How to Get Rid of Cockroaches in Kitchen Permanently | DIY Tips

If cockroaches keep showing up in your kitchen no matter how clean it is, you’re not alone—and you’re definitely not helpless. Many people struggle with this problem, but the good news is that you can get rid of cockroaches in your kitchen permanently. In this article, we’ll show you simple home remedies, natural ways, and smart DIY tricks to remove them without harsh chemicals. You’ll also learn how to keep them from coming back forever. Whether you want a quick fix or a long-term solution, this guide covers everything—step-by-step and easy enough for anyone to follow.

Why Are Cockroaches in Your Kitchen?

Cockroaches enter your kitchen because it’s the perfect place for them to live. They find food crumbs, moisture from the sink, and warm, dark hiding spots—all things they need to survive. Even a small spill or uncovered food can attract them quickly. Once they’re inside, they hide during the day and come out at night to search for food. That’s why you may not see them right away, but they’re there.

Common hiding spots include:

1. Under the sink
   
2. Inside kitchen cabinets
   
3. Behind the fridge or stove
   
4. Inside wall cracks and drain holes

How to Get Rid of Cockroaches in Kitchen Permanently Naturally

If you want to get rid of cockroaches in the kitchen permanently naturally, try using ingredients that are already in your home. These are safe, cheap, and chemical-free.

Try these natural options:

• Bay leaves – Crush a few and place them inside cabinets and near sink areas. Roaches dislike the strong smell.
  
• Cucumber slices – Leave fresh slices near corners and under the sink; it helps repel roaches.
  
• Neem oil – Mix a few drops with water and spray it around baseboards and cabinets.

Make a DIY Baking Soda & Sugar Trap

Want a homemade solution that actually works? Here’s how to get rid of cockroaches in kitchen permanently with baking soda—one of the safest and most effective natural tricks.

Step-by-step method:

1. Mix equal parts of baking soda and sugar (1:1 ratio).
   
2. Place the mix in small shallow lids or bottle caps.
   
3. Keep these in dark corners, under the fridge, and near drains.
   

How it works: The sugar attracts the cockroaches, and the baking soda reacts with the acid in their stomachs, killing them naturally.

How to Get Rid of Roaches Overnight DIY

If you need a fast fix, here’s how to get rid of roaches overnight DIY style using simple items you already have at home. These traps are easy, cheap, and work while you sleep.

DIY traps you can set up tonight:

• Jar trap: Take a glass jar, coat the inside rim with petroleum jelly, and place a bit of banana peel or sugar at the bottom. Roaches climb in but can’t get out.
  
• Sticky tape: Lay double-sided tape near walls, under the fridge, or around the trash can. Roaches get stuck while moving around at night.
  
• Essential oils: Soak cotton balls in peppermint or tea tree oil and place them in dark corners. These smells repel roaches naturally.

Starve Them: No Food, No Roaches

Roaches don’t survive long without food. One of the best DIY tricks is simply cutting off their food supply at night—when they’re most active.

To starve them out:

1. Wipe down all kitchen counters before bed.
   
2. Seal food in airtight containers or in the fridge.
   
3. Sweep up crumbs and don’t leave dirty dishes in the sink.

How to Get Rid of Cockroaches in Kitchen Permanently Without Chemicals

If you’re looking for a chemical-free way to get rid of cockroaches in the kitchen permanently, steam cleaning and hot water flushing are great solutions. These methods are both effective and safe for your family.

Here’s how it works:

• Steam Cleaning: Use a steam cleaner to target cracks, crevices, and areas where cockroaches hide, such as under the sink or behind appliances. The hot steam will kill both the roaches and their eggs instantly.
  
• Hot Water Flushing: For areas like drains or cracks in the floor, pour boiling water directly into the spaces where roaches are hiding. The heat will kill them on contact.

Use Diatomaceous Earth

Another powerful way to eliminate cockroaches naturally is by using diatomaceous earth. It’s a completely chemical-free option that can kill cockroaches without any harmful substances.

What it is:

Diatomaceous earth is a fine powder made from the fossilized remains of tiny aquatic organisms. It’s safe for humans and pets but deadly to insects like cockroaches.

How it works:

When cockroaches come in contact with the powder, it scratches their exoskeleton and dehydrates them, leading to death.

Safe Use Instructions:

1. Sprinkle diatomaceous earth in areas where roaches hide, such as under the fridge, sink, or inside cabinets.
   
2. Leave it for a few hours or overnight, then vacuum it up.
   
3. Reapply the powder as needed, especially in places where roaches are frequently seen.

Small Cockroaches in Kitchen at Night: What It Means

If you’ve spotted small cockroaches in your kitchen at night, it could be a sign that there’s more than just a few roaches hiding around. Small roaches are often a sign of an infestation that’s just starting to become visible. These baby roaches are typically nymphs, the immature form of adult cockroaches. They’re more active at night because cockroaches are nocturnal, and they’re looking for food and moisture.

Why Small Roaches at Night = Infestation

Small roaches tend to stay hidden during the day and come out at night to forage for food. Seeing them frequently at night is a sign that the population is growing, and an infestation may be developing in your home. Left unchecked, this can lead to a larger infestation, which becomes much harder to manage.

Early Signs to Catch and Stop Them Early:

1. Sightings of baby roaches (nymphs): If you notice small roaches more than once, it’s time to take action.
   
2. Foul smell: A musty, oily odor around your kitchen could indicate a cockroach infestation.
   
3. Droppings: Roach droppings are small and resemble pepper flakes, often found near food storage or sinks.
   
4. Egg casings: Cockroaches lay their eggs in dark, hidden areas, and if you spot egg casings (known as oothecae), this is a clear sign of an infestation.

How to Get Rid of Cockroaches Forever: The Long-Term Plan

To ensure you get rid of cockroaches forever, you need to stop them from entering your kitchen in the first place. One of the most effective long-term solutions is to seal all possible entry points where they could be sneaking in.

What to do:

• Caulk gaps: Use silicone caulk to fill any gaps around windows, doors, and baseboards where cockroaches can crawl in.
  
• Fix leaky pipes: Cockroaches are attracted to moisture, so fixing any leaky pipes will eliminate a water source for them.
  
• Cover drains: Install drain covers and check that no water is leaking through drainpipes. Roaches love dark, damp spaces like these.

Call Pest Control (When DIY Isn’t Enough)

While DIY methods are great for short-term solutions, sometimes they’re not enough to fully eliminate a large cockroach infestation. If you’ve tried multiple approaches without success, it may be time to call in the professionals.

When to call pest control:

• If you notice a sudden increase in roach activity despite your efforts.
  
• If DIY methods aren’t working or if the infestation seems to be spreading.
  
• When you need long-term, sustainable pest control that keeps roaches away for good.

Recap: Smart Checklist to Keep Kitchen Roach-Free

To ensure your kitchen stays cockroach-free, here’s a smart checklist you can follow. By sticking to these steps, you’ll be able to effectively eliminate and prevent cockroaches from invading your kitchen—forever.

Smart Checklist to Keep Kitchen Roach-Free:

1. Seal All Entry Points:
   
   • Caulk any gaps around windows, doors, and baseboards.
     
   • Fix any leaking pipes and seal holes around plumbing.
     
2. Keep the Kitchen Clean:
   
   • Wipe down surfaces, clean counters, and sweep up crumbs daily.
     
   • Store food in airtight containers and refrigerate perishable items.
     
3. Set Up Traps:
   
   • Use DIY traps like jar traps, sticky tapes, and essential oils to catch roaches overnight.
     
4. Use Natural Repellents:
   
   • Place bay leaves, cucumber slices, or neem oil around the kitchen to deter roaches.
     
5. Hot Water and Steam Clean Regularly:
   
   • Clean cracks, crevices, and drains using hot water or steam to kill any eggs or roaches hiding inside.
     
6. Check for Early Signs of Infestation:
   
   • Look for droppings, egg casings, or visible roaches, especially at night.
     
7. Call Pest Control if Needed:
   
   • If DIY methods don’t work, contact a pest control professional for a long-term solution.

FAQs 

1. How do you permanently get rid of roaches fast?

To get rid of roaches fast, use a combination of DIY traps and natural repellents like bay leaves or cucumber slices. Ensure to clean the kitchen regularly and seal entry points to prevent further infestations.

2. What smell will keep cockroaches away?

Cockroaches dislike strong smells such as peppermint, cinnamon, and bay leaves. These natural scents can act as effective deterrents when placed around the kitchen.

3. Can you 100% get rid of cockroaches?

While it may be difficult to completely eliminate every roach in your home, consistent cleaning and preventive measures like sealing cracks and using traps can keep them at bay for good.

4. What is the best way to get rid of cockroaches in the kitchen?

The best way is to combine natural solutions like baking soda traps and neem oil with regular deep cleaning. Ensure all food is sealed and water sources are removed to discourage roaches from returning.

5. What do roaches hate most?

Roaches hate strong smells, especially from natural substances like bay leaves, citrus, and essential oils like tea tree and peppermint oil. These can help repel them effectively.

6. How can I prevent roaches from entering my kitchen?

Seal cracks, fix any leaks, and ensure all food is stored in airtight containers. Regular cleaning is crucial to remove food sources that attract roaches.

7. Do cockroaches prefer certain foods?

Yes, cockroaches are especially attracted to grease, sugary foods, and starchy substances. Keep these foods sealed and clean up crumbs immediately to avoid attracting them.

8. How can I use diatomaceous earth to kill cockroaches?

Sprinkle food-grade diatomaceous earth in areas where roaches hide. It’s a natural way to dehydrate and kill cockroaches without chemicals.

Conclusion

Now that you know how to get rid of cockroaches in the kitchen permanently, it’s time to take action! With the natural and DIY solutions we’ve covered, you’re well-equipped to handle the roach problem in your kitchen. From sealing entry points to using simple traps and natural repellents like bay leaves and cucumber slices, there are plenty of safe, effective ways to keep your kitchen roach-free.

Remember, consistency is key. Regular cleaning, eliminating food sources, and keeping moisture at bay will go a long way in preventing these pests from returning. If DIY methods aren’t enough, don’t hesitate to call in a pest control professional for more help.