Kitchen Care

Best Home Remedies for Cockroaches

Natural remedies and prevention tips to help keep your kitchen clean and reduce cockroach problems.

Atlas Kitchen • Updated April 7, 2026

Cockroaches are among the most disliked household pests. They can carry germs, indicate an unhygienic environment and often infest kitchens or other places where food and moisture are available.

They multiply quickly, so it is important to control them early. Professional pest control is useful for serious infestations, but there are also natural home remedies you can try using items that are commonly available at home.

Home Remedy #1: Boric Acid

Boric acid is believed to be one of the best home remedies for cockroaches. Dust a small amount in corners and floors where cockroaches are likely to pass. Keep it dry for best results.

Important: Boric acid is poisonous and should be kept away from children and pets.

Home Remedy #2: Baking Soda

A mixture of baking soda and sugar can help control cockroaches. Sugar attracts them, while baking soda helps kill them. Sprinkle the mixture in corners and hiding places.

Home Remedy #3: Neem

Neem oil or neem powder has been used as a natural pest remedy. Mix neem oil with water and spray it in areas where cockroaches appear, or sprinkle neem powder at night in affected areas.

Home Remedy #4: Peppermint Oil

Peppermint oil is a popular essential oil for keeping cockroaches away. Mix peppermint oil with salt water and spray it in infested corners and areas.

Home Remedy #5: Bay Leaves

Crush bay leaves and place them inside cupboards or areas where cockroaches are often seen. You can also boil bay leaves and spray the water in affected corners.

Home Remedy #6: Fabric Softener

Mix fabric softener with water in a spray bottle and spray directly on cockroaches when spotted. This may help with occasional sightings but is not suitable for large infestations.

How to Avoid Letting Cockroaches In

Clear Clutter

Food spills, open trash cans, clutter and dirt attract cockroaches. Keep the kitchen clean and remove crumbs from counters, floors and cabinets.

Stop Water Leakage

Cockroaches need moisture to survive. Fix leaking pipes, avoid standing water and keep the sink and surrounding areas dry.

Keep Your Kitchen Cleaner

A clean and well-designed kitchen can make maintenance easier. Closed storage, sealed cabinet edges, accessible corners and easy-to-clean surfaces help reduce clutter and make it harder for pests to hide.

If you are planning a new kitchen, consider a layout that makes cleaning simple and keeps food storage organised.