How to Eliminate Roaches

Cockroaches are common pests in households. According to the North Carolina Department of Environment and Natural Resources, cockroaches inhabit humid areas that include kitchens and bathrooms. Roaches carry bacteria and viruses upon their bodies. They also spit and defecate on food that is left out in the open within your home. It's possible to develop allergies to roach fecal waste and decaying roaches. Because of this, it's important to exterminate the insects before they become an issue.

Things You'll Need

• Childproof roach bait traps
• Boric acid
• Plastic bag
• Dust mask

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Instructions

Bait Trap

• 1

  Purchase bait traps that are childproof. These containers hold insecticides within an enclosed plastic trap. Roaches will feed on the bait and take the bait back to other roaches, thereby killing them.

• 2

  Place traps around roach-traveled areas.

  Place the bait traps around affected areas. The University of Kentucky College of Agriculture indicates that you should place baits in areas such as under your sinks, dishwasher and cabinets.

• 3

  Place baits in the corners of areas to be treated. Roaches like to travel on the edges of walls and in the corners of a room, rather than in the middle of a room.

Boric Acid

• 4

  Buy boric acid, which can be bought purchased at hardware stores. Empty some of the powder into a plastic bag. This will make dusting infected areas easier.

• 5

  Roaches aren't repelled by boric acid.

  Put on a dust mask. Shake the boric acid container and gently squeeze the container. This will create a fine layer of powder. The powder adheres to the legs of a roach, which is ingested when the roach cleans itself.

• 6

  Spread boric acid in areas that include crevices, cracks, behind your refrigerator, around your sinks and dishwasher and other problem areas. Avoid using boric acid on your counters and areas where you prep your meals.