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How to Kill Cockroaches at Home Without Harming the Kids

Cockroaches are nocturnal, flat-bodied insects that infest many homes and buildings. They do not bite, and unlike mosquitoes and other biting insects, they do not directly transmit disease. They move across many surfaces though and carry germs from one spot to another in the process. Cockroaches also contribute to allergies and asthma among children.

There are several common varieties of cockroaches in the United States, though they are not usually found in the same house since their environmental needs are slightly different. Most people are disgusted by the presence of cockroaches and will do anything to get rid of them, but many are worried that aerosol insecticides might harm their children or pets. Fortunately, there are safe ways to get rid of roaches without endangering the health of family members.

Things You'll Need

Roach traps
Roach bait
Boric acid

Instructions

- 1
  Lay out traps in corners and along walls where you suspect cockroaches may frequent. The traps should be laid directly against the wall since roaches tend to hug the walls while crawling. Roach traps are usually open-ended boxes with an adhesive material coating on the inside. The roaches crawl into the box and stick to the walls. The traps may or may not have bait. These traps usually do not catch enough roaches by themselves to be effective as the soul method of extermination, but they can show where the cockroaches are congregating.
- 2
  Place insecticide-laced baits in spots where roaches are known to frequent. Do not place them where children or pets can reach them. Instead, put them in hard to reach spots, such as underneath the stove or behind the refrigerator.
- 3
  Apply boric acid lightly along cracks, the backs of cabinets and underneath the stove and refrigerator. Boric acid is a fine crystalline powder that adheres to the insect and is taken back to its nest. Use boric acid only in spots that can̵7;t be reached by children or pets. Boric acid loses its effectiveness once it starts to clump together, so avoid using it in damp places.

Insects & Science