ADVERTISEMENT
Clean like a boss to leave nothing for cockroaches
Cleanliness is your best weapon. Much like a cooking show, every detail counts:
- Crumbs and debris: Clean up immediately after each meal. Even a grain of rice can feed a cockroach for several days.
- Airtight containers: Flour, rice, pet food, etc., store them in sealed jars.
- Clean dishes: Never leave dirty dishes lying around overnight.
- Empty trash cans: Take out the trash regularly, especially in summer when the heat accentuates odors.
Plug their hiding places like a trained plumber
Cockroaches love small cracks and dark corners. Think of them as squatters: it’s best to cut off their access!
- Wall cracks, baseboards or furniture corners: Seal them with caulk or silicone.
- Water leaks: A dripping faucet is like a self-service bar for them. Fix it quickly.
- Ventilation: A well-ventilated room is less favorable for their installation.
Natural repellents as effective as a good homemade recipe
Certain ingredients in your cupboards can serve as natural defenses against cockroaches:
- Essential oils (peppermint, eucalyptus, lavender) : Their smell bothers them. A homemade spray (a few drops in a spray bottle of water) may be enough.
- Bay leaves: Placed in drawers and dark places, they confuse their sense of smell.
- Fresh cucumber: Their smell seems to repel them. Place a slice on sensitive areas.
- Baking soda and sugar : Mix equal parts baking soda and powdered sugar, then place the mixture in small bowls or on bottle caps. Attracted by the sugar, cockroaches will also ingest the baking soda, which is fatal to their digestive system.
Bait and Trap: Stealth Strategies
For cockroaches already installed, action must be taken:
- Poison baits: Placed in strategic corners, they act discreetly and reduce the population.
- Sticky traps: A good way to monitor the situation.
Boric acid: a discreet but effective powder
Sprinkle it near baseboards or under furniture. Once ingested, it works quickly. Use with caution, especially around children or pets.
If the infestation persists, call professionals
Despite your best efforts, cockroaches may return. In this case, a pest control professional can intervene using targeted methods that pose no risk to your health.
The secret to keeping them from coming back
Once you’ve gotten rid of these pests, stay vigilant:
- Watch for entry points: cracks, holes around pipes or vents.
- Regular maintenance: Frequent cleaning and a careful eye will keep your kitchen healthy and serene.
Cockroaches can now be banished! By combining these simple, natural, and effective tips, you can regain control of your kitchen. And most importantly, you’ll keep it clean, healthy, and free of unwanted visitors .
