Hi everyone!
I’ve discovered cockroaches in my kitchen and bathroom, but I’m not sure what type they are or how to tackle them. Some are small and tan, others are larger and dark brown. I’ve tried sprays, but they keep coming back!
Background:
- Found them near sinks, under appliances, and in cabinets.
- Worried about chemicals because of my toddler and cat.
- Need to ID the species to choose the right solution!
Discussion Points:
- How do I identify common cockroach types (e.g., German vs. American)?
- What DIY methods work best for each species?
- Are natural repellents (e.g., essential oils) effective long-term?
- How do I sanitize areas to prevent reinfestation?
- When should I call a professional exterminator?
Any advice would save my sanity, thanks!
Small tan ones with two stripes? Likely German cockroaches, they’re the worst! They love warm, humid areas. Use gel baits in cracks. Avoid sprays, they scatter and spread!
Mix equal parts baking soda + sugar. The sugar lures them, baking soda kills. For natural repellents, try peppermint oil + water spray. Safe for kids/pets!
Some are big, shiny, and reddish-brown. What’s that?
Those are American cockroaches, sewer lovers! Seal pipe gaps and set sticky traps. They’re slower breeders than Germans, so easier to control.
Diatomaceous earth (food-grade) along baseboards! It dehydrates them. Reapply after cleaning. Also, bay leaves in cabinets, roaches hate the smell!
Oriental cockroaches invaded my basement. Used boric acid powder + cocoa powder mix. Wiped them out in 2 weeks!
Sanitation is key! Fix leaks, vacuum crumbs daily, and store food in airtight jars. Roaches starve without food/water. @PanickedHomeowner, declutter NOW!
Made a spray with 10 drops tea tree oil + 2 cups water. Wiped down surfaces, roaches vanished! Reapply weekly. Cheaper than Raid!
Confirmed Germans + Americans. Applied gel bait and DE. Found 10 dead roaches, progress! Will deep-clean this weekend. Thanks, all!
If DIY fails after 3 weeks, call a pro. Germans need insect growth regulators to break their lifecycle. Don’t let them breed, they lay 40 eggs at a time!