While cockroaches are most active in the warmer months, here are some simple tricks to keeping them out all year round.
1. Baking soda and sugar
This one is one of the most effective methods as the sugar attracts the cockroaches likes bees to the honey.
The trick is to mix baking soda with the sugar as it destroys their immune system.
Another bonus is that it is safe to use around pets and children.
2. Bay leaf
If you have bay leaf around the home, it may come in handy as cockroaches hate the smell of it.
Just crush up the leaves into a powder and spread across common areas of the home to send them running.
Even better, you won't have to see their dead bodies as the leaves scare them away rather than kill them.
3. Borax and sugar
When in doubt, you can always trust sugar.
But, instead of mixing with baking soda you can use tough substance, Borax.
Borax works more quickly and kills cockroaches within hours.
Warning: This method is not suitable if you have kids or pets around the home.
4. Mouth wash
Surprisingly enough, mouth wash has more use then just making our breath smell great. It also can help in cockroach removal!
All you have to do is mix it with water, add a few drops of dishwashing liquid and spray wherever you’ve spotted the pests.
You can also spray the mix immediately when you see a live one crawling about.
5. Fabric softener
Another surprising deterrent is fabric softener.
Mix it with water in a spray bottle and spray it on them. It also deters future ones from ever coming back again.
6. Take preventative measures
Preventing cockroaches is a slower approach but might be worth it in the long run. Clean your house from head to toe and make sure it stays that way. This means keeping on top of food residue and waste, never leaving dirty dishes overnight – you get the idea.
Seal up any cracks and holes that cockroaches might be able to gain entry into your pantry or house through, this also includes water leaks as the critters love moisture.
This article originally appeared on Better Homes and Gardens.