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How to Get Rid of Roaches for Good Without It Costing a Lot

Roaches are one of the most common household pests. They can find their way into your home through cracks and crevices, and once inside, spread germs capable of transmitting bacteria and disease. Roaches can be very difficult to eliminate from your home and can reproduce at an alarming rate. If you discover cockroaches in your home, boric acid offers a safe, nontoxic and inexpensive way to treat roaches effectively.

Things You'll Need

Spray bottle
Water
1 tbsp dish soap
Caulk
Weather stripping

Instructions

- 1
  Apply boric acid behind appliances and in the backs of cabinets, pantries and other secluded places away from human contact. The roaches will walk over the powder, which is toxic to them, and die after ingesting it.
- 2
  Spread a thin layer of boric acid around the perimeter of your home to deter roaches. Reapply after it rains because it will lose its potency when wet.
- 3
  Practice proper sanitation to keep roaches away. Do not leave food out overnight, and keep all food stored in a tightly lidded container or refrigerator.
- 4
  Fill a spray bottle with warm water and add 1 tablespoon of dish soap to make an inexpensive homemade insecticide. Mix well and spray any roaches you see inside your home directly on contact. The soapy solution clogs the roach's breathing pores and should kill it within a few seconds.
- 5
  Seal all cracks and crevices in your home's foundation with caulk to prevent roaches from entering. Use weather stripping to fill any voids around windows and doors.

Insects & Science