Behind appliances
  
  
• Around plumbing under sinks
  
  
• Window frames and doorways
  
  

DIY Baits That Really Work

Homemade baits can be surprisingly effective and easy to make. The key is to mix something they love (food) with something that kills.

1. Baking Soda and Sugar
   This works similarly to borax and is slightly safer for households with pets. The baking soda reacts with the acid in a roach’s stomach and kills it over time.
   
2. Peanut Butter and Diatomaceous Earth (Food Grade)
   Diatomaceous earth is a natural substance that dehydrates roaches to death. Smear peanut butter on a lid, sprinkle diatomaceous earth on top, and leave it in roach hotspots.
   

Traps and Barriers

• Sticky traps from hardware stores can help you identify high-traffic areas and reduce populations.
  
• Jar traps: Place some coffee grounds or beer in a glass jar, coat the inside lip with petroleum jelly, and watch the roaches get stuck.
  
• Cucumber peels and bay leaves: Some homeowners swear by natural repellents like cucumber or bay leaves, but these are more preventive than curative.
  

Roach Repellent Spray

You can make your own spray to repel cockroaches by mixing:

• 1 part white vinegar
  
• 1 part water
  
• A few drops of peppermint or eucalyptus oil
  

Spray along baseboards, under sinks, and near any visible entry points.

Don’t Forget the Follow-Up

Roach eggs can take weeks to hatch, so one round of cleaning and baiting won’t solve the problem overnight. Reapply treatments weekly, and monitor for signs of a return. Keep traps in place for at least a month.

When DIY Isn’t Enough

If you’ve tried everything and still see roaches after 4–6 weeks, it may be time to call in a professional exterminator. DIY methods work best for small infestations or early intervention, but larger infestations often require commercial-grade treatments.