Cockroaches are common pests found in many homes. The pesky crawlers can cause various illnesses, which is why, if you find a cockroach infestation inside your house, you need to take immediate steps to remove it.
With everyone looking for repellants for roaches, we have to consider a popular question and possible alternative. In this post, we will review the question “does camphor kill cockroaches?” and give an answer to the question.
Does Camphor Kill Cockroaches?
The good thing is you can try some home remedies for preventing roach infestations. Camphor Oil is one such remedy that is said to help kill cockroaches. But is it effective in killing the pesky pests? Let’s find out:
Effectiveness of Camphor Oil in Killing Roaches
Various studies indicate the insect-repellent properties of essential oils, including Camphor oils. Similarly, some studies have investigated the repellent properties of camphor basil (Ocimum kilimandscharicum).
Camphor oil and some other essential oils, such as peppermint, lavender, eucalyptus, and tea tree oils, can prevent roaches from entering your place. This is because cockroaches hate the smell of essential oils and keep away from the area where they are sprayed. This is one of the things cockroaches hate.
Leaving camphor oil in a cup or spraying the area with essential oil won’t kill cockroaches. The essential oil will only repel roaches. But if you spray the oil directly on the roaches, it will kill them.
You can buy commercial insecticide containing camphor oil or make one at your home. Mix one part white vinegar, two parts water, and ten drops of camphor oil in a spray bottle. Spray the mixture around the areas with a roach infestation. You can also apply the oil to a cotton piece and wipe it around the areas where roaches live.
Other Alternate Natural Remedies to Camphor for Killing Cockroaches
Essential oils, including camphor oil, are effective natural roach repellents. Additionally, many other natural remedies can kill or repel roaches inside the house.
1. Baking Soda
Baking is a multifunctional product with different uses. The product can also be used to kill cockroaches. Consider making a mixture of baking soda, sugar, and flour. The smell of sugar and flour will attract all the roaches.
When the roaches drink water after eating the mixture, they will be killed as the reaction with the soda will make their stomach hurt. A chain reaction will occur since roaches often eat their dead comrades.
You should place a baking soda mixture close to another dish filled with water. Refill the bowls when you notice dead roaches and put more dishes around the place. Continue this process until all the roaches are killed.
2. Diatomaceous Earth
Diatomaceous Earth is another natural and pet-friendly roach repellent. The natural repellent is in the form of a white powder. It is made from the fossilized remains of hard-shelled, unicellular algae named diatoms. These are found in different household products that are safe for pets and babies.
Another great thing about Diatomaceous Earth is that it kills roaches, including their exoskeletons. You should use the natural repellent after sealing and clearing all the possible food sources of cockroaches, including trash, bread crumbs, and pet food.
Consider mixing flour or cocoa powder with Diatomaceous Earth for the best effect. Apply the mixture to the areas frequented by roaches at night, such as kitchen countertop, dining table, and fridge. This will help in getting rid of the cockroach infestation.
You should apply the mixture lightly since the cockroaches won’t step on it if heavily used. Apply the mix again if it gets washed away. Once all the cockroaches have been eliminated, leave the mixture to prevent another infestation.
3. Household Detergent
Household detergents can also be used as a cockroach repellent. Spray a mixture of dish soap and water directly to cockroaches. Spraying the detergent on them will kill all the roaches instantly. The method will not help in getting rid of the nest unless you identify and sprinkle over them.
4. Clovite
Clovite is a vitamin supplement that is used for horses. The supplement is also useful in killing cockroaches. Place some Clovite supplements in a jar lid near cockroach-infested areas at night. But you should make sure to keep it out of reach of pets and children.
5. Hedge Apples
Hedge apples are also excellent cockroach repellents. Make sure to place them around the roach infestation. Cockroaches that eat the hedge apples will die instantly.
6. Garlic
Garlic is also a natural remedy that can get rid of cockroaches. Sprinkle some garlic powder around the infected areas. Cockroaches can’t stand the smell of garlic. Consider replacing the powder every month.
7. Borax
Borax can kill cockroaches by dehydrating them. Sprinkle Borax, where cockroaches forage at night. It damages the digestive system of the pesky pests, thereby killing them.
8. Neem
Studies have shown neem bait to be effective in getting rid of roaches. Neem interferes with the hormones of the insect and prevents them from breeding. You can prepare neem bait using the neem seed extract.
10. Soapy Water
Soapy water is also an effective cockroach repellent. Just mix water and soap in a spray bottle and spray directly at the roaches. The solution will kill the insects when it contacts the abdomen or head. It will kill the pests in about a minute.
Roaches will be killed since soapy water forms a thin layer on the skin of the insects. Soapy water will prevent the roaches from breathing and kill them.
The above-mentioned natural remedies work only in case of a mold infestation. If you have a severe roach infestation, you should consider getting the help of a professional cockroach exterminator to get rid of cockroaches inside your house.
