How to get rid of cockroaches: 5 easy free kitchen hacks that work

A simple mix of baking soda and sugar is presented as a free way to tackle cockroaches at home. The advice also stresses hygiene, natural repellents and sealing gaps to stop them returning.

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Ants usually come in search of sweets or food scraps. (AI Generated Image)
A simple mix of baking soda and sugar is presented as a free way to tackle cockroaches at home.

Cockroaches are one of the most stubborn and unhygienic pests found in homes, especially in kitchens. They thrive in dark, damp spaces and can contaminate food and surfaces. The good news? You don’t always need expensive pest control simple, free home remedies can help keep them away for good.

WHY DO COCKROACHES ENTER YOUR HOME?

Cockroaches are usually attracted to:

  • Food crumbs and uncovered items

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    Moisture around sinks and drains

  • Dark corners, cracks, and cabinets

  • They hide during the day and come out at night in search of food.

THE MOST EFFECTIVE FREE METHOD (BAKING SODA + SUGAR)

One of the simplest and most effective remedies:

  • Mix equal parts of baking soda and sugar

  • Place it in corners, near sinks, and behind appliances

  • Sugar attracts cockroaches

  • Baking soda reacts inside their bodies and helps eliminate them

  • This method is natural, affordable, and easy to repeat.

NATURAL REMEDIES THAT REPEL COCKROACHES

If you prefer chemical-free solutions, try these:

  • Bay leaves: Their smell helps repel cockroaches

  • Neem oil: Acts as a natural pest deterrent

  • Peppermint or lemon spray: Strong scents keep them away

  • Garlic and onion mix: Works as a natural repellent

KEEP YOUR KITCHEN CLEAN

No remedy works without proper hygiene:

  • Clean dishes before sleeping

  • Dispose of garbage daily

  • Wipe surfaces to remove crumbs and spills

  • Avoid standing water in sinks

  • Cleanliness is the most important step in preventing infestations.

BLOCK ENTRY POINTS

  • Seal cracks and holes in walls

  • Close gaps near pipes and drains

  • Fix broken tiles or openings

  • Cockroaches can enter through very small spaces, so sealing them is crucial.

WHAT TO AVOID

  • Don’t rely only on sprays. They offer temporary relief

  • Avoid crushing cockroaches, as it can spread bacteria

  • Don’t ignore small infestations; they grow quickly

Getting rid of cockroaches doesn’t have to be expensive or complicated. With simple methods like baking soda and sugar, natural repellents, and consistent cleanliness, you can keep your kitchen pest-free. The key is regular maintenance. Once you break their cycle, they’re less likely to return.

- Ends
Published By:
Chaitanya Dhawan
Published On:
May 6, 2026 17:13 IST