Cockroaches are one of the most common household pests, and they can be difficult to get rid of in kitchen cabinets once they’ve taken up residence in your home.
Cockroaches in the kitchen can be a nightmare, especially if they’ve made their way into the cabinets and pantry. Unfortunately, seeing only one or two roaches indicates that there are more nearby. This is an urgent issue that must be addressed. Roaches are not only unsightly, but they can also transmit diseases and pose a particular threat to pets in the home.
First, identify how the cockroaches are getting into the cabinets. If there are cracks or holes in the cabinets, seal them up with caulk or repair them with wood putty. Next, clean the cabinets thoroughly, removing any food or water sources that the cockroaches may be attracted to. Finally, set out traps or use a roach bait to kill the cockroaches.
The following steps can help eliminate pests and prevent them from returning.
Cockroaches in Kitchen Cabinets: How to Get Rid of Them?
- Clean out your cabinets to remove any potential food sources and to look for any cracks or crevices.
- To get rid of the roaches, decide whether you want to use gel baits, diatomaceous earth, boric acid, or a pest control professional.
Considerations for Safety
- If you use strong chemical solutions or treatments, you should wear gloves and a face mask.
- It’s a good idea to open windows before using boric acid to improve ventilation once the solution is in your cabinets.
- If you have pets or small children, use caution when using gel baits. If these products are accidentally consumed, they can be toxic.
How To Get Rid Of Cockroaches In Kitchen Cabinets – Step-by-Step
#1. Clean and empty the kitchen cabinets.
Whether you find cockroaches in the cabinet beneath your kitchen sink or in the pantry where you store food, the best way to begin the elimination process is to clear your kitchen cabinets and thoroughly clean the insides. It’s a good idea to completely open all doors and drawers to check for any debris or moisture that may have been attracting these troublesome creatures. If cockroaches have made their way into any food storage, it is best to discard those items. You can use a vacuum with a brush attachment to remove tiny bits of food and dust before wiping down the cabinets.
After vacuuming out all debris, clean the inside and outside of each cabinet with a household cleaning spray or a combination of hot water and dish soap. Apply the cleaning spray to a cleaning cloth or paper towels, or soak a cloth in a mixture of 10 parts water to 1 part dish soap.
After vacuuming out all debris, clean the inside and outside of each cabinet with a household cleaning spray or a combination of hot water and dish soap. Apply the cleaning spray to a cleaning cloth or paper towels, or soak a cloth in a mixture of 10 parts water to 1 part dish soap. After wiping everything down with soap and water, dry the cabinets with a clean, dry cloth.
#2. Caulk any gaps that may exist.
Cockroach control can be especially difficult because the insects can squeeze through even the smallest cracks. When dealing with how to get rid of small cockroaches in kitchen cabinets, you can use caulk to fill in any gaps in the kitchen or the cabinets.
Choose a caulk that is appropriate for the area where you will be filling gaps. If you’re filling any gaps under the sink, for example, use a water-resistant caulk. A caulk gun will make it simple to create thin, even lines. After you’ve applied the caulk, smooth out any bumps and make sure it fills the crack with a scraper tool.
Expanding foam spray can also be useful for minimizing gaps around plumbing when sealing under the sink.
#3. Remove all water sources.
Cockroaches need water to survive, so it’s not uncommon for them to find it through small spillages or leakage in your home. Leaky pipes and faucets are common culprits, so inspect the area beneath your sink to see if it is going to attract cockroaches in the kitchen at night. If you have pets and keeps water bowls in the kitchen, try elevating the bowls or purchasing a pet fountain to avoid splashes and spills.
#4. Use gel baits.
To catch roaches, place gel bait in cabinets or other areas where the pests have been spotted. Gel baits are more effective than sprays or liquids. They’re also safer because the solution remains contained, unlike liquids, which can spread outside the area where they’re applied. The bait can be placed beneath the sink, along the bottom of cabinets, and in other areas where cockroaches have been observed. When cockroaches come into contact with the gel, they spread it to other roaches, and the gel poison gradually eliminates them.
If you’re unsure about the best places to apply gel, consult with a professional. They’ll know where to put the gel in your kitchen to keep cockroaches at bay for good.
#5. Use Diatomaceous Earth or Boric Acid
Diatomaceous earth is a good home remedy for cockroaches if you’re looking for a nontoxic way to kill them. This powder is made from naturally occurring soft sedimentary rock and can be purchased at any hardware store. Sprinkle it in areas where you’ve previously seen roaches. It kills the insects by drying out their exoskeletons. While this powder is not toxic if swallowed, it can cause respiratory discomfort if it becomes airborne. Keep pets and children away from the room and use a mask when applying it.
Boric acid is a common insecticide that poisons cockroaches who consume it. It is available in powder form and can be used in crevices, cabinets, or surfaces where cockroaches are known to be. They’ll ingest the solution and die once it’s on their bodies. This powder can be harmful if it gets on dishes, utensils, or open food containers, so use it with caution. Because boric acid can irritate the skin, it’s best to apply it while wearing gloves and a face mask.
#6. Contact a pest control specialist.
Hiring one of the best pest control services is the most effective way to permanently eliminate a kitchen roach infestation. This type of expert will have years of experience to draw on when identifying cockroach hiding places and employing cutting-edge cockroach control methods. You won’t have to waste time or money on ineffective techniques this way. You can try cockroach home remedies, but it may be worth your time to consult a professional who can tailor the treatment to your specific problem. Most pest control professionals also provide guaranteed results, so if they treat your home and the roaches return, the professionals can return to resolve the problem.
#7. Maintain a clean kitchen.
Once all roaches have been exterminated, it is critical to keep your kitchen clean to avoid their return. Make sure all food containers in the cabinets are sealed, and that any leaky plumbing is repaired. Precautionary measures can go a long way toward keeping your kitchen free of crawling pests, particularly roaches.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
What is the quickest way to eliminate roaches in the kitchen?
Baking Soda
Baking soda is one of the quickest and easiest ways to get rid of roaches, and you probably already have it in your pantry. To make your own roach bait, dice some onions and sprinkle them with baking soda. Put this appetizer in a shallow dish wherever you’ve seen roach activity.
What repels cockroaches instantly?
Essential oils that effectively repel cockroaches include peppermint oil, cedarwood oil, and cypress oil. Furthermore, these insects dislike the smell of crushed bay leaves and avoid coffee grounds. If you want to kill them naturally, mix powdered sugar and boric acid.
What smells keep roaches away?
Cockroaches have a keen sense of smell, which they use to locate food. You can take advantage of this by repelling them from your home with scents they dislike, such as thyme, citrus, basil, mint, and citronella.
Does killing a cockroach attract more?
Is it true that dead cockroaches attract more cockroaches? They most emphatically do! When a cockroach dies, it exudes oleic acid. This has a strong odor that attracts other cockroaches.
Conclusion
The above steps can assist you in determining where the cockroaches in your kitchen are hiding, as well as how to keep them at bay and ensure they do not return. If you are uncomfortable trying to eliminate pests on your own, or if previous attempts have failed, hiring a professional is your best bet. They can devise a strategy to keep your kitchen roach-free by utilizing high-quality equipment, tools, and treatments, so you don’t have to live in fear of another cockroach encounter.
