Why are roaches in my kitchen cabinet? This is a question everyone needs answers to get rid of those annoying crowing cockroaches. Your cabinet is the first place those roaches consider home and their infestation is enough to send shivers down one spine.
Cockroaches have a history of staying in areas where there is moisture and your cabinet is one of those places.
While there are lots of pesticides out there that claim to help get rid of cockroaches, these insects still find ways to stay alive. It is important to take preventive measures to get rid of roaches infestation in the long run and how to get rid of them even after keeping your kitchen clean can be quite confusing.
Roaches can be really disgusting and also harmful to one’s health so you do need to get rid of them completely. Decluttering and cleaning your kitchen will go a long way in getting rid of cockroaches but this one works in a short term.
Research shows that there are different types of cockroaches around the world but the common ones found in homes are German and American cockroaches, which are considered difficult to get rid of.
But not to worry, read on to discover how you can get rid of cockroaches in kitchen cabinets for good.
Why do I have cockroaches in my cabinets?
If you keep coming across bugs or cockroaches in your cabinet, it’s enough reason to worry and find ways to get rid of them.
Roaches love dark and secluded places lie your cabinets and if there are lots of cracks and crevices, they can easily slip their slender bodies into it and hide. The foods spilled in kitchen cabinets can also attract them.
Cabinets are like grocery stores for cockroaches, they can eat and since it’s natural dark, they can hide in it as well. It is important to keep your kitchen cabinet clean and avoid food spills so these annoying insects don’t keep coming back.
How to Get Rid Of Cockroaches In Kitchen Cabinets
To keep your home protected, you do need effective ways you can get rid of them in a long term. Cockroaches do not breed in your kitchen cabinets alone but can make under the sink, below the slabs, and drains their home as well.
However, no need to freak out when next you see these annoying roaches running around in your cabinet, below are 9 effective ways you can get rid of them.
1. Boric Acid And Sugar
The use of boric acid to get rid of cockroaches is not new however people still doubt how effective this can be. Boric acid and sugar happen to be old remedies for getting rid of roaches and it works.
Simply mix boric acid with sugar and spread it around the kitchen cabinets, holes, and crevices with sugar or you can use the boric acid alone but the sugar is meant to lure them in. This is a simple but very effective way to rid your kitchen cabinets of roaches for a long time.
2. Hot Water And Vinegar
Hot water and vinegar are another easy at-home way you can get rid of those insects. You want to ensure the roaches are gone for good so you have to make use of something they hate. Vinegar and hot water are not just for killing cockroaches in your cabinet but it helps as a preventive measure as well.
Mix 1 portion of white vinegar with hot water and clean your kitchen cabinet with it, pour this in the kitchen drain and clean the cooking tops with it too. It will disinfect the whole place thereby keeping roaches away. Best to do this regularly.
3. Glue Traps to Get Rid Of Cockroaches In Kitchen Cabinets
- Thick coat of professional-strength adhesive
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Glue traps are not just going to get rid of cockroaches but other annoying insects in your cabinet.
Glue traps won’t exactly kill the cockroaches or send them away but placing them in all sorts of places can help hold roaches down. You might have to use pesticides with this method to kill those roaches but it can help keep them in one spot with its sticky surface.
4. Bay Leaves
While humans find the smell of bay leaves to be fine, insects such as cockroaches hate them. Hence, you should place a few bay leaves around our kitchen cabinet to deter them. This is a natural method that won’t kill cockroaches but will keep them away hence it’s worth trying if you have bay leaves at home.
5. They Hate The Smell Of Cinnamon
You will be surprised what this strong spice can do. Cockroaches are known to hate things with strong essence such as cinnamon. Simply sprinkle the grounded cinnamon powder around your cabinet and kitchen and watch as it stops those cockroaches from breeding.
6. Cockroach Killer Spray
- ELIMINATES HOME INVADING PESTS – This bug spray for home works Naturally Kills and Repels Home Invading Pests Including: Cockroach, Spiders, Ants, Fleas, Earwigs, Stink Bugs, Gnat, Mites, Scorpion, Silverfish, and other common household pests.
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There is no way you will think about getting rid of cockroaches without considering a cockroach killer spray. Some brands are effective and will get rid of these pesky insects in no time. However, you have to be careful with this spray since they can be toxic but they are perfect for cockroaches infestation.
You don’t want any food poisoning when using this spray in your kitchen cabinets so it’s best to have food items and utensils brought out while you spray. Ensure to spray carefully only near cracks and crevices.
7. Use Peppermint Oil
Another home remedy you can use to get rid of cockroaches is peppermint oil. Peppermint oil can be used as a repellent in killing cockroaches and bugs. It might not be as strong as cockroaches killer spray but it is a non-toxic method that works.
Mix 15 drops of peppermint oil with water, mix thoroughly and simply spray all around the infected areas.
8. Listerine Spray Or Any Mouth Wash Could Do The Trick
Listerine spray is just as effective in eliminating cockroaches just like peppermint oil. Peppermint oil and Listerine spray can also be mixed for fast results.
Studies show that the essential oils present in Listerine spray or any type of mouth wash can repel cockroaches and other annoying insects. You can add dishwashing liquid to it as well and spray the infected area.
9. Fabric Softener
- Downy Infusions calm scent Liquid fabric enhancer transforms your laundry with the soothing scent of lavender and vanilla bean
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Fabric softener has been around for a long time but not many know how fast it can be used to eliminate cockroaches. Cockroaches are known to breathe through their skin and when they breathe in fabric softener, it kills them instantly.
Pour two cups of water into a spray bottle and add 3-4 spoons of fabric softener to it. Mix this very well and spray in all the places you know these cockroaches are and all their hiding spots in the kitchen too. Repeat this process every two weeks for lasting results.
FAQs: How To Get Rid Of Cockroaches In Kitchen Cabinets
How do you get rid of roaches overnight?
The simple answer to this borax powder. This might not seem strong as pesticides but it will eliminate those roaches overnight. The use of duct tape is another effective method, spread these strips upside down all over the house and it will kill these insects before morning.
How do you get rid of a heavy cockroach infestation?
The first step to getting rid of heavy cockroach infestation is to clean. Focus on cleaning and keeping every food item sealed away and vacuum thoroughly. Cockroaches need food and water to survive so keep that locked away. Next is to spray pesticides or kill them with bait before they get inside.
How do I get rid of the smell of roaches in my cabinets?
Roaches infestation can make your cabinet smell as well and the natural remedy for this is soap and water. Mix equal parts in a spray bottle and spray everywhere. Another effective method is spraying every corner of your cabinet with a non-porous disinfectant, removing every food item before doing this.
Does killing cockroaches attract more?
Killing cockroaches with spray won’t attract more however killing them with force like squishing them will attract more. The other roaches pick up the pheromones which splatter out when you kill any by crushing under your shoe and they can come out of hiding.
Wrapping Up
Keeping your house clean is vital if you want to eliminate roaches and you need to declutter as well to stop giving them hiding space.
You should also consider sealing any cracks around your home. It might take a few days for any of the methods above to do a full elimination of roaches in your cabinet but these are proven ways to eradicate these bugs in a long term.